Delighted to read this masterful summary of your 2024 writing Paul! Given the shocks and surprises that lie ahead, I have no regrets about subscribing. Incisive analysis is what us “citizens” need and this stack delivers, while it also enlightens. I try my best to keep up with the various “platforms” you are using, but find the written most compelling and informative. Here’s looking at you in 2025…
Okay but what about the posts where you tell us hey it's okay don't worry everything is going to be all right and then it magically is. (How much more does it cost)
I so enjoy your posts, be they on politics, jazz, or anything else — and the gods know we are in for a messy four years. Your illumination of the shit-storm ahead of us all will be desperately needed. As far as your occasional pieces on jazz go, I would remind you of the words of the Toronto roots music player, Ken Whiteley, who famously said, "Discover old music; it'll be new to you." Again, my thanks for your writing.
Your writing is top quality and I so enjoy reading it. It gives a different perspective by someone who has seen, observed and heard up close politicians in a way we cannot. With Chantal Hébert, you are my two favourite journalists. I am like many apprehensive about 2025, not only for Canada but for the world. I want to relate to you something that happened some years ago. I was working as a volunteer at the National Gallery in Ottawa. Coming out of the building, I saw you with your family after a visit to an exhibition. It impressed me that you would take the time to visit the NGC when so many other public figures never came. I thought a man who loves art. Happy New Year to you and yours.
I like the political posts, what I subscribed for, but the jazz pieces are a great bonus. You have introduced me to several artists I had never heard about. And, I had or purchased all the pieces from a playlist you did about 6 months ago. It is now identified in my playlists as “Paul Wells”.
Your closing paragraph is the best one. It’s a sentiment that still seems to be holding in Canada - for the most part. It’s something I try to invest in.
LOL. Never read the comments! Yes and no, you’ll see trolls try and get traction but they’re resisted more than elevated so far. Like the troll who tracked Trudeau to his ski trip in BC. For the most part she’s not being lionized by the mainstream. I understand the sentiment, but I’d prefer to resist.
I very much enjoy reading Paul's articles. However, I am giving some thought to not renewing my paid subscription. I get the impression, perhaps not entirely correctly, that more of the articles these days are really teasers for other things, mostly podcasts, which I never watch. That's not a criticism; obviously the podcasts and other events appeal to many, but they aren't for me.
I haven't yet decided to bail out of the paid subscription because I do look forward to reading what Paul will write about the tumultuous political year coming up. Still on the fence.
I'm also not a podcast guy at all, so I see where you're coming from, but I do think your impression is incorrect. I wouldn't say any of the articles are "teasers". I'd say Paul writes his usual number of articles, plus doing some podcast episodes, and that some of the podcast episodes include a few paragraphs of written content about what's in the podcast. Do I sometimes read a two-paragraph blurb accompanying a podcast and wish it had been a twenty-paragraph article? Sure. But I'm here for the writing, and I don't get the sense that he's writing any less than he otherwise would be.
I increasingly show my age when I refer to you as the smartest guy in the Press Gallery in Ottawa. Given the way that room has shrank it isn't quite the compliment I mean it to be. 😆 Maybe I will just call you the best political writer in Canada, because that is guaranteed to remain true. FWIW I go back and forth regarding the PM's immediate future, but if forced to make a prediction my bet is that he just brazens it out and remains in office much to the chagrin of most of his caucus, who of course denied themselves the ability to remove him...
I am not sure why anybody would object to (their idea of) "posts on quirky and offbeat topics" but just a note to say I am very happy with your shared interests in jazz in particular and music in general - I had not known about either the KC Bird release or the amazing Trifonov's latest, and you continue to provide new stuff for this aging fan. I first heard jazz the first time I got in an airplane, flew to NYC and immediately saw Dizzy Gillespie and Art Blakely on a double bill at the Village Gate in 1968, then became a semi-regular at the Esquire Show Bar here in Montreal while at McGill. I also appreciate your other musical coverage: Donavan Woods is a treasure and Back for the Funeral is the track of the year for me. I'll take an oral history of the Voice over a podcast about current Ottawa stuff any day; politics are fine and good, but life goes on in other spheres, and much thanks for all the fish.
Glad to hear that my subscription will automatically renew. Keep doing what you’re doing Paul and I hope Pierre and crew are taking notes on how NOT to run a PMO and cabinet.
Your pieces are my go-to site to provide context and analysis of the political environment. Very much like David Shribman's pieces in the Globe, they take a step back and make one think.
Keep it coming and best for 2025- the year of the Circus both here and the US.
Delighted to read this masterful summary of your 2024 writing Paul! Given the shocks and surprises that lie ahead, I have no regrets about subscribing. Incisive analysis is what us “citizens” need and this stack delivers, while it also enlightens. I try my best to keep up with the various “platforms” you are using, but find the written most compelling and informative. Here’s looking at you in 2025…
Okay but what about the posts where you tell us hey it's okay don't worry everything is going to be all right and then it magically is. (How much more does it cost)
... you have my credit card number
I so enjoy your posts, be they on politics, jazz, or anything else — and the gods know we are in for a messy four years. Your illumination of the shit-storm ahead of us all will be desperately needed. As far as your occasional pieces on jazz go, I would remind you of the words of the Toronto roots music player, Ken Whiteley, who famously said, "Discover old music; it'll be new to you." Again, my thanks for your writing.
Dang Paul Wells!... every time I start thinking about not renewing my subscription, you pull me back in! Every time!
Please keep doing what you're doing. Excellence in political writing, the hottest source.
Your writing is top quality and I so enjoy reading it. It gives a different perspective by someone who has seen, observed and heard up close politicians in a way we cannot. With Chantal Hébert, you are my two favourite journalists. I am like many apprehensive about 2025, not only for Canada but for the world. I want to relate to you something that happened some years ago. I was working as a volunteer at the National Gallery in Ottawa. Coming out of the building, I saw you with your family after a visit to an exhibition. It impressed me that you would take the time to visit the NGC when so many other public figures never came. I thought a man who loves art. Happy New Year to you and yours.
I like the political posts, what I subscribed for, but the jazz pieces are a great bonus. You have introduced me to several artists I had never heard about. And, I had or purchased all the pieces from a playlist you did about 6 months ago. It is now identified in my playlists as “Paul Wells”.
Looking forward to another great year.
Your closing paragraph is the best one. It’s a sentiment that still seems to be holding in Canada - for the most part. It’s something I try to invest in.
You must be diligent at avoiding the comments below articles in the major papers 😉
LOL. Never read the comments! Yes and no, you’ll see trolls try and get traction but they’re resisted more than elevated so far. Like the troll who tracked Trudeau to his ski trip in BC. For the most part she’s not being lionized by the mainstream. I understand the sentiment, but I’d prefer to resist.
I just looked up the story. FFS, regardless of how people feel about him he and his kids deserve better.
https://www.westernstandard.news/watch/must-watch-woman-tells-trudeau-to-get-the-fck-out-of-bc/60787
Agreed. I'm disgusted w/these people who think it's appropriate to verbally abuse the P.M. within the hearing of his kids.
I very much enjoy reading Paul's articles. However, I am giving some thought to not renewing my paid subscription. I get the impression, perhaps not entirely correctly, that more of the articles these days are really teasers for other things, mostly podcasts, which I never watch. That's not a criticism; obviously the podcasts and other events appeal to many, but they aren't for me.
I haven't yet decided to bail out of the paid subscription because I do look forward to reading what Paul will write about the tumultuous political year coming up. Still on the fence.
I'm also not a podcast guy at all, so I see where you're coming from, but I do think your impression is incorrect. I wouldn't say any of the articles are "teasers". I'd say Paul writes his usual number of articles, plus doing some podcast episodes, and that some of the podcast episodes include a few paragraphs of written content about what's in the podcast. Do I sometimes read a two-paragraph blurb accompanying a podcast and wish it had been a twenty-paragraph article? Sure. But I'm here for the writing, and I don't get the sense that he's writing any less than he otherwise would be.
Go for it!
He is a precious commodity in our troubled world today. We need him
Kathleen
an early pd subscriber with no regrets
You are succeeding in your task to provide balanced commentary, altogether too rare.
I increasingly show my age when I refer to you as the smartest guy in the Press Gallery in Ottawa. Given the way that room has shrank it isn't quite the compliment I mean it to be. 😆 Maybe I will just call you the best political writer in Canada, because that is guaranteed to remain true. FWIW I go back and forth regarding the PM's immediate future, but if forced to make a prediction my bet is that he just brazens it out and remains in office much to the chagrin of most of his caucus, who of course denied themselves the ability to remove him...
Dennis, you say, in part, "I increasingly show my age ..."
Just proves that you have experience and can make good judgements, my son!
Thank you Paul.
I look forward to your posts and podcasts.
Wishing you a Happy, busy and successful 2025!
I am not sure why anybody would object to (their idea of) "posts on quirky and offbeat topics" but just a note to say I am very happy with your shared interests in jazz in particular and music in general - I had not known about either the KC Bird release or the amazing Trifonov's latest, and you continue to provide new stuff for this aging fan. I first heard jazz the first time I got in an airplane, flew to NYC and immediately saw Dizzy Gillespie and Art Blakely on a double bill at the Village Gate in 1968, then became a semi-regular at the Esquire Show Bar here in Montreal while at McGill. I also appreciate your other musical coverage: Donavan Woods is a treasure and Back for the Funeral is the track of the year for me. I'll take an oral history of the Voice over a podcast about current Ottawa stuff any day; politics are fine and good, but life goes on in other spheres, and much thanks for all the fish.
Damn that Inflation!
Cost of living is killing us! Priministers Fault!
Seriously, Thank you Paul,for all the Great Writing and Great Insights that your stories provide. Its a Pleasure.
Happy New Year and all the best in 2025. Lots of Health, Happiness, and a never ending string of Politicians for you to write about.
Glad to hear that my subscription will automatically renew. Keep doing what you’re doing Paul and I hope Pierre and crew are taking notes on how NOT to run a PMO and cabinet.
Your pieces are my go-to site to provide context and analysis of the political environment. Very much like David Shribman's pieces in the Globe, they take a step back and make one think.
Keep it coming and best for 2025- the year of the Circus both here and the US.