Avik Jain

Protectionism sucks

Protectionism is making a comeback. Be it in Canada, where an adolescent believer in unicorn ponders the validity of the TPP (lord knows if he comprehends the acronym), the USA, where a socialist and a clown rage against big business screwing the working man, or the dark lord Merkel, desperate on blocking off Europe from the wider world. Economic history and reality demonstrate that the temptation of building walls and installing tariffs contradicts progress of any kind.

Emergency Brexit

Boris Johnson, the sitting mayor of London, elected MP, and shoe-in to succeed David Cameron, has officially declared his support for a UK exit from the European Union. His popularity will bolster the case for the “Yes” vote in Britain’s 2017 EU referendum, while also providing legitimacy to the argument that the supranational organization is a threat to economic liberty and national sovereignty.

Perchance to caffeinate

My dear mother has long had the habit of absentmindedly leaving sips of lukewarm coffee in a variety of colourful mugs around an otherwise spotless house. It is a dark day for whoever has the gall to toss the remnants of powder and water down the drain – only she may determine when the miniscule servings of Nescafe she serves herself are simply beyond the hour of tasteful consumption. My beloved girlfriend, the other woman in my life, has a similar eccentricity for caffeine in its hottest form. She allows herself the soothing relief, like mom, amidst her grueling workdays, or falls victim to a bitter, yet sugary darkness when exams come creeping.

A jihad for education

The images coming out of Mosul trigger shudders worldwide, the daylong indoctrination sessions and widespread rapes stealing away the individuality of boys and the innocence of young girls. Trapped in ISIS's stronghold and wary about escaping to areas under abusive Shiite rule, Sunni parents have had little choice but to let their children be taken under the wing of perhaps the most vicious Islamist terror group of the 21^st century.

Flight of the capital

Justin Trudeau is not a particularly imposing or threatening individual. However, as he continues to roll out his infantile envy-based tax plans and monetary policies, shockwaves are likely to be sent through the economic soul of Canada, while investors start packing their bags and fleeing for their lives.

The dilettante prime minister

A few days after being sworn into office, Justin Trudeau bounded down Parliament’s steps, smiling broadly for a small gaggle of reporters. He greeted one, pretending to listen attentively to her question as he hurriedly walked away from the Peace Tower. After quipping a bit about his “big job,” he ignored her for another female reporter who was armed with a cameraman.