Category Archives: Uncategorized

Sweden Decides: Why A “Good Immigrant” thinks the Sweden Democrats’ Approach is Flawed

Uncategorized

First and foremost, hang tight…I’ll explain the "Good Immigrant" comment in a moment.

In the aftermath of the Swedish election, the Sweden Democrats (SD) party gained entrance into the Parliament. The reaction in Sweden to this has been interesting (mostly against the SD party) and emotional. They have been called racists, nazis, extremists, and other colorful names. Indeed, I myself peg them to the extreme right of almost any political structure on the planet.

But rather than simply call them names, I wanted to also provide some insight as to why I think their policies and approach is fundamental flawed in a global society.

Now back to my "Good Immigrant" comment. I first heard this phrase around 8 years ago. I was at a party and describing my background, job, and other details — the normal introductory commentary. What struck me at the end of our conversation was that the woman say "you are one of the ‘good immigrants’." On another past occasion, I was standing outside of a nightclub with some friends. A group of Africans in front of us got into quite a debate with the guards who ultimately refused them entry. As we were next in line, after some comments in Swedish (I was not fluent at the time), the guard looks at me and says "Oh you’re American…it’s okay" and then allows us to go in.

We’ll link back to this in a bit.

My first introduction to the SD party was receiving my voting cards for them with an accompanying brochure entitled "Give Us Sweden Back!" outlining their platform. The platform was interesting because the all of the statements pointed back to immigrants and immigration being the problem. From crime, to national identity, to lower benefits — every problem in society could be attributed to Sweden. When one further checked their website, it was also clear to see that the party was against family equality for LGBT couples. Searching further, I then found the following banned commercial:

http://wn.com/sweden_democrats%27_banned_election_commercial_2010

So the message is clear: immigration — particularly from Muslim and African countries — needs to be curbed in order to preserve the national identity and resolve the problems of Sweden. So one can extrapolate that these immigrants are "Bad Immigrants" to be moved.

So the SD party is misguided for a few reason:
1) Immigrants as people are not the issue. The key issue here is immigration policies. That the SD party wants to push the discussion on integration policies is quite fine — and probably long overdue. But the inference the party gives is that Sweden’s problems will be reduced by closing the doors to additional immigrants and then paying existing immigrants to leave. At best this is misguided and nationalistic, at it’s worst it is xenophobic.

2) It is a dangerous and slippery slope to start making distinctions between "good" immigrants and "bad" immigrants. For example…if Western European immigrants are "Good" (and via EU law there is little SD could do about it) and  "Western World" immigrants are "Good", then it means that all others are regarded as "Bad" (Middle Eastern, African, Eastern Eruopean). Regardless of what group you get put in, the classification is wrong because "Good" and "Bad" are arbitrary. Today’s good immigrants can easily end up being tomorrow’s bad immigrants.

3) LGBT couple should enjoy the same family equality as straight couples, including the right to adopt children. There are no independent definitive studies that show that children grow up any less healthy or happy with same-sex parents than they do with opposite-sex parents.

So anyway, with the election behind us, we clearly have to work to do that address some of the root causes that resulted in SD getting 6% of the vote. The Alliance and the Red-Green blocks might not agree on much, but I hope that they can unite around the fact that the SD party does not need to own the immigration agenda. It is possible to take it back from them and transform the discussion into something more humane and dignified with positive lasting policy results. It requires only the political will to focus on what bring them together instead of what divides them.

Sweden Decides – Election 2010

Uncategorized

So because of the international nature of my LiveJournal, I post this in English:

Today is the day that Sweden votes. Because in Sweden no one party enjoys a majority, they have formed alliances in order to successfully govern. The choices are fundamentally between a Center-Right alliance call Alliansen (The Alliance) and a Center-Left alliance call Röd-Grön (Red-Green).

Normally the US Democrat in me would be really tempted to vote for the Red-Greens. Were I living in the US right now, they clearly would have the policies needed to continue the direction needed for long-term societal development, business growth, etc. However, in Sweden, one gets the sense that the policies are dated — that Sweden has progressed socially to a level where the policies that the Red-Green alliance want to pursue would be detrimental to future growth because nations operate best when they take the best of both ideas.

So for that reason, I voted for The Alliance, let by Moderaterna.

Moderaterna’s policies strike the right balance to fit a 21-st century world where global integration, social responsibility, taxation, and efficient government are aligned to keep Sweden moving forward. No political party is ever perfect, and in alliances it is often the art of compromise that secures progress. But Sweden has had decades of Social Democrat party rule. The result of the chance that Sweden took to shift focus 4 years ago are encouraging, and it makes sense to renew that chance for another 4 years.

I am predicting that The Alliance will win — and I hope that they do. But you never know how these things turn out, so we’ll see.

No matter who one votes for and no matter which alliance wins the election, everyone should be reminded that tonight that the clearest winner of all will be democracy in Sweden!

Ah Paris!

Uncategorized

Well last week I got to “escape” (the weather was actually beautiful in Stockholm has week for a change) Stockholm and went to Paris with work to attend a conference and I have to say that I fell in love with Paris all over again.

And why not?!? After all, it’s Paris!

My only regret is that I didn’t spend enough time there to get even further acquainted with the city. There are so many things to love about Paris I don’t even know where to begin. And as with any city I leave on the last day, I left with a determination that I would visit one day again, sooner rather than later 😀

March Update – A Bit Late

Uncategorized

So it is hard to believe that 25% of the year is over…the time is going by so fast!

So February was a definitely a crazy month, but thankfully March got a lot better. For some reason there was much more to do in March, but I was able to organise it and structure it in a good way so that I wasn’t spending late nights at the office or driving myself crazy.

In terms of my family, the communication has tapered off a bit, but still going and that is a good thing. One of my sisters was admitted to the hospital (I thought I would have to make an emergency trip back to the US), but she is okay and on the mend so that is a good thing and I feel blessed that nothing happened to her. As I get older, I start to understand the value of family in a way that I was unable to measure it before. It took going back to the US last year to realise how lucky I am to have a strong and loving family backbone. An intangible and immeasurable safety net of support underneath me.

I made a visit to Berlin in March and that was a fantastic time, even if I didn’t get to do everything I wanted to do. It was still nice to get out of Stockholm for a weekend. I didn’t take any pictures as I didn’t do any siteseeing, just shopping for things like clothes that are 25% or more cheaper in Germany than in Stockholm.

I also managed to keep my commitment to going to the gym a minimum of 3 times a week (I went 5 times a week for every week but one due to travel). So I feel really good about that. I made a goal for myself of losing 1kg (2,2 lbs) a week for the first 13 weeks of this year. I have 3 days until this week is over and it seems like I will make 12kg. I could do the other 1kg, but it would just be based off of tricks like dehydration, starvation, and not safe real loss. So based off of these results, I am going set another aggressive goal for the next 13 weeks and keep motivated, especially as now I can see that the influx of New Year Resolution People at the gym has tapered off and now the machines have more availability and the classes are not as full.

As we head into April, I wish everyone a fantastic month and rest of the year ahead. And if any of you have suggestions on where I should spent my summer holidays, feel free to share!

Hugs, Rodney

2009: The Year In Review

Uncategorized

Every year around this time, I write a letter to myself describing the year and what I have learned and what I want to do in the new year including my resolutions. And since I think that this a healthy tradition, I wanted to continue it this year. Apologies in advance for the length, but as with everything I post, if it is not of interest, I am not offended if you skip over it.

In a general sense, 2009 feels better than 2008, even if there were a few personal setbacks and missed opportunities. The only way I can make any sense of 2009 is if I look it at in a non-linear way (e.g. not from January to December) because I didn’t experience it that way. So I will describe it in terms of lessons learned and feelings.

  • I learned that in a relationship, being in love isn’t always enough. It takes lots of communication, a willingness on both sides to work to make each day better than the one before it, and being mentally healthy enough to love yourself before you can love someone else.
  • I learned the enduring power, strength, and love of family. And that it is the silly disagreements – not the bond of family – that fade with time.
  • I learned that I don’t forgive as easily as I should, but that my loyalty once earned, is fierce and enduring.
  • I learned that my friends are always in the background looking out for me and watching over me. It’s hard not to feel incredibly fortunate and blessed with so many guardian angels around me.
  • I learned that money isn’t everything. It may make the experience more pleasant, but the best experiences I have in 2009 cost me nothing and rewarded me greatly.

So as I head into 2010, I usually would list the 5 things I resolve to do this year. However, this year feels like it must be different. As if I can’t list only the 5 things to focus on and then lose focus on the other things. So this year, I have only one resolution:

I resolve to be the best person I can be through more attention to my family, loved ones, and friends; by having the wisdom to make informed judgements; the humility to ask for help; the compassion to help those that need it; the drive to achieve my dreams; and comfort in the fact that while I don’t have everything I want, I have everything I need.

I hope for all of you a great year ahead…we’ll chat again on this in 12 months 🙂

EVERYONE can do something to HELP HAITI

Uncategorized

It’s simple. If you are reading this, you can do something to help the people of Haiti. Yes you. Even if you are not from Haiti (I’m not either). None of us as individuals have the capability to do everything, but each one of us has the ability to do something. And a few hundred million somethings add up to a lot.

I know we are in a global economic crisis. And I certainly understand in real terms that times are tight for all of us. But we all have the capacity to contribute a little in some way.

For example:
* If you were planning on eating out this weekend, why not resolve to order something less expensive on the menu or skip a course, and donate the difference
* If you were planning on going out and partying this weekend, why not consider that every 1 or 2 drinks you order, you done the equivalent cost of one drink is donated
* If you own a business like a restaurant, consider some type of promotion of certain dishes where a portion of the money from those dishes gets donated
* If you own a bar or club and have fees to check in jackets, consider donating some of that money to Haiti
* If you play any of Zynga’s games, make a donation with them.
* If you know of any places accepting non-monetary donations, it opens up even further possibilities
* And any other things you can think of

And of course, organisations like www.redcross.se , www.redcross.org , and www.doctorswithoutborders.com accept donations directly.

You might do any of these combinations above and come up with $10 or $25. But the math is simple. 10 reading this gets their friends to do something who gets their friends to do something and the impact gets bigger. Whatever short wants we have probably don’t compare to the immediate needs they have there.

So do what you can. I am sure that anything you can do will be much appreciated by those in need…
Continue reading EVERYONE can do something to HELP HAITI →

Favourite Poem

Uncategorized

Growing up this was one of my favourite poems…so it was a nice treat to find it online 🙂

NEW FRIENDS AND OLD FRIENDS
Author: JOSEPH PARRY
MAKE NEW FRIENDS, BUT KEEP THE OLD;
THOSE ARE SILVER, THESE ARE GOLD.
NEW-MADE FRIENDSHIPS, LIKE NEW WINE,
AGE WILL MELLOW AND REFINE.
FRIENDSHIPS THAT HAVE STOOD THE TEST
TIME AND CHANGE ARE SURELY BEST;
BROW MAY WRINKLE, HAIR GROW GRAY,
FRIENDSHIP NEVER KNOWS DECAY.
FOR ‘MID OLD FRIENDS TRIED AND TRUE,
ONCE MORE WE OUR YOUTH RENEW.
BUT OLD FRIENDS, ALAS MAY DIE,
NEW FRIENDS MUST THEIR PLACE SUPPLY.
CHERISH FRIENDSHIP IN YOUR BREAST
NEW IS GOOD, BUT OLD IS BEST;
MAKE NEW FRIENDS, BUT KEEP THE OLD;
THOSE ARE SILVER, THESE ARE GOLD.

Thanksgiving Progress Report – Last Update

Uncategorized

Well now it is all said and done….Thanksgiving dinner went amazingly well. Grade A-.

Everyone who came to last Thanksgiving agreed that this one was even better.

The minuses come because I didn’t have enough time to make the salad (but at least no one wanted salad because of all of the other food), the parsnips had a very strong flavour (because of the way I stored them prior to roasting), and I ran out of sparkling water.

The plusses were definitely the turkey (the best brining recipe yet!), the roasted sweet potatoes with honey butter, the 4-cheese baked mac & cheese, and the pecan pies.

It was also nice to include people into the group who never had a traditional Thanksgiving dinner before 😀

So I already have to think now about how to make next year even better! 😀