Random Thoughts

on Chrysler
My hometown is/was considered the Automotive Capital of Canada. Sure, it was easier to claim that title in the 60s and 70s, when Chrysler's world headquarters was located here, and each of the "Big-3" had massive numbers of plants in the area. Our economy is still very much dependent on the auto industry, though there is some diversification into feeder industries (tool and die, as well as chemical). Perhaps we will reclaim that moniker with the completion of Chrysler Canada's new headquarters.


on BASF
One of the secondary businesses located here is BASF. They own a large paint manufacturing plant here. After reading about the "accident" at a BASF plant in Texas, it leaves me wondering whether security will be heightened here.


on terrorism
Now, there's talk of an al-Qaida affiliated terrorist cell discovered in upstate New York. The discovery of this cell was linked to the recent upgrade in the nation's terrorist alert status. I'm wondering whether this has anything to do with information being supplied by John Lindh as part of his plea agreement.


on friendly-fire accidents
Now they're talking about trying the pilots who bombed a contingent of Canadians who were training in Afghanistan. Four soldiers died. This accident was a classic case of screwed up planning, but clearly, had the pilots known those tiny dots of light were being fired by friendly forces, they would not have attacked. In typical Canadian form, the family members of the dead have indicated they do NOT wish to see the American pilots prosecuted. They simply want administrative procedures improved to avoid future accidents.


on the West Nile virus in Canada
The West Nile Virus made it to Canada last year. Ours was the first community affected. Now, it makes sense that, a year later, ours is one of the worst-hit.