They knew and they lied. It's fact

So that's it then: They knew and they lied. To Parliament. To all of us. There is no moving on from a lie this big.

Taken from the Toronto Star:

"If Auditor General Michael Ferguson's word is to be believed — and there is no reason to think that it isn't — then the federal cabinet and by extension the prime minister, and not just the anonymous gnomes in the Department of National Defence, are directly on the hook for the F-35 boondoggle, in the most egregious sense."

Fact: They knew before the last federal election that the jets would cost billions more than had been stated by DND — at least $10-billion more, around $25.1-billion. They allowed the department to publicly table an estimate of $14.7-billion.AG: "I can't speak to individuals who knew it, but it was information that was prepared by National Defence,"... "It's certainly my understanding that that would have been information that, yes, the government would have had."

He continued: "That $25-billion number was something I think that at that time was known to government." And, critically: "It would have been primarily members of the executive, yes."So, this is no longer a matter of "it happened on their watch." It's a matter of whether there was outright deception, deliberate and premeditated, during an election campaign, on an issue of great national import, by the prime minister and members of the cabinet.

Again, if the AG is to be believed — one has to qualify, so explosive are his remarks — then the Harper government's credibility is in tatters, as is the prime minister's personal credibility. With more than three years to run in their mandate, the Tories have driven the bus into a concrete wall of their own making.Ferguson's remarks do not occur in a vacuum: to anyone familiar with the inner workings of DND, they will ring true. DND Deputy Minister Robert Fonberg and assistant deputy minister (materiel) Dan Ross typically handled matters related to the F-35 procurement. It was standard practice for all information on major procurements, including costing, to be passed on to the inner cabinet. It is highly unlikely, on its face, that anything as important as these numbers would have been withheld from the PMO.

But that's not the half of it. Consider the letter of Ferguson's audit, in the section on life-cycle costs. The initial estimate of $75-million (U.S.) per plane did not include the cost of drag chutes for landing on short runways, or modifications to the refuelling system that DND knew would be necessary. But more important, the estimates of life-cycle costs — including the higher and real number of $25.1 billion, which DND and apparently the cabinet withheld — were for 20 years only."

This practice understates operating, personnel, and sustainment costs, as well as some capital costs, because the time period is shorter than the aircraft's estimated life expectancy. The JSF Program Office provided National Defence with projected sustainment costs over 36 years."

Thirty-six years, versus 20? So in fact, even $25.1-billion for 65 planes is an artificially low number. Nor does it account for the cost of the estimated 14 replacement aircraft that, based on historical attrition rates, DND would have needed over the life of the project. That was to be a "separate project in the future," Ferguson's report states. Anyone familiar with the accounting shenanigans that led to the great tech-stock collapse of 2000 will recognize this for what it is: fraud. It is accounting trickery, designed to bamboozle.

The government now says, in its formal response to the audit, that the F-35 project budget has been frozen at $9-billion — as though that's supposed to allay concerns. But Associate Defence Minister Julian Fantino has been saying this for months. It doesn't unsnarl the central tangle, which is that neither $9-billion nor $14.7-billion, nor $16-billion, nor even $25.1-billion for that matter, are credible. The simple truth is that no one, not even aircraft maker Lockheed Martin or the Pentagon, has a clue now how much it will cost to buy 65 F-35s, or 45, or ten.

To call this a colossal, monumental bungle is an understatement. As things stood before Thursday, the Harper government had few defenders on this file. Indeed it was not even really bothering to defend itself, hewing to the ancient Canadian tradition of taking one's spanking when the auditor general comes calling, no matter how sharp the sting, drying one's tears and moving on.

But if the inner cabinet knew, as Ferguson suggests, that DND's numbers were way low, even as they demonized the parliamentary budget officer, whose pre-election cost estimate of $30-billion now turns out to have been right or much closer to the truth, and as they taunted the opposition, and as they insisted, week after week, that it was all about doing what's best for our brave men and women in uniform?

If that's true then they will have no defenders, anywhere. Cabinet-level resignations yes, as a starting point. But it's bigger than that. The government itself will be discredited.

There is no moving on from a lie this big. What other games are they playing behind closed doors with Canadian lives, finances, and well-being?

Social Isolation

Courtesy of V-RAG August Edition

My September article is on Cancer Facts for Gay Men. Read it in print in the current edition of V-RAG Magazine.

Catch my health and wellness column in V-RAG Magazine. Pick it up in coffee shops and lobbies around town. www.v-rag.com

For those of you that cant, here is August's article :)

For many queer individuals, the trauma they experience in their life manifests into symptoms of an avoidant personality. Hurt by a history of humiliation or aggression, some gay individuals have unconsciously chosen to opt out much of life’s rough and tumble. They have stopped taking risks because they are afraid of experiencing more humiliation or hurt. The motivating factor in their life becomes: how do I avoid such painful rejection? The answer seems to be obvious – don’t put yourself into any situation where it might occur. However, the result is loneliness and depression and an ever decreasing ability to make social contacts that could improve the quality of one’s life. Even within a relationship, this tendency will lead one to emphasize autonomy and competition, rather than closeness and intimacy.

There are a few core efforts which can make breaking out from isolation a little easier.

1) Make a pact and plan your change:

Decide whether you are ready to make the effort. Make a commitment to yourself. You will need motivation to move forward. Motivation and reward seem pretty straight forward but the secret is not to overwhelm yourself. Set tangible, realistic and appropriate goals. Reaching even a small goal will compel you and make it easier to move on to your next challenge.

Try identifying an activity that you have a great deal of interest in and, instead of doing it alone, set a goal to invite someone to do that activity with you. For instance, if you like hiking the grind, ask the hipster vegan coworker down the hall if he wants to go with you this Sunday. Being in an environment you enjoy is a much easier way to get to know someone.

2) Overcome the fear of your sexuality and learn to love yourself

If you have ever felt that awful withering sensation when someone draws attention to your sexuality in a negative way, then it is likely that you are at least slightly uncomfortable being gay. If you are comfortable with your love for yourself, every aspect of yourself – including your sexuality – you will be much more comfortable in new social situations. You can’t be loved by everyone. Although it seems simple, this is a core thought which many people have not realized. Embrace that idea and believe it. Once you have internalized it, you’ve taken a major step forward.

Although it might seem like a silly exercise, try writing down a list of good things you know about yourself. Include your sexuality. How has it positively contributed to your life? Don’t be modest when making your list.

3) Practice effective social skills

You will find it surprisingly useful and rewarding to make an active attempt at identifying and improving specific social skills. Visualize when alone and practice when you have incidental opportunities.

-Approaching skills: being able to start talking to someone who you don't know well.

-Making frequent eye contact.

-Noticing other people's feelings.

-Assertiveness: say what you are feeling without being aggressive or getting personal.

This article is far too short to provide coaching on all of these. You may choose to seek structured guidance and perspective. HIM has professional counselors, peer counselors, and strategic advisors who can help. Contact Hans Bosgoed, at hans@checkhimout.ca or by calling 604.488.1001 ext 223.

After a while you will find yourself more engaged and you will look forward to challenging your social skill. As your confidence rises, so will your ability to experience the rewarding diverse relationships and social interactions you deserve in your life.

It's Hottest at the Start

This summer HIM (Health Initiative for Men) committed to educating gay guys about Acute HIV with the Hottest at the Start campaign. I love how attention grabbing this video is and the message it drives home.

This video is not for kids. Watch this only if you know what xtube is:

... So the video was automatically starting whenever someone loaded my blog page. Check it out here: http://checkhimout.ca/blogs/sexual-health/hottest-the-video

Soften the f*ck up

This is a great little campaign I learned about tonight. More videos available at http://softenthefckup.com.au/videos , including some really cool examples of guys that have softened the **ck up enough to talk and are now telling their stories for the benefit of other men.

What Does Pride Really Mean?

Courtesy of V-RAG June Edition

My July article is on LGBT Sports. Read it in print in the current edition of V-RAG Magazine.

Catch my health and wellness column in V-RAG Magazine. Pick it up in coffee shops and lobbies around town. www.v-rag.com

For those of you that cant, here is June's article :)

June is pride month

Sure, the parade isn't until the end of July, but 42 years ago, this month, the Stonewall riots occurred in New York City's Greenwich Village. Since then, June has been officially proclaimed as pride month in Canada and around the globe. With the celebrations still many weeks ahead, this month gives us the opportunity to remind ourselves of what pride is really about and to reconnect with its original roots.

The word PRIDE looks simple, but it represents a profound purpose in life. By definition it means to take pleasure or satisfaction from achievement. Pride can be a pillar of strength and a source of energy one calls upon to overcome challenges. For LGBT individuals, pride involves sharing a common sense of satisfaction which lends to camaraderie, the building of community, and acceptance among peers. I would argue that pride is essential to the maturity and mental health of all queer people. Pride is healing.

So what is the achievement we are so proud of?

Many gay individuals grow up feeling that they are flawed and unwelcome guests at the party. Whether this rejection is real or perceived, subtle or overt, perpetrated by strangers or close family members, this is our ‘gay trauma’ that we all share. It binds us. Many of us as adults still lack self esteem and a healthy ego. It is not uncommon to see queer adults overcompensate. Many feel that they need to make more money, become famous, live outrageously, be special, or do something extraordinary to be worthy of notice. Such achievements are not likely to lead to a positive end. They are the manifestations of what author, Alan Downs, calls our ‘Velvet Rage’. Feelings of worthlessness can be created in childhood, quite unintentionally, and these lead gay adults to search for unachievable perfection.

We see this material attitude in much of the more commercialized pride celebration. The Velvet Rage theory touches on this subject. “We put on this TV picture and what we show is: ‘I’m proud to be gay.’ Underneath that, we might be dying inside.” The achievement of money, success, fame, or glamour does not nurture a healthy pride.

Gay men are four times more likely to suffer from depression than straight men. In fact, nearly all queer individuals suffer at some point from low self esteem and it is often linked to a perception that one’s self-worth is linked to one’s appearance and material successes. To heal from this, both individually and as a community, the next phase in our evolution must be to create a culture that is livable, comfortable, and accepting. Celebrating our collective pride gives us this opportunity.

Our real achievements to be proud of are the pain and trauma we have overcome, the fact that we love ourselves, and our diverse and welcoming community. The root of pride season is celebration of diversity. By celebrating this gift, standing in solidarity, and demonstrating a healthy pride, we continue to achieve a progressively higher level of acceptance in our larger national and global communities.

Pride is something we should practice all year round, but use this month as an opportunity to examine what you are proud of. When pride weekend arrives, share your healthy achievements with others and contribute to the sense of camaraderie and support within our community. Many community organizations are putting forth efforts to foster a healthy pride celebration. If you are looking for a place to go after the parade this year, Health Initiative for Men will be hosting a wellness space in a large tent behind the ‘dust bowl’ area by the beach. Look forward to seeing you there!

Jason Keller

Counsellor & Client Care Coordinator,

Vancouver Coastal Health

Tips to Reduce Risk of Infection

Courtesy of V-RAG May Edition

My June article is on Pride and Velvet Rage. Read it in print in the current edition of V-RAG Magazine.

Catch my health and wellness column in V-RAG Magazine. Pick it up in coffee shops and lobbies around town. www.v-rag.com

For those of you that cant, here is May's article :)

Tips to Reduce Risk of Infection

The new work being done in the world of sex research tells us that we need to do more than just hand out condoms to prevent the spread of HIV and other STI’s. Many people still do not use condoms. Latex allergies, lack of sensation, and social or cultural factors are realities for some which prevent them from using condoms. So this month I decided to pass on some additional tips to reduce the risk of infection… and, no, I’m not talking about just putting in the tip.

Condom alternatives- Latex allergies are becoming more common. For these people, polyurethane condoms are readily available if you are willing to spend a little more at your local well stocked drug store. Polyurethane condoms do not stretch very well. Therefore, they may restrict a larger penis and slide off a thinner one. Choose the right size of condom for you or your partner. `

Know your lubes- Recent studies have shown that many water based lubes are toxic to rectal cells and can increase chances of infection by up to 3 times compared with other lubes. Silicone lube is arguably the safest, although about double the price. If you are using a condom, stay away from the Crisco. Oil based lube works well for anal play but it is corrosive and damaging to condoms. Check out the large selection of lubes at Little Sisters - 1238 Davie Street - and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Don’t have sex while drunk or high- Think of this the same way you think of driving while drunk. It is just not smart. Make a commitment to yourself to have sex only when you are in the frame of mind to make intelligent and informed decisions.

Be assertive and ask questions- Check your self esteem, anxiety level, and impulse control. It is essential that you are comfortable and confident enough to ask the right questions. Ask about HIV status and STI’s. Your partner will respect you more for it. Be ready for rejection if your partner is not prepared to be honest. You should feel empowered to say no to sex. Don’t be manipulated. If you need help preparing your assertiveness, controlling your anxiety in social situations, building your self esteem, or dealing with rejection in the dating world, you might want to consider accessing some of the services which are made available to you. You are not alone.

HIM has professional counsellors, peer counsellors, and personal strategic advisors just waiting to help. Contact Hans Bosgoed (hans@checkhimout.ca) or by calling 604.488.1001

Get tested together- A sexual health checkup reduces ambiguity and can be like anything else potential sex partners do together. Show your commitment by seeing your doctor or visit a local STI testing clinic together.

- HIM Sexual Health Centre: 1033 Davie St, Suite 421- 4pm to 9pm Monday through Thursday

- Bute Street Clinic: 1170 Bute Street - 11am to 6:30pm Monday through Friday

Keep a buddy list- Limit your sexual encounters to partners you trust and you know have been tested. If you are not in a relationship, make an arrangement with a fuck buddy or fuck buddies. Make sure these are people who will be honest with you and respect your choices.

Clean sex toys- HIV dies immediately when exposed to oxygen. However, it has been known to survive in the pores of objects such as silicone sex toys. Other viruses and microorganisms can also survive on a silicone surface. Wash your toys after you use them with a heavily diluted bleach solution. Rinse thoroughly.

Jason Keller

Outreach Counsellor and Client Care Coordinator,

Vancouver Coastal Health

The Underwear Affair

Courtesy of V-RAG: April edition

My May article is on tips to reduce risk of sexually transmitted infection - going beyond condoms. Read it in print in the current edition of V-RAG Magazine.

Catch my health and wellness column in V-RAG Magazine. Pick it up in coffee shops and lobbies around town. www.v-rag.com

For those of you that cant, here is April's article :)

Spring ahead – April is Running Month

Let’s face it, the elliptical machine feeds on your will to live. Those things are completely soul destroying. The other day, as I pushed, pulled, and glided in the gym, I realized that was staring at the sun out the window. What was I doing? It’s spring. I should be running outside!

We live in a city which offers beautiful scenery to run in. With the Sun Run fast approaching on April 17th, I thought I would write about the specific health benefits of running to see if I can get more people out onto the seawall. We know running will keep you slim, trim, and heart healthy. But, what are some of the less obvious benefits of running?

Aging Relief - Running is estimated to improve your quality of life by 16 years due to all its health benefits. Running also nourishes the skin and pampers your glow. It will keep you looking and feeling younger.

Prevents Degeneration - Running will prevent muscle and bone loss by maintaining uniformity in your body tissues. It is recommended as a preventative measure for osteoporosis, a disorder which disproportionately affects lesbian women. Running also stimulates the growth of brain cells and delays the onset or progression of some neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease.

Healing and Immune benefits - Running helps in improving the process of blood clotting and thus, provides protection against a number of injuries. Also, during moderate exercise such as running, immune cells circulate through the body faster and are better able to kill bacteria and viruses. Consistent, regular exercise makes these immune changes longer lasting.

Lowers Diabetes and Hypertension Risk – Both of these are conditions of balance. In the case of diabetes, running burns the surplus amount of sugar present in blood, keeping the blood clean to lead a healthy life. Running also helps lower blood pressure by balancing a number of factors which are responsible for hypertension.

Meet New People through Running – Having a running buddy or running with a group is a great motivator and a great way to develop a sense of community. There are two groups in our community who are working together to provide safe and social running and walking opportunities;

HIM: Health Initiative for Men have coordinated a gay men’s ‘learn to run’ group which meets every Sunday at noon under the Burrard street bridge to the east of the Aquatic Centre. Call 604 488 1001 ext 224 or see the details at www.checkhimout.ca under the ‘Physical Health’ link.

Vancouver Frontrunners: This group of LGBT runners and walkers of all levels meet on Wednesday evenings (6:30pm at the roundhouse) and Saturday mornings (9am at the Brockton oval) - http://vancouverfrontrunners.org . Frontrunners emphasize the social aspect of fitness and gather for food and good conversation afterward.

Gain Confidence: Set a Goal or Run for a Cause – Running can be a great way to build confidence and make progress in your life. I have known people who are grieving to find comfort in simply putting one foot in front of the other to move forward. For others, it is a process of challenging oneself to set meaningful goals and reach new heights. A great way to set a goal is to train and run in an event like the Sun Run. The Sun Run happens April 17^th this year. If you like the thought of taking your pants off in public or if you need a while longer to train, run 10k at The Underwear Affair on July 9th – 604.734.CURE [2873]. Both of these events benefit the worthy cause of cancer research.