true north, strong and free.

As gold as it gets.
When the Canadian Olympic Committee boldly predicted that Canada would be sitting atop the medal standings at the end of the games, it was an optimistic statement for an optimistic country. With the total medal count rising every year for the red and white, home soil just might be the extra boost that we needed to shoot to the top. Canada didn't burst out of the gates like they had hoped. Sure, Bilodeau's gold medal was worth a cheer or two, but in the big picture, the first week of competition must have been disappointing for the nation as a whole. The results (or lack there of) prompted the COC to admit that the initial prediction would not be realized, bursting the hopeful balloons everywhere, and once again making the host nation look vulnerable and ill-prepared.

One week later, Canada does indeed sit at the top of the standings. Sure, we got beat by our arrogant neighbours in the overall medal count. But boy oh boy do those 14 Canadian gold medals stand out. And they should. You've never seen that number before at any Winter Olympics. Canada got down to business during the home stretch taking 5 combined gold medals during Days 15 and 16. And on Day 17, Canada won its record-breaking, country-unifying, American-owning 14th gold medal with an epic victory in Men's Hockey. Not just the most golds at the games this year, but the most goals ever at a Winter Games. Way to end it with a BANG! The crowns of the hockey world have finally been returned to it's proper place. And much like the games in 2002 at Salt Lake City, Canada showed the world why "it's our game," winning both the men's and women's hockey in truly patriotic fashion. And its not just for hockey. For the next four years, the Olympics belong to us!

too old to drive?

Yesterday, a 28 year-old mother was struck and killed at the intersection of Eglinton Ave. and Martin Grove Rd. while pushing her child in a stroller. The driver, an 83 year-old woman allegedly ran a red light, begging us to ask the question: at what point does someone become too old to drive?

Once a driver reaches the age of 80, they are required to renew their license by completing a vision and knowledge test. However, one can argue that these methods are not sufficient in diagnosing the driving ability of an individual. Reaction time, judgment, and coordination are all necessary components required to operate a motor vehicle. These components, however, cannot be tested simply using pen and paper.

So should the elderly be removed from the roads? One can argue that restricting the elderly from driving is considered age discrimination. In response to that, there's a good reason why individuals under the age of 16 are prohibited from obtaining a driver's license. Is that considered age discrimination as well? Obviously not, right? The rules and regulations are put in place in order to protect the safety of other drivers and pedestrians. So when the presence of the elderly on the roads puts the safety of others at risk, shouldn't their licenses be revoked?

I believe so. I don't think it should take a couple more incidents to occur before concrete changes to driving regulations are changed. Sure we want to allow the elderly the be independent, but to what lengths are we willing to go in order to fulfill their desire of independence?

Thoughts?

To view the story above, click here.