Hewliusz--a post Communist disaster

 Very soon after blogging on "Lead Children" (2026) I discovered another Polish disaster series with at least one crucial difference.  This one "Heweliusz"(2025) is set after the fall of Communism.  One dismissive comment was to diminish a "commy'".  Also has a bigger budget.  see http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2026/02/lead-children-communist-enviromental.html

We are shown several flashbacks about a ferry boat, the Heweliusz capsizing with many deaths.  Each flashback gives additional information.  Most of the action is in homes and businesses and in court.  

We are made aware that the ferry boat company is determined that the blame be laid on Captain Ulasiewicz and his crew.  Slowly the flashbacks reveal the boat had been poorly maintained and towards the end we learn that it had been overloaded by government military forces.

The captain did not survive and his body was not recovered for a few weeks.  The company tried to suggest that he had been drinking, had not recovered from surgery and had made a few mistakes.  All that is untrue, but he has only a few supporters.  The company has made a number of veiled threats against witnesses.  The Captain's daughter is bullied by boys who attributed their father's death to her father.

Finally we get to a court hearing and can see although a few supporting words are spoken, the judge cuts off testimony that goes against the company.  He even seems to be able to coach witness on the stand.  The captain's wife feels her husband has been slandered.  

The film is very engaging with strong production values.  There are many contributors and these are only a few.

Jan Holoubek was the director.  He started as a cinematographer encouraged by his established acting parents.  He has 23 cinematography credits, 11 for directing and 8 for the camera and electrical department.

Kasper Bajon was the writer.  He has 8 writing credits, 4 for assistant directing and 2 for directing.

Alain-Gilles Viellevoye was a co-producer.  He has 109 credits for production finance and accounting, 46 for producing, 3 for production management and 2 for additional crew including "Coco Before Chanel" (2003), "Suite Francaise" (2014).

Jan Komar composed the music.  He has done commercials and theatre music.  He has 24 credits for composing, 6 for the music department and 1 for soundtrack.

Bartlomiej Kaczmarek was the cinematographer.  He has 16 cinematographer credits, 1 for director and 1 for writing.

Magdalena Rozczka plays the captain's wife.  In 2010 she was appointed UNICEF National Goodwill Ambassador.  She has 61 acting credits, 1 for producing and 1 for writing including "The Mothers of Penguins" (2024))  see http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/12/the-mothers-of-pengins-series-from.html

Michal Zurawski plays Piotr Binter, a close friend of the captain.  He has been active in the theatre as well as dubbing.  Michal has 95 acting credits and 1 for directing including "Lead Children" (2026).  

Konrad Eleryk played Witold, a key witness.  He has 61 acting credits.

Michalina Labacz played Witold's wife.  She has been active in the theatre.  Michalina has 19 acting credits including "Hold Tight" (2022).

Borys Szyc played Captain Ulasiewicz, mostly in flashbacks.  He has been a singer with albums and films, also been in theatre and done dubbing.  Borys owned a restaurant and wrote a cook book.  He has 117 acting credits, 6 for producing and 1 for soundtrack.

Jan Englert played Binter's father.  He has been the artistic director of the National Theatre in Warsaw. He has 124 acting credits, 1 for directing and 2 for writing.

 Piotr Roguck played a character named Marek Celej.  He has 47 acting credits, 2 for the music department and 1 for composing including "Forgotten Love" (2023) and "The Mothers of Penguins" (2024).  see http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/10/forgotten-love-polish-gem.html

Grzegorz Warchol, played one of the company executives.  He has 92 acting credits, 12 for directing and 3 for writing including "Three Colors:  White" (1994).

Jacek Koman played the character Ignacy Budzisz.   He has lived in Australia for many years.  He has 101 acting credits and 1 for soundtrack including "Moulin Rouge" (2001), "Australia" (2008), "The Great Gatsby" (2013), "Doctor Doctor" (2016) and "Conclave" (2024).

This series  "Heweliusz", about a disaster is very well done.  It is available on Netflix, dubbed and subtitled.  One of the better ones this year.

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  They are not necessarily a recommendation, but generally these are among my favorites.  If you follow the links you should be better able to determine if a particular film is worth following up.

Blink

 Looking for a time filler, an old Malcom Gladwell book I think my son left behind looked promising.  "Blink" was released in 2005.  There are many examples of making accurate judgments in the blink of an eye, but also of serious mistakes.

A timely personal illustration is suggested by the author.  Most people in a book store will pick up a book, like "Blink" hold it for 2 seconds and move on.  A lot of impressions are crowded into that 2 seconds.  And sometimes thin slicing pays off.

Thin slicing is a term used to indicate the unconscious ability to extract something useful from perceived patterns.  Using the book example a prospect might evaluate the weight of the book, its design and might recall something they heard about the author.  They could close the deal or move onto another option very quickly.  Accurate thin slicing is often more productive than overwhelming data. 

The first example came at the very beginning.  Art can be very expensive and difficult to evaluate.  The J Paul Getty Museum was approached with what was claimed to be an ancient Greek statue.  Their approach was to do research, examining it from all aspects and their conclusion was that it was a legitimate rare statue.  Two art experts given a short view, felt it wasn't quite right.  The difference was that they had a lot of experience and could zero in what didn't fit with their experience.  The other experts lacked that experience and so checked conventional research and would have authorized the purchase of a very clever fake. 

Very often we have already set filters in our mind that push us to a quick decision, not necessarily for our benefit.  Prejudice just means pre-judge and can be a useful tool, except when it is not.

A top car salesman illustrated the importance of discarding all prejudices.  Prejudging is normal for any salespeople as they can waste a lot of time on non viable prospects.  They try to size up if someone is serious about buying a car and can handle the finances.  This has meant women and minorities and poorly dressed prospects are quickly dismissed or offered higher prices to discourage their interest.  Bob Golomb, a very successful car salesman has discarded prejudices and Malcolm claims has mastered thin slicing so that he can understand the various dynamics that bring prospects to his attention.  Some prejudices boil down to appearances that have indicated inability to pay for a car (ethnicity, clothing, gender, age, marital accord etc.).  Understanding subconscious fears and desires that can be detected through thin slicing would be helpful to all parties.  

Police shootings seem all too common and many of them are the result of a misreading in a very short time.  An immigrant from Guinea, Amadou Diallo after work late at night was sitting on the steps outside the building he lived in.  Four undercover police officers drove by and became suspicious.  They thought his presence strange and he failed to answer their question.  Likely he was curious, then scared and because he spoke poor English started to run.  He reached for something in his pocket and the officers felt it must be a gun.  In a period of seconds, 41 shots were fatally fired.  What Diallo had tried to extract from his pocket was a wallet.  They had misread a lot of signals and fearing for their lives, over reacted.

The Herman Miller company developed a chair, the Aeron that effectively dealt with a problem normal for office chairs, was comfortable and productive, but consumer tests indicated that it scored very low for acceptance.  The studies all ran up against consumers with set notion that comfort comes from padding.  In fact the new design was comfortable without padding and by current sentiments was "ugly".  For many products negative marketing studies kill the product, but Herman Miller went ahead anyway.  It took awhile but it had media placements, won awards and the concept of ugly changed.  For awhile I was involved selling Herman Miller chairs which my employer thought was a high end product..

Acknowledgments are sometimes worth reading to get an insight into the author's motivations.  Malcolm tells the story of when he grew his hair long and started noticing he drew more attention from the police.  A culminating experience was being interrogated for a rape when it was demonstrated the real suspect was taller, heavier and younger.  That prompted him to wonder what triggered their attention. that lead to some research that led to "Blink".

An earlier blog of Malcolm Gladwell:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2020/01/talking-to-strangers.html

And another:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/03/the-revenge-of-tipping-point.html

An earlier blog was about split second persuasion:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2012/12/split-second-persuasion.html

A recent blog on the subconscious:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/11/using-your-subconscious-is-key-to.html

 Conclusion:  After reading a few books on the subconscious mind I believe there is a tremendous amount  of information that could be helpful or not.  Well worth examining.

Lead Children a Communist Enviromental story

 Environmental stories all seem to start with a perceived problem, an attempt to deal with it and established opposition.  Power is often hidden by ideology, but under almost any political system or people who like to exploit others and/or maintain the status quo.  A common theme is the greedy oil executives to exploit us simple folk, however it is not such capitalists that campaign against environmental concerns.

"Lead Children" (Olowiane Dzieci 2026) based on a true story, is set in Poland in the 1970's under a Communist regime or as they would say Socialist.  Nonetheless the established controllers of a local smelter dismiss a doctor's discovery of lead poisoning of the town's children.  They are expecting a visit from the Soviet leader, Brezhnev and wanted to highlight the smelter.

Dr. Jolanta soon finds that the workers in the smelter have decided her solution threatens their jobs.  The Governor, union head and Hubert Nieddzila of the secret police are all in different ways trying to discourage her.  Jolanta lives near a swimming pool which for fear of lead pollution she forbids anyone to swim in. She catches her daughter in the nude with a boyfriend and grabs her out.  She tells her daughter being with a boyfriend is ok, but not swimming in that pool.

Things tense up, but she gathers support from many of the mothers.  At one point she has a gun pointed at her.  The whole point of the film is to show how determined people can overcome resistance to achieve environmental goals.

Poland has a well developed cinema industry and here are a few contributors to this film

Maciej Pieprzyca was the director.  In 1989 he earned a degree in journalism, followed in 1990 with a degree in screen writing.  An interesting film he got involved with was "Life Feels Good" (2013) based on an effort by a fellow college mate who died.  The subject was of a boy with cerebral palsy that rendered him unable to walk or talk with the challenge of communicating.  Taking the project over, despite much criticism that it could not be profitable he turned it into a commercial success and the winner of many awards including 3 at the Montreal Film Festival.  Maciej has 16 directing credits, 36 for additional crew and 9 for writing.

Jakub Korolczuk was the writer.   He helped write a script with Liam Neeson, "After Life" (2009).  He has 6 writing credits.

Witold Plociennik was the cinematographer.  He has 35 cinematography credits and 8 for the camera and electrical department.

Joanna Kulig played Dr. Jolanta.  She has 54 acting credits, 2 for the music department and 7 for soundtrack including "Ida" (2013) and "Hansel & Gretel:  Witch Hunters" (2013.)

Agata Kulesza played a professor who agreed with Dr. Jolanta's findings, but opposed her on practical grounds.  She acted in the theatre and has done voice over for animated films.  Agata has 105 acting credits including "Ida" playing the lead role and winning several international awards and "Green Border" (2023).

Sebastian Pawlak played Jolanta's husband, himself also a doctor.  He has 65 acting credits including "The White Ribbon" (2009). 

Michal Zurawski played an secret agent trying to wear Jolanta down.  He also had theatre experience.  Michal has 95 acting credits and 1 for directing.

Zbigniew Zamachowski played a Governor.  He has theatre experience, plus has done tv. commercials.  Zbigniew has 49 acting credits including "Three Colors:  Blue" (1993), "Three Colors:  White" (1994) and "Three Colors:  Red" (1994), all 3 in the French language, but with a Polish director and writer. 

Julia Polaczek played the daughter.  She has 4 acting credits.  

 It is worth seeing to inspire further efforts to improve our environment.  Also to realize that the power structure is more important than the ideology.  Polish cinema has not only made many outstanding features, but also has sent many of its actors and technicians around the globe.  Available on Neflix ,subtitled or dubbed.

I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.

Dhurandhar A Violent Movie with some recent history.

Dhurandhar got my attention as the 2025 highest grossing film for India (since surpassed).  It is a mammoth production with immense production efforts.  Before going any further it must be acknowledged that it is very violent.  It uses historical events, but has wrapped them in fiction. 

It starts with the end of the Kandahar kidnapping in 1999.  The Indian government agreed to free some terrorists and paid a large amount of money.  They felt humiliated, but two discussing officials  said they had no choice and rejected an idea for revenge as the moment was not right.

However, after the 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament the same two officials decided to go ahead with an undercover revenge strategy.  We meet Hamza Ali Mazari who looks pretty scruffy and makes his way to Karachi through Afghanistan.  At first he just observes. 

Soon he learns of an impending gang assassination and positions himself  to save the son of gangster Rehman Dakeit who offers him a job with his gang.  They are affiliated with a politician, Jameel Jamli.  Hamza makes an impression with the Jameel's daughter, Yalina who is not turned off when he admits to being a gangster who has done a lot of despicable things.  She is not even discouraged when he revealed he was against her father, Jameel

Hamza is developing trust and his advice is accepted.  He is able to pass on information about an upcoming attack in Mumbai.  He suggests that Jameel should align with him and with his marriage to Yalina  Hamza has solidified his role.  All this has been accompanied by incredible violence and gore.  This film originally was going to be released with more material, but a decision was made to split into two parts and you will have to wait until March to find out more.  

To create the impression this film has, takes a lot of talent.  Here are some of the contributors.    

Aditya Dhar was director, writer and producer.  He is married to one of my favorite actresses, Yami Gautam who must have put up with a lot, while he was working on this film and she has been given an official THANKS in the closing credits.  He has 10 writing credits  2 for directing and 5 for producing, including "Aakrosh" (2010), "Tezz" (2012), "Uri:  The Surgical Strike" (2018), "Article 370" (2024) and "Dhoom Dhaam" (2025).  

Jyoti Despande was another producer.  She has often been put on lists for Today's Most Powerful Woman in Business.  She is the CEO at Viacom 18.  She has 53 credits as producer, including "OMG 2" (2023), "Dunki" (2023), "Article 370" (2024) and "Lapataa Ladies (2024).  See   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/04/laapataa-ladies.html

Shashwat Sachdev composed the music.  Although born in India he started his film career in Hollywood before returning to India.  He has 18 composing credits, 8 for the music department and 1 for directing, including "Phillauri" (2017), Uri:  The Surgical Strike" (2018) and "Article 370" (2023).  

Vikash Nowlakha was the cinematographer.  He spent his youth in India, Thailand and Australia.  He received a degree in Eastern Philosophy from the University of Tasmania.  He has 17 cinematography credits, 9 for the camera and electrical department and 3 for directing, including "Black" (2005), "Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year" (2009), "The White Tiger" (2021) and "Lapataa Ladies" (2024).   See  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/01/the-white-tiger.html

Shivkumar V. Panicker was the editor and a dialogue writer.  He has 19 editor credits and 3 for the editorial department, including "Kapoor & Sons" (2016),  "Budhia Singh:  Born to Run" (2016)"Uri:  The Surgical Strike" (2018), "Article 370" (2024) and "Dhoom Dhaam" (2025). 

Ranveer Singh played Hamza Ali Mazari, definitely not one of his comic roles.  He got a B.A. from Indiana University in America.  Ranveer worked as a copywriter for ad agencies.  He has 31 acting credits, 2 for the music department and 1 for producing including "Band Baaja Baaraat" (2010), "Ladies vs. Ricky Bahl" (2011), "Dil Dhadakne Do" (2015), "Bajirao Mastani" (2015) and "Gully Boy" (2019).  

 Akshaye Khanna played the gangster Rehman Dakeit.  He has 46 acting credits, including "Taal" (1999), "Dil Chahta Hai" (2001), "Gandhi, My Father" (2007), "Ittefaq" (2007), "Race" (2008), "Mom" (2017), "Drishyam 2" (2022) and "Chhavva" (2025).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2011/07/dil-chatha-hai-bollywood-classic.html      See also http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/02/drishyam-2-signifies-new-global-movie.html

 Sanjay Dutt played another gangster boss.  In reality he has spent time in jail and been called a terrorist but cleared in 2016.  He has had his own biopic done with the film "Sanju" (2018) in which he appeared in a cameo where he did a dance routine with Ranbir Kapoor who portrayed him in the film.  Sanjay has played many tough guys, but also comic roles .  He has 179 acting credits, 16 for the music department and 4 for producing, including "Munna Bhai M.B.B.S Bhai " (2003), "Parineeti" (2005),  "Lago Raho Munna Bhai" (2006), "Agneepath" (2012), "PK" (2014), "Tobaaz" (2020) and "Toolsidas Junior" (2022).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2015/03/pk.html

"Arjun Rampal" played Major Iqbal.  He was a model.  Arjun has 65 acting credits including "Don" (2006), "Aamir" (2008), "We Are Family" (2010), "Rock On" (2011), "Inkaar" (2013), "D-Day" (2013) and "Kahanni 2" (2016).

Madhavan plays Ajay Sanyal, an IB officer.  At age 18 his college entrusted him as cultural ambassador to Canada representing India.  He had won national public speaking awards and is fluent in English, Hindi and Tamil.  He has appeared in such other films as "Rang de Basanti" (2006), "Guru" (2007) and "3 Idiots" (2009) which were all exceptional movies.   Another film was the American, "The Reluctant Fundamentalist" (2012).  In "Test" (2025)he played a cricket gambler.  My first awareness of him was with "Kannathil Mutthamthal" (A Peck on the Cheek) (2002), but I assumed it was a Bollywood film and much later learned it was a Tamil film, opening another door for me. See  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/11/dhokha.html                       

Sara Arjun played Yalina.  She was involved in tv. commercials as young as 1 1/2 and became a child actress in Hindu, Tamil, Telegu and Malaylam films. Sara has 27 acting credits including "Sillu Karuppatti" (2019), "Ajeeb Daastaans" (2021), "Ponniyn Selvan:  Part 1" (2022), "Toolsidas Junior" (2022) and "Ponniyin Selvan Part 2" (2023).

Rakesh Bedi played Jameel Jamli.  He hosted a science program on tv.  He has 337 acting credits including "Yes Boss" (1997) and "Uri:  The Surgical Strike" (2018).

This is truly a violent movie with some historical interest and over 3 hours long.  If you can accept that, I recommend it.  Available on Netflix, subtitled and  dubbed.  

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  They are not necessarily a recommendation, but generally these are among my favorites.  If you follow the links you should be better able to determine if a particular film is worth following up.

Doctor John Highlights Pain

Medical shows are popular.  Some like watching the guts, some like the life and death decisions and some are roped in by the romantic links.  "Doctor John" (2019) presents a lot of complexities of pain and the end of life and oh yes, links.

This series starts in a prison.  We are soon introduced to one prisoner Cha Yo-han who somehow, with scant information is able to diagnose difficult medical situations.  We learn he had been convicted of performing euthanasia on a murderer who had killed two young daughters of a prominent person.

We are also introduced to a romantic interest, Kang Shi-young.  She was brought to the prison by her uncle who was in charge, to use her as a temporary medical person.  When she is interrupted by the diagnoser she asks if he is a doctor and he replies "no".  They have a short interaction in which he demonstrates an amazing ability to diagnose.

A year or so passes and he has been released from prison and is able to be employed at a hospital where Shi-young works, that is managed by her relatives.  We learn that her father is in a coma and she is blamed for involvement with the accident that caused the injury.  Over time we learn that Yo-han is immune to pain which might sound like a good thing, but the problem is he can suffer injury or disease and not know it.  Over time it is revealed he takes detailed precautions.

There is a nurse in the hospital Chae Eun-jeong who vehemently opposes Yo-han for the killing of the children murderer and she aligns with a legal prosecutor, Son Seok-ki.  Throughout the series they are looking for a chance to prosecute Yo-han and take away his medical license.

Some authorities want Doctor John to be dismissed when they learn he does not experience pain, rationalizing he can't understand patients.  He says that pain is a communication, telling where your body has a problem. 

The series is a forum on euthanasia and other end of life issues.  Aside from the initial situation when Doctor John euthanized a murderer there are some other cases that force a viewer to see another perspective.

In one case a mixed martial arts fighter is on the verge of death and had issued a no resuscitation notification, however Doctor John had diagnosed an underlying medical issue and was able to revive him.  There was concern that he defied the notification and at first, the fighter was upset.

1n another dilemma, a former female movie star had a cancer on her nose that forced one eye to move in a grotesque manner.  She had wanted to contact Swiss authorities that could arrange assisted suicide.  Everyone recognized there was no cure and intense pain.  She was encouraged to see her son who she said earlier she did not want him to remember her in this horrifying manner.   After being persuaded, at the meeting time her son said he was too scared.  This prompted her move to the top of a building and after begging for a better way to die, she jumped.  She was rescued and with difficulty intubated, but someone turned off the ventilator.  That action was charcterized as attempted murder.  This case has a relatively "happy" ending as her son did accept her and express his love.  

Assisted dying is difficult in South Korea.  Some have applied to go to Switzerland to end their suffering, but apparently the government can prosecute anyone who accompanies them.  There may be exceptions, but they are very resdtricted and rare.  The movie advocates a humane way of dealing with unending suffering.

Most movies strive to be realistic to sell their story.  Here are some of those who brought the idea of this series to life.

Young Hwan-Kim was the director with 6 directing credits.

Ji Woon Kim was the writer.  He has 4 writing credits including "Melancholia" (2021) and "When the Phone Rings" (2024).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/01/when-phone-rings.html

Moon Seong-nam was involved with the music.  He has 24 composing credits.

Ji Sung played Cha Yo-han.  He has 31 acting credits.

Lee Se-yeong played Kang Shi-young.  She has 34 acting credits and 1for soundtrack.

Kim Hye-eun played Min Tae-kyeon, a senior doctor and mother to Shi-young.  She was a television weather forecaster for several years before getting into films.  She has 35 acting credits including "Itaewon Class" (2019) and "Twenty-five Twenty-one" (2021).  

Shin Dung-mi played Chae Eun-jeong who had had a daughter murdered by the man that Yo-Jon had euthanized.  She has 43 acting credits including "A Hard Day" (2014) and "Welcome to Samdal-ri" (2023).  See  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/06/welcome-to-sandal-ri.html  

Lee Kyoo-hyung played Son Seok-ki, the lawyer wanting to prosecute Yo-hon.  He was involved in theater, especially musical.  He has 31 acting credits.

For some, this may be a difficult movie to stomach, but for many others it is mind opening about things we would rather not think about.  In some ways it is hopeful.  You can catch it on Netflix subtitled.  I recommend it. 

What's after Donald Trump?

 It is a little presumptuous to predict the future, especially in such volatile times.  However, one way or another, sooner or later, Trump will be gone.  Will Americans have learned a lesson?  How about Republicans?

Polling has been trending downward and Trump is concerned about his MAGA base.  Talking about altering elections, perhaps claiming a national emergency.   In the months in between conservative forces will try to control who can vote.  The Texas gerrymandering may backfire as it has been pointed out many Texas Republican districts have been weakened.  Some of their efforts might create heavy protests and even the Supreme Court might rebel against anti democratic efforts.  Never admit mistakes has been a major part of Trump's strategy.

From February of 2026 it seems unlikely he can be ousted, but almost every Republican up for re-election will have some difficult decisions:  retire, seek other employment, change their policy votes and public statements or maybe just hang in there to grab what power might be available?  Might there be a scramble to take advantage of new opportunities?  There will always be opportunities for ambitious people, especially if they have low morals.  See  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/07/trump-as-tool.html

At the moment it would take only a few Republicans to stymie some of Trump's wishes, but they fear repercussions.  International leaders are trying to align themselves to soften the blows and perhaps force a few retreats.  If Republican legislators wait too long for decisive action they further increase the risk of losing and further tainting their reputation.  It does seem likely the House of Representatives will cut Trump's power significantly should the Democrats win as seems likely.

Depending on how the Senate midterms turn out, impeachment may be realistic or some other legal remedy.  What will the remaining Republican legislators do?  What about all the Trump appointees?  He has appointed countless people based on loyalty, to positions that affect everyone.  His influence will linger until after he is removed from office. 

Notwithstanding unforeseen events it seems likely the Democrats will take over in 2028.  They have their own agenda, but part will be to undo much of the Trump agenda.

How will Democrats approach the future?  In 2024 I thought Kamala Harris was the best candidate, period.  She didn't win, and many Democrats will rule her out because of race and gender.  (see http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/09/the-choice.html  Gavin Newsom, another prospect from California is handsome and articulate.   Pete Buttigieg with his intelligence and demeanor would be ideal, but unlikely to get a real chance.  Part of the harm done by Trump has been his selection of advisors (or really executors) based on loyalty.  Democrats have a history of choosing on merit and diversity of opinion and have a lot of possible suitable advisors.

A couple of issues to deal with.

War:  There are a number of sore spots such as Ukraine, Venezuela, Cuba, Greenland, Europe, Iran, Palestine, China, India and of course Canada.  Americans will realize they are stronger when they get along with the rest of the world.  Putin is proving to be a masterful manipulator.

Immigration:  Yes, bad people have crossed the border and will continue to struggle to boost their standard of living.  On the other hand America actually needs immigrants and as their population ages the need will become more desperate.  Increasingly older adults and working mothers will need helpers in a variety of tasks.  Innovation is spurred by diversity and will be needed in a competitive world.  Many prospects will have been discouraged and distrustful.  They may seek alternatives--Canada would be a logical choice.

Environment:  Climate change is creeping up and becoming increasingly difficult to reverse.  There will still be lots of resistance, but the government will need to be more active in correcting misinformation coming from ignorance and vested interests.  The true power of United States comes from setting a good example.

Healthcare:  More people recognize the importance of healthcare for the nation.  It is not only that financing cures are more expensive than preventing illness, and good health is good for the economy.

Tariffs:  It has been proven that tariffs do not encourage international co-operation.  Basically they raise domestic prices and narrow choices.  That some are raised because Trump has a difference of opinion with foreign leaders is despicable.

Taxes have always been an election tool, but eventually the bills have to be paid or there will be even more serious consequences.  The wealthy thrive in a growing economy and are in position to exploit opportunities, but they will have to share the burden of running the government.  Progressive taxation needs to tilt more against the already wealthy.  A good economy for all is a good economy for the rich.

Crime is another emotional issue.  Yes, there will always be a need for enforcing laws and hopefully including fraud of various kinds.  Obama once said that inequality is a cause of crime.  Dealing with it requires skills, training and money.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (D.E.I.) has been attacked as discrimination.  The real need is for equality of opportunity.  Education is a key with a special effort to identify and develop talents.  When a minority gets their foot in the door they are able to widen the opening.  

Of course there are many, many details.  One major change that could expedite everything else would be electoral reform.  This is a very complex issue, but a good start would be to legislate against gerrymandering.  America has a first past the post system that discourages many from voting, realizing (or assuming) their vote won't make any difference.  Most voters try to analyze complex packages of policies.  A proportional system has proved to increase voter turnout, longevity, income equality, environmental improvements and according to some scientific surveys, happiness.  Those who got elected under the present electoral system will resist changes.

I am sure someone has set up betting odds for various possibilities.  Voters need to focus on what is best for them, but also what is best for the nation and the world, because in the long run that is what is best for everyone.

Louis Riel and the Metis force in Canada

When describing Canada, one group that is often overlooked, is the Metis but they formed an historical foundation for the country.  When North America was initially commercially exploited it was by fur traders originating primarily from France, England and Scotland.  Inevitably the Europeans were aided by indigenous people.  European women were not encouraged to enter the wilderness so before long the European men formed relations with indigenous women and half breeds resulted, later termed Metis.  They were logical middle men between the Europeans and the various indigenous tribes.  The women were a critical part of the transactions.

Some baggage I carry.  Reading about the Metis and Louis Riel it is obvious there was a lot of strife and racism.  Doing the family tree I realized on both of my grandparents there were members of the Orange Lodge, who weren't necessarily violent, but definitely anti-Catholic.

 I was aware that my one grandmother had a nephew visit her fairly often even when we moved from Oshawa to Haliburton.  He was the son of a brother who had lived in Manitoba.  At one time my grandmother had gotten tired of her boyfriend not willing to get married so she went out to visit her two brothers.  The strategy seemed to work as she came back and got married.  My father, an only child was born when she was 44 and must have seemed a miracle.  Reading the history of Manitoba I realize the two brothers had to have moved there likely in the late 1800's or early 1900's, probably supplanting Metis and natives.  The nephew, Bruce Clark was a little older than my father and during the Depression was sent to work with my grandfather-Bruce had a son, Ted my second cousin, and I socialized a bit with him.   He was a grade or two above me at the same high school and was a social leader,-a likeable guy for sure.  I learned that the Davidsons and Clarks shared gravesites in Oshawa.

John A MacDonald, the man credited with Canadian Confederation carried a lot of baggage, similar to many living at that time.  Born in Scotland he wanted to stop America trying to take over British North America.  After Confederation he became conscious that American settlers were expanding to what was then northwestern Canada.  To stop this he sent settlers and military to the same area.  The Metis and indigenous were already there and feeling forced from their life style.  MacDonald felt the British was the model and others needed to be blended in.  He encouraged the residential schools to turn indigenous children to English children.  He needed Chinese to build the CPR, but imposed a Chinese head tax.  Without his efforts it is possible that Americans would gradually have gained control.

Louis Riel was born in 1844 in the Red River Colony, near present day Winnipeg, Manitoba.  At age 14 he had been identified as not only above average intelligence, but also faithful and was sent to Montreal to train for the priesthood..  He left after his father's death and traveled in America.  He had been rejected by the father of a woman he had formed a relationship with which affected him deeply..

By 1868 troubles were stirring in Red River and Riel's mother asked him to return.  After Confederation, surveyors moved in and the Metis found Ottawa was not recognizing their property rights.  The Government surveyers put lots in a square format whereas the Metis  used a seigneurial system that had long lots that ended by  a river.  John A. MacDonald appointed the anti-French William McDougall as Lieutenant-Governor for the North West Territory. 

Riel was a passionate and eloquent speaker.  He was recognized as a leader and chosen to represent Metis interests.  Important to note, that he was supported by the priests in the Red River area.  Riel's group representing a provisional government blocked McDougall and forced him into exile.  In 1870 he led a group of Metis supporters including some English settlers to take over Fort Garry and imprison those opposed.  Orange Lodge members were prominent and  vociferous.  Thomas Scott and Charles Boulton were two of the many that escaped and were re-captured.   Boulton was condemned to be executed, but upon an appeal was pardoned by Riel.

Thomas Scott decides to issue some very harsh criticism and although nothing he did was a capital offense he was  condemned to execution and this time Riel was not willing to pardon.  To me this seems the result of insensitivity to insults and threats and would haunt future efforts.  There was a real threat to stop the Metis movement.

Proving sometimes violence does pay off, less than two months later after direct talks between John A. MacDonald and Metis negotiators, Manitoba is made a province and admitted into Confederation.  No guarantee of amnesty for Riel or his supporters.  An army expedition to the Northwest to quell American expansionism also quells the Metis.  Riel flees and is soon officially exiled.  Riel while in exile is elected to Parliament three times, but is unable to take his seat in Parliament.   

While Riel was in the States the strife moved to what became Saskatchewan and Gabriel Dumont invited him to boost resistance.  MacDonald, back in power after a major scandal was determined to complete the railroad and the Metis appeared an obstacle.  This time the priests were against Riel.  There were a number of battles and the Metis were subdued and Riel captured.

There were many who wanted to see Riel executed, including MacDonald.  Two defenses were pointing out Riel was by now an American citizen, so couldn't be treasonous or that he was insane.  He felt he was a Canadian so would not use the citizenship excuse.  There were many legitimate instances that supported the insanity claims such as acknowledged religious hallucinations.  Although aware that if determined guilty he would be executed, he conceded he might be considered insane he also rejected this excuse.  The judge and jury were stacked and although France, United States and England urged mercy and Quebec had many supporters Riel was hung.

What is his legacy?  Today there are over 300,000 Metis enrolled across Canada plus others who self identify. Manitoba had its first Metis Premier, John Norquay back in 1874 and presently have Wab Kinew as their first Ojibway premier.  The French Metis have maintained much of their unique culture, but the English and Scottish Metis have been blended more.  They certainly were critical for how Canada has developed and the rest of us need to remember that.

I am not comfortable with how Riel and the Metis were presented to me in elementary and primary grades.  There has likely been some improvements and more Canadians better understand  how the Metis have contributed to our culture and national strength.

To close, I would quote the author Joseph Boyden (himself a Metis):  "Progress in all its forms should serve us and not it."