John Snobelen

1 week ago | torontosun.com | John Snobelen |Ling Hui

Shed no crocodile tears for the people who seek the spotlight and then object when the glare reaches their darker secrets. Some things just come with the territory. But there are times when the fascination with the seemlier side of public figures is excessive and cruel. The most cowardly among us enjoy punching down, saving their most vile rants for those who cannot defend themselves. Most of us have witnessed (or endured) the boss who delights in publicly humiliating an underling. They are cowards.

1 week ago | calgarysun.com | John Snobelen

•   •  You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account. Article contentA good friend of mine is fond of reminding me of the ancient observation that no good deed goes unpunished. Truer words are hard to find. Advertisement 2Sign In or Create an AccountArticle contentIn a similar vein, it seems a universal truth that acts of kindness and generosity are forgotten immediately, while moments of weakness live forever.

3 weeks ago | torontosun.com | John Snobelen

On June 8, a gaggle of old warriors will mark a rare collision of common sense and courage. It will be a quiet event, but 30 years ago, this unlikely team set the world (or at least Ontario) on fire. It was election day on June 8, 1995, in Ontario. I spent the day watching my sister Kathie run an amazing get-out-the-vote effort that capped six weeks of campaigning with friends and neighbours. It felt good to know that, regardless of the outcome, we had collectively worked our butts off.

3 weeks ago | calgarysun.com | John Snobelen

•   •  You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account. Article contentOn June 8, a gaggle of old warriors will mark a rare collision of common sense and courage. It will be a quiet event, but 30 years ago, this unlikely team set the world (or at least Ontario) on fire. Advertisement 2Sign In or Create an Account Article contentArticle contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.

1 month ago | torontosun.com | John Snobelen

Three decades ago, I was a newly minted member of the Ontario Executive Council (a.k.a. cabinet) when a staff member suggested I might want to be cautious if I intended to stay in cabinet. I replied that I didn’t run to be a cabinet minister. I found the reaction to that comment curious. Political folks assumed I meant that I had my sights set on a position loftier than cabinet. This assumes a level of ambition I was sorely lacking.