Proud husband, father, grandfather, OECTA OTF Governor and Guidance Counsellor/Canadian & World Studies teacher. My tweets are my personal opinion only.
Joined March 2012
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Thank you @oectagovernor Chris Cowley 4 completing your 3rd term as @OTFpresFEO. Your leadership, insight & friendship have always been appreciated as is your service to all teachers across this great province. As we celebrate your outgoing OTF Prez’s dinner, thank you. #onted
Pointed analysis by an expert who knows the issues, the players and the pathways this war can quickly go if the current calculus of all sides continues to prevail.
On the Brink of Escalation: A Strategic Misreading of Iran
We are approaching a dangerous escalation — driven not only by actions on the ground, but by a fundamental misunderstanding of Iran’s strategic behavior.
A. At the strategic level: Iran’s current leadership behaves less like a risk-averse actor and more like a high-stakes poker player, one that not only calls the bet, but raises it. From Tehran’s perspective, escalation is not recklessness; it is a tool. It is seen as the only way to restore and preserve deterrence. The implicit message is clear: if you strike our critical assets, we will respond in kind — including against your energy and civilian infrastructure.
B. At the operational level: recent events underscore that Iran’s command-and-control systems remain functional despite sustained Israeli strikes. Missile attacks targeting energy infrastructure in Haifa and near Dimona, in response to Israeli actions against South Pars and Natanz, demonstrate coordination, intent, and the ability to execute retaliatory operations in real time.
Taken together, these dynamics point to a troubling conclusion: if Iran decides to act, it will act — particularly when it believes escalation is necessary to maintain deterrence credibility.
We are not just facing isolated exchanges; we are approaching a broader escalation cycle.
And here lies the deeper strategic flaw. The assumption that intensified military pressure could weaken the regime or trigger internal change in Iran is likely misplaced. On the contrary, external attacks — especially those targeting national infrastructure, tend to consolidate regime control, strengthen hardline elements, and legitimize escalation in the eyes of the Iranian leadership.
What emerges is not a pathway to strategic success, but a march of folly: a cycle in which each side’s actions reinforce the other’s worst instincts, narrowing the space for de-escalation while increasing the risk of a wider conflict.
#iran
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Yesterday I was thrilled to watch as my friend and mentor @J_NPouw won the OFL Labour Council Builder Award at @OFLabour Convention 2025 for her work with @PeelLabour. Another proud moment for @OECTAProv, #OECTA, and @dpsuoecta. Jen, thank you for your tireless dedication.
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My first day working the @OECTAProv booth at @THERAWF. Many smiles, wonderful art work & bracelets made by happy children and great conversations with parents about the great work #onted teachers do every day. knowmore.ca
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It was a distinct honour to present the tribute this evening to outgoing @OTFpresFEO Mike Foulds for his service to the 160,000+ members of the @otffeo as president this past year. Mike, thank you for all your service and leadership as our 73rd & 81st OTF President.
Moving tributes to former 2x OECTA Provincial President James Ryan from our @TECT951 unit and former #OECTA Provincial Speakers' Bureau legend Doug McCarthy. Two giants that are deeply missed and will never be forgotten. #OECTAAGM25 #catholicteachers
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I want to thank the hard working #OECTA #AGM2025 delegates from @elemdp @dpsuoecta @HSUOECTA @oectarenfrew and @OECTASimcoe who graciously shared their time with me & other candidates for elected office at your pre-AGM MEETINGS over the last two days. #VoteRobertson
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Honoured to have had the opportunity to engage with #OECTA delegates from the North tonight. Thank you for your time & dedication to our Association. #VoteRobertson #AGM2025
For 8 yrs I have been a strong & articulate voice for Catholic Teachers at the OTF Table. Members deserve an educ sys that values & empowers them with excellent pensions that allow for a long, healthy & dignified retirement. If you agree pls consider supporting me at AGM2025.
It's always a good time to buy 🇨🇦. Now it's a crucial time for our economy and our national security. Never let a bully win, especially a MAGAt.
Please buy Canadian made whenever possible.
#Canpoli madeinca.ca/
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At the DPCDSB Board office waiting for the Trustee meeting to start. Here to support delegations from fellow teachers, students and #OECTA DPEU & DPSU presidents in support of a request for the trustees to reconsider their exclusionary flag ban. #Loveislove
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This thread. Integrity in the face of billionaire oligarchy and the rising tide of fascism in the United States.
As of yesterday, I have decided to resign from my role as a columnist for The Washington Post — a newspaper that I love. In a moment like this, everyone needs to make their own decisions. This is the reasonfor mine. 🧵
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Naked attempt at vote buying while de-funding schools, hospitals and programs for the most vulnerable. #CantBuyMyVote
NEW: CBC News can now independently confirm that the Ford government plans to send cheques to all Ontarians. The amount is expected to be at least $200. This is set to be announced in the upcoming fall economic statement #onpoli
First reported by The Star's @robertbenzie
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October 17: Addressing harmful and discriminatory language in our school communities.
October 29: Gateway to Special Education K - 12.
To register: otffeo.on.ca/en/learning/otf…
There are also excellent archives of previous OTF Connects webinars:
otffeo.on.ca/en/learning/otf…
#LabourDay2024 brought to you by the blood, sweat and sacrifice of the Labour Movement.
#onpoli #canpoli #OECTA
