Sometimes you just have to wonder.
Our Supreme Court seems so progressive and forward-thinking in areas of social engineering like same-sex marriage, abortion and swingers' clubs, yet so slow in others.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Gobsmacked by the Star
I'm a little late to the party here, but Sandy has been doing a great job with this story about the McGuinty government's incredible arrogance and abuse of power regarding their efforts to prevent court costs associated with fighting parents of autistic children from becoming public knowledge.
And I may have to change my opinion about the Star after reading this opinion piece and the following statement:
Wow! Dalton, you've got to know you're really out to lunch when even the Star disagrees with you.
And I may have to change my opinion about the Star after reading this opinion piece and the following statement:
The government's stonewalling is indefensible. Openness should be the rule in the public sector, not the exception. Premier Dalton McGuinty and his ministers have apparently forgotten that government information does not belong to them or their bureaucrats, but to the citizens who vote and pay the bills.
Wow! Dalton, you've got to know you're really out to lunch when even the Star disagrees with you.
* * * *
Meanwhile in Ottawa, brother David is howling about lack of accountability (A.G. Fraser 'Refuses to be Accountable', should explain, Grit MP says).
It seems that in the McGuinty family, accountability only matters in Federal politics.
It seems that in the McGuinty family, accountability only matters in Federal politics.
* * * *
Star Reality Check - Now here is the Star that we all love to hate - Tory Training Camp: No Welcome Mat Here.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Inconvenient Backlash Update
Lots of interesting things going on lately.
Licia Corbella has a great column in today's Sun (Debunking Global Warming Myths). She refers to the Great Global Warming Swindle which is a must-see.
The film is best accessed via A Dog Named Kyoto.
Also, fellow BT MolarMauler has given me a link to a debate scheduled for tonight in New York City - 'Global Warming is Not a Crisis' Debate.
Just black out the windows when you check this stuff out. The Kyoto Klimate Kops are watching.
Licia Corbella has a great column in today's Sun (Debunking Global Warming Myths). She refers to the Great Global Warming Swindle which is a must-see.
The film is best accessed via A Dog Named Kyoto.
Also, fellow BT MolarMauler has given me a link to a debate scheduled for tonight in New York City - 'Global Warming is Not a Crisis' Debate.
Just black out the windows when you check this stuff out. The Kyoto Klimate Kops are watching.
* * * *
Update: Please check out PTBC - Only (not) in Canada, you say?
Saturday Update: Salim Mansur - Climate Under Fire:
Saturday Update: Salim Mansur - Climate Under Fire:
Science does not have a Vatican, a clergy and a doctrine to defend. Science is an activity of fallible human beings striving to understand the workings of nature, and one tool in its arsenal is skepticism.
But when science gets co-opted by politics (often corrupt) or religion (wherein faith is primary) then skepticism is placed under a cloud, and inquisition is close at hand.
Violating the Charter vs. Violating Life
Newstalk 570 talkshow host Jeff Allan will be interviewing Lifesite editor John Henry Weston this morning at 10:30. (Oh, yeah, and then Stephane Dion right after... *Yawn*)
Anyway, the subject du jour involves the recent arrest in the "murder of pregnant school teacher Manjit Panghali in B.C. The victim's husband Mukhtiar Panghali as well as his brother Sukhvinder Panghali were both arrested and charged in her death."
Regarding the tragic events, Constable Sharlene Brooks stated:
Right to Life wants to see laws in place to protect pregnant women who seem especially vulnerable to these types of crimes of passion, by charging the accused with two murders rather than just that of the mother.
Ironically, yesterday would have been Majit Panghali's due date.
A private member's bill was introduced last June to deal with this matter, but it was judged non-votable by the five-member Subcommittee:
By pretending to safeguard womens' rights, we have actually put them at greater risk.
How do we go about fixing this mess?
Anyway, the subject du jour involves the recent arrest in the "murder of pregnant school teacher Manjit Panghali in B.C. The victim's husband Mukhtiar Panghali as well as his brother Sukhvinder Panghali were both arrested and charged in her death."
Regarding the tragic events, Constable Sharlene Brooks stated:
“Mrs. Panghali and her unborn child have had their lives taken prematurely and very tragically. This type of crime defies comprehension and the value of human life.”
Right to Life wants to see laws in place to protect pregnant women who seem especially vulnerable to these types of crimes of passion, by charging the accused with two murders rather than just that of the mother.
Ironically, yesterday would have been Majit Panghali's due date.
A private member's bill was introduced last June to deal with this matter, but it was judged non-votable by the five-member Subcommittee:
The committee members stated that the bill “clearly” violated the Constitution including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
By pretending to safeguard womens' rights, we have actually put them at greater risk.
How do we go about fixing this mess?
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
The Multicultural Face of Canada
Statistics Canada has just released the first wave of results from the 2006 Census - Population and dwelling counts.
A few items of interest:
1.) Total response rate 97%. (Globe)
So, we are either very good little Canadians who do as we are told, or else many of
us actually took that jail threat seriously.
2.) "Canada's population growth between 2001 and 2006 was higher than the previous intercensal period. " "Between 2001 and 2006, Canada's population growth was the highest among the G8 countries." (Statscan)
This is surprising considering our lack of laws concerning abortions. Obviously, our reliance on immigration is crucial and must continue, since we have no stomach to limit abortions in Canada.
Also interesting that the Globe noted that the population is "smaller than predicted", which would suggest that the other G8 nations must be doing really poorly.
3.) "Nearly 90% of Canada's population growth between 2001 and 2006 was concentrated in large metropolitan areas." (StatsCan)
Not surprising at all, but it means that politicians are going to have to increasingly pander to large cities in order to survive. This could possibly mean some kind of fallout for rural areas and farmers. In any case, those islands of red among the great sea of blue are of great importance to PMSH.
4.) Then there is the language issue - 64 of them according to the Census!
For better or for worse, the face of Canada is changing. There is no alternative. I wonder what our country will look like 20 years from now.
A few items of interest:
1.) Total response rate 97%. (Globe)
So, we are either very good little Canadians who do as we are told, or else many of
us actually took that jail threat seriously.
2.) "Canada's population growth between 2001 and 2006 was higher than the previous intercensal period. " "Between 2001 and 2006, Canada's population growth was the highest among the G8 countries." (Statscan)
This is surprising considering our lack of laws concerning abortions. Obviously, our reliance on immigration is crucial and must continue, since we have no stomach to limit abortions in Canada.
Also interesting that the Globe noted that the population is "smaller than predicted", which would suggest that the other G8 nations must be doing really poorly.
3.) "Nearly 90% of Canada's population growth between 2001 and 2006 was concentrated in large metropolitan areas." (StatsCan)
Not surprising at all, but it means that politicians are going to have to increasingly pander to large cities in order to survive. This could possibly mean some kind of fallout for rural areas and farmers. In any case, those islands of red among the great sea of blue are of great importance to PMSH.
4.) Then there is the language issue - 64 of them according to the Census!
For better or for worse, the face of Canada is changing. There is no alternative. I wonder what our country will look like 20 years from now.
* * * *
Update: Mesopotamia West - The Face of Canada.
Kate has a detailed analysis - Stats Canada 2006 Census.
Joel at Proud to be Canadian has a great post - Like I said: 'Canada, Make Babies':
The whole post is well worth the read.
Thursday Update: Good letters in the National Post re: their March 14 editorial "Start Making Babies":
Friday Update: Sun's Licia Corbella - Baby-Making Needed. Licia explains why immigration alone won't solve our problems. A must-read.
Kate has a detailed analysis - Stats Canada 2006 Census.
Joel at Proud to be Canadian has a great post - Like I said: 'Canada, Make Babies':
As approximately 18 people in Canada know (and this is by design of liberals and their media), there are no abortion laws in Canada, and women are free to get free taxpayer-paid abortions at any time at all in any pregnancy—(there’s no “you’re too far along” law in Canada—ANY time is a good time for an abortion in Canada), and can and do get an abortion—sometimes several—for any reason or no particular reason at all whatsoever. There’s simply no law. Canada’s liberals designed it and maintain it this way with the able help of their Supreme Court division. Go team.
The whole post is well worth the read.
Thursday Update: Good letters in the National Post re: their March 14 editorial "Start Making Babies":
If the government wants to increase Canadian birth rates instead of relying on immigration to bolster the population, perhaps the Minister of Finance's budget should consider full income spitting for families with babies. Every skilled immigrant taken from a Third World country reduces that country's ability to improve its own living standards. Beggaring your neighbour is a poor substitute for working together to make a better world.
A more truthful headline would have been: Stop aborting babies. We have over 100,000 innocent lives lost to abortion, oops, I mean "choice." Is it any wonder we have a "fertility crisis"?
Friday Update: Sun's Licia Corbella - Baby-Making Needed. Licia explains why immigration alone won't solve our problems. A must-read.
Monday, March 12, 2007
It was a Gas!
So what did you think about the Corner Gas season finale?
I don't want to give anything away here, in case some fans have taped it and not actually seen the show yet.
Please tell me what you thought.
Did you cry when Lacy said goodbye to everyone?
Can Stephen Harper act?
Will SEEmus and Bev ever hear their names pronounced properly again?
I don't want to give anything away here, in case some fans have taped it and not actually seen the show yet.
Please tell me what you thought.
Did you cry when Lacy said goodbye to everyone?
Can Stephen Harper act?
Will SEEmus and Bev ever hear their names pronounced properly again?
It's called "The Weather", Stupid!
I am emerging from my self-imposed 'reading retreat' because I just couldn't let this pass.
Apparently there were rallies in major cities across Canada yesterday, calling for peace in the "War on Terra". (Can you believe it?)
Anyway, the rallies were supposed to be non-partisan, but many politicians seized the opportunity to push for Kyoto compliance (Post - "Tories Knocked at Kyoto Rally"):
Apparently there were rallies in major cities across Canada yesterday, calling for peace in the "War on Terra". (Can you believe it?)
Anyway, the rallies were supposed to be non-partisan, but many politicians seized the opportunity to push for Kyoto compliance (Post - "Tories Knocked at Kyoto Rally"):
Chief organizer Brennan Louw said he intended the event to be non-partisan; however, local federal politicians took the opportunity to court voters and to challenge the record of Prime Minster Stephen Harper.
"I say to Mr. Harper: You have no right to take Canada out of the Kyoto Protocol. That's Canada's signature on that document - that's not you're signature," said NDP Leader Jack Layton. "We must send that message to Stephen Harper."
( . . . )
Good grief! Perhaps Jack Layton would like to take his overblown rhetoric to a protest on Mars?
Anyway, the Star tells of this brilliant protester who is firmly convinced of global warming:
Bill, I believe that is called spring. And never mind that we've just gone through a frigid February, and I still can't see a speck of green outside. I mean, the birds are making nests in the snowbanks, Bill! C'mon.
But what really gripes me here is that the Kyoto Kultists are allowed to point to any weather at all, and call it evidence of man-made climate change, and therefore requiring Kyoto Kompliance.
But just let a Global Warming Denier even try to make a joke about the weather being cold in an effort to refute all this paranoia, and the result is santimonious outrage!
Obviously the 'Culture of Entitlement' is not the exclusive domain of the Liberal Party of Canada.
"The impact of the climate-change crisis on the world is the equivalent of war," Layton said, referencing remarks the UN Secretary General made last week. "And that means that we have to mobilize as a society and work together the way we would if we were involved in a war."
Good grief! Perhaps Jack Layton would like to take his overblown rhetoric to a protest on Mars?
Anyway, the Star tells of this brilliant protester who is firmly convinced of global warming:
The United Nations released a 21-page report last month that said human activity was "very likely" the cause of global warming and Al Gore's documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, won an Oscar.
Bill Terry, 56, said even without those recent events, he wouldn't have to look very far for a reason to come out to the rally.
"You can even feel it today. I mean we're pretty early in March and look how hot it is."
Bill, I believe that is called spring. And never mind that we've just gone through a frigid February, and I still can't see a speck of green outside. I mean, the birds are making nests in the snowbanks, Bill! C'mon.
But what really gripes me here is that the Kyoto Kultists are allowed to point to any weather at all, and call it evidence of man-made climate change, and therefore requiring Kyoto Kompliance.
But just let a Global Warming Denier even try to make a joke about the weather being cold in an effort to refute all this paranoia, and the result is santimonious outrage!
Obviously the 'Culture of Entitlement' is not the exclusive domain of the Liberal Party of Canada.
* * * *
Update: ChuckerCanuk - Stephane Dion: Save Pluto!
The Strong Conservative - Deny Global warming, Get Death Threats.
The Strong Conservative - Deny Global warming, Get Death Threats.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Do as I say; not as I do
No, I'm not going to slag David Suzuki or Al Gore today. This one is for Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin who as the National Post editorial notes (Don't Speak), seems to have no problem speaking from a political stance but abhors any such influence in the Justice system.
The Post is of course referring to Conservatives cuts to the Court Challenges Program and the Status of Women department, both of which serve a largely left-wing agenda. They obviously feel that judges should keep their political opinions to themselves. I agree.
Lawyer Karen Sellick had an interesting opinion piece in the Post on Tuesday (Judicious Compensation). Her contention appears to be that the system is flawed due to a fixed salary system, which removes the incentive to increase productivity .
She is concerned that the current system not only encourages slackers, but also something far worse:
She goes on to offer a remedy:
So unless things change, we will continue to enable a powerful system of slackers who are only encouraged to become productive if they have a political agenda to enforce. This is their motivation; notwithstanding the odd one who may actually possess a modicum of integrity.
Not a pretty picture for the future of Canadian society.
Speaking Thursday to the Empire Club in Toronto, Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin bemoaned what she said was the increasing inability of ordinary Canadians to seek justice in the courts, primarily because of the high cost and long waits.
Litigation is, of course, a costly and time-consuming burden. But we doubt that this unfortunate fact has changed much over the years. Taking a case to trial, then all the way through the various layers of appeal, has always been an expensive, drawn-out process -- which is why most litigation tends to end with a negotiated settlement. But even if we accept Judge McLachlin's contention that the situation has deteriorated of late, her remarks -- coming as they do on the heels of the Conservative government cutting two major sources of funding for litigious interest groups -- gives the appearance that the chief justice may be taking a political stance.
The Post is of course referring to Conservatives cuts to the Court Challenges Program and the Status of Women department, both of which serve a largely left-wing agenda. They obviously feel that judges should keep their political opinions to themselves. I agree.
Lawyer Karen Sellick had an interesting opinion piece in the Post on Tuesday (Judicious Compensation). Her contention appears to be that the system is flawed due to a fixed salary system, which removes the incentive to increase productivity .
She is concerned that the current system not only encourages slackers, but also something far worse:
But there's another risk, too. With financial motivation gone, it will be the ideologues among the judiciary who will tend to step forward and seed the law reports with their decisions. They have other motivations besides money -- the ambition to move up the judicial ladder into appellate courts, or the desire to influence the direction of the law in accordance with some ideological agenda.
So it's not just the selection process that tends to politicize the judiciary. The compensation system does it, too.
She goes on to offer a remedy:
There is a solution to this problem. It's to allow opposing litigants to jointly select their judge, with judges being paid according to time worked. Only unbiased judges would get many cases, and we wouldn't need political pre-screening of applicants because judges would be screened daily by those requiring their services.
So unless things change, we will continue to enable a powerful system of slackers who are only encouraged to become productive if they have a political agenda to enforce. This is their motivation; notwithstanding the odd one who may actually possess a modicum of integrity.
Not a pretty picture for the future of Canadian society.
* * * *
With that, I'll sign off for a few days. I have a pile of reading to catch up on.
Update: Interesting Counterpoint by David Asper. Thoughts?
* * * *
Update: Interesting Counterpoint by David Asper. Thoughts?
Friday, March 09, 2007
Corner Gas Spoiler Alert
I was going to talk about the Liberal mole this morning, but this is much more important:
It seems that Monday's season finale of Corner Gas is going to have more than just Stephen Harper as the drawing card - There will also be a huge plot shocker (which could be a shocker in itself since most people can't detect a plot). Don't read any further if you would prefer to be surprised.
We get a glimpse here from the Sun's Bill Harris, who BTW, is obviously not a big Harper fan.
Well, whatever. The man is a politician; not an actor (although some would disagree).
Anyway, I've decided not to give away the ending after all. If you really want to know, Harris' column provides some details. More at Stephen Taylor's update.
Should CTV have leaked the ending like this?
Will Brent open another gas station near Little Mosque? Will Jack Bauer try to help out and end up being tortured by hungry prairie dogs?
This is going to be a long summer.
It seems that Monday's season finale of Corner Gas is going to have more than just Stephen Harper as the drawing card - There will also be a huge plot shocker (which could be a shocker in itself since most people can't detect a plot). Don't read any further if you would prefer to be surprised.
We get a glimpse here from the Sun's Bill Harris, who BTW, is obviously not a big Harper fan.
As for Harper’s performance, heck, he fits right in. After all, part of the shtick on Corner Gas is that it’s a little dry and a little stiff.
Well, whatever. The man is a politician; not an actor (although some would disagree).
Anyway, I've decided not to give away the ending after all. If you really want to know, Harris' column provides some details. More at Stephen Taylor's update.
Should CTV have leaked the ending like this?
Will Brent open another gas station near Little Mosque? Will Jack Bauer try to help out and end up being tortured by hungry prairie dogs?
This is going to be a long summer.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
My Ontario 'Dream Team'
I was just listening to Elizabeth Witmer on a local news-talk show. Liz is one accomplished and classy lady. She is gracious, but can cut through the BS with razor-sharp clarity.
No offense to John Tory, but I sure do wish Elizabeth was the leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservative party. Tory seems like a nice guy, but I just don't see him being able to wrestle the crown from McGuinty. Anyway, as I said in a previous post, it may actually be to the Federal Conservatives' advantage to have the Ontario Liberals working well with the Harper government.
But in my daydream, Elizabeth Witmer would be the leader. Her deputy would be the witty, no nonsense attack-dog Tim Hudak.
I would love to see those two go up against McGuinty and Smitherman.
Suggestion to John Tory: Get Elizabeth and Tim into some of those ads! You're not trying to sell sleep-aids, John.
No offense to John Tory, but I sure do wish Elizabeth was the leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservative party. Tory seems like a nice guy, but I just don't see him being able to wrestle the crown from McGuinty. Anyway, as I said in a previous post, it may actually be to the Federal Conservatives' advantage to have the Ontario Liberals working well with the Harper government.
But in my daydream, Elizabeth Witmer would be the leader. Her deputy would be the witty, no nonsense attack-dog Tim Hudak.
I would love to see those two go up against McGuinty and Smitherman.
Suggestion to John Tory: Get Elizabeth and Tim into some of those ads! You're not trying to sell sleep-aids, John.
Political Correctness Gone Mad
According to the UN, Canada's use of the term 'visible minorities' is racist! (Post)
A few excerpts regarding the report by the UN's Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination:
So, if a company needs to increase the number of "visible minorities" (please don't tell the UN) in their workforce, how would they do it? It seems that the "White men need not apply" sign is the only route left. The suggestions are non-binding, but it does demonstrate how far left into 'wacko-world' the UN is heading.
Another highlight includes "a call for Canada to provide welfare to illegal immigrants and failed refugee applicants."
Good grief!!!
Well, there's another crusade for Dion.
Could someone please explain to me again why we belong to the UN?
A few excerpts regarding the report by the UN's Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination:
Canada's use of the term "visible minorities" to identify people it considers susceptible to racial discrimination came under fire at the United Nations yesterday --for being racist.
Members of the Geneva-based Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination also questioned other terms used by the federal government, among them "ethnocultural communities."
It adds that Canada should "reflect further on the implications of the use of the term," but offers no suggestions about what words would be acceptable.
So, if a company needs to increase the number of "visible minorities" (please don't tell the UN) in their workforce, how would they do it? It seems that the "White men need not apply" sign is the only route left. The suggestions are non-binding, but it does demonstrate how far left into 'wacko-world' the UN is heading.
Another highlight includes "a call for Canada to provide welfare to illegal immigrants and failed refugee applicants."
On undocumented immigrants and people who have been declined refugee status, the committee says Canada should pass laws ensuring they are "provided with access to social security, health care and education."
Good grief!!!
Regarding Canada's efforts to combat terrorism, it says it is "concerned about the heightened risks of racial profiling," and adds that Canada should amend its Anti-Terrorism Act "to include an explicit anti-discrimination clause.
Well, there's another crusade for Dion.
Could someone please explain to me again why we belong to the UN?
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Drink deep, or dabble not in the Socialist Spring
In light of the recent news and fallout from RIM's stock option screw-up, I thought the following opinion piece in today's Financial Post might be of interest - "Jim Balsillie's Governance Follies".
Read the whole thing. It's quite entertaining.
I'll bet Jim Balsillie isn't a big fan of Alexander Pope.
The "governance" problems at BlackBerry-maker Research in Motion highlight a profound irony. Co-CEO Jim Balsillie, who took responsibility for the options governance cock-up that will cost the company US$250-million in restated earnings, is the primary private- sector promoter of something called the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)...
...CIGI was set up in 2002, when Paul Martin, whose sharp-elbowed lust for the prime ministership always stood in distinct contrast to his mushy feel-good internationalism, was on his way to Sussex Drive. Mr. Balsillie and his partner, Mike Lazaridis, kicked in $30-million. You, the helpless taxpayer, kicked in another $30-million. Bet you didn't know that, did you?
International governance is a variant of "global governance," whose "shadowy promoter" is Canada's ubiquitous Maurice Strong. Mr. Strong had a profound influence on Mr. Martin's brand of globaloney. Mr. Strong sat on CIGI's international board of governors for a couple of years, but left/ was removed in 2005, the year the Iraqi oil-for-food fiasco, in which Mr. Strong was implicated, hit the fan...
Read the whole thing. It's quite entertaining.
I'll bet Jim Balsillie isn't a big fan of Alexander Pope.
Kooky Suzuki Smack-down
Licia Corbella is quickly becoming one of my favourite columnists. Today she gives it to David Suzuki and his Kyoto Kult followers (Mean and Not So Green).
Apparently Corbella received hundreds of emails from enraged Suzuki fans, when she had the audacity to point out in a previous column that the Canadian High Priest of Environmental Shlock, along with his American counterpart Al Gore, doesn't exactly walk the talk - and when he does talk, the results are often more 'blue' than green.
Corbella goes on to explain how she is green without the vulgarity and hypcrisy. But her explanation will likely fall on deaf lemming-ears.
Because just as in traditional religion, if you're a believer that's all you need - faith. Science and logic are not required.
Apparently Corbella received hundreds of emails from enraged Suzuki fans, when she had the audacity to point out in a previous column that the Canadian High Priest of Environmental Shlock, along with his American counterpart Al Gore, doesn't exactly walk the talk - and when he does talk, the results are often more 'blue' than green.
Corbella goes on to explain how she is green without the vulgarity and hypcrisy. But her explanation will likely fall on deaf lemming-ears.
Because just as in traditional religion, if you're a believer that's all you need - faith. Science and logic are not required.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Help! The Liberals are winning me over!!!
This may be enough for me to actually consider voting Liberal in the next Ontario election - "Dion Losing Law-and-Order Votes, Leading Liberal Says" (Globe).
Ontario Attorney-General Michael Bryant:
If nothing else, I think Michael Bryant could have a great career as a political columnist if the Attorney-General thing doesn't work out.
Ontario Attorney-General Michael Bryant:
...Worse, Mr. Bryant states, the Liberals have "very little substance to offer by way of alternative, and certainly nothing new or effective. The typical federal Liberal approach to crime, in a word, is a boomer approach that is stuck in the summer of love."
As a result, Mr. Bryant argues, "Crime is for Liberals what the environment is for Conservatives."
If nothing else, I think Michael Bryant could have a great career as a political columnist if the Attorney-General thing doesn't work out.
* * * *
Dion's "Next Canadian PM" cross-country audition
The National Post's editorial board obviously believes that Stephane Dion's self-promoting cross-country tour is doomed to failure - "Stephane Dion's Sincerity Shtick":
Stephane Dion may indeed be sincere or "authentic" as my Liberal MP Karen Redman often describes him. He may actually believe that his pie-in-the-sky academic dreams can transform Canada into his vision of Progressive Utopia, and that we intellectually-inferior Canadians will eventually embrace this plan with unqualified support once we finally come to our senses.
But is 'sincerity' the sole qualification necessary for a great leader?
If an international crisis of some kind were suddenly to occur, who would you rather have defending our national interests, making split-second decisions and communicating with world leaders on complex issues that require both diplomacy and tenacity?
I'll take the 'bully' over Flipper anyday, thanks.
* * * *
The senior Liberals planning the trip say they want voters to get to know Mr. Dion one-on-one and in small groups, which is supposedly where Mr. Dion is most persuasive. That's the way he unexpectedly captured the top Liberal job, they explain. It is also the best way to demonstrate his "sincerity," which Liberals say is his greatest political asset.
Stephane Dion may indeed be sincere or "authentic" as my Liberal MP Karen Redman often describes him. He may actually believe that his pie-in-the-sky academic dreams can transform Canada into his vision of Progressive Utopia, and that we intellectually-inferior Canadians will eventually embrace this plan with unqualified support once we finally come to our senses.
But is 'sincerity' the sole qualification necessary for a great leader?
If an international crisis of some kind were suddenly to occur, who would you rather have defending our national interests, making split-second decisions and communicating with world leaders on complex issues that require both diplomacy and tenacity?
I'll take the 'bully' over Flipper anyday, thanks.
* * * *
Update: Is the mole back? Cherniak and Wells have some concerns (H/T Bourque)
And our own ChuckerCanuk is mentioned on Bourque as well tonight! Congrats Chucker!!!
Wednesday Update: Well poor Flipper has one friend, anyway. (Star)
But this Liberal MP is definitely not a Dion fan!
And our own ChuckerCanuk is mentioned on Bourque as well tonight! Congrats Chucker!!!
Wednesday Update: Well poor Flipper has one friend, anyway. (Star)
But this Liberal MP is definitely not a Dion fan!
An Inconvenient Study
David Suzuki and his Kyoto Kultists are not going to like this - A new study shows that the recent series of BC storms is actually due to polluted air from Chinese coal plants rather than global warming. It can actually affect weather as far inland as Ontario.
Environment Canada's senior climatologist David Phillips utters this blasphemous statement:
More bad news for Kooky Suzuki - Polar bear numbers are actually increasing!.
Is it time for a clandestine cull, David?
Environment Canada's senior climatologist David Phillips utters this blasphemous statement:
"Every time the weather changes, people are very quick to point to the fact that it must be climate change," he said. "It's easy to go to that (explanation). You can be seduced into going there. And yet we also know that changes in the chemistry of the atmosphere can influence changes in climate."
More bad news for Kooky Suzuki - Polar bear numbers are actually increasing!.
Is it time for a clandestine cull, David?
* * * *
Another Denier here. And related to that, kudos to Lorrie Goldstein for updating his figures on the "More Inconvenient Truths" column. Lorrie is one class act. He is committed to ferreting out the facts and always ready to admit it if he makes a mistake - unlike most politicians.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Air India Families Dealt 'Serious and damaging blow'
Kim Bolan has an exclusive interview with RCMP Deputy Commissioner Gary Bass in today's National Post. Bass states that last week's Opposition decision to vote down the extension of the two controversial parts of the Anti-Terrorism Act represented a "serious and damaging blow to the interests of the (Air India) families". Specifically, the RCMP had been preparing for the last three years to use the investigative hearings aspect of the provisions.
The Liberal party appears to be fairly successful so far in pulling off their little charade of outraged indignation and sanctimonious demands for apologies in order to divert attention.
The big question is - from what?
Bass said in an exclusive interview that he was disappointed with "the apparent lack of understanding of the importance of this legislation with respect to the Air India Investigation," especially given that investigative hearings were upheld by the Supreme Court of Canada.
(. . . )
Bass said the hearings would have allowed those reluctant to come forward the protection they needed to tell the truth about the biggest mass murder in Canadian history.
"The investigative hearing process offered the potential for individuals inclined to cooperate, but afraid of retribution, a vehicle to explain their cooperation within their community, by being able to explain that they had no choice but to testify truthfully," Bass said.
The Liberal party appears to be fairly successful so far in pulling off their little charade of outraged indignation and sanctimonious demands for apologies in order to divert attention.
The big question is - from what?
* * * *
Tuesday Update: Grit MP Marlene Jennings rips into Gary Bass (H/T to National Newswatch).
Greg Weston (RCMP Blame Game) - Perhaps the RCMP has something to hide?
Greg Weston (RCMP Blame Game) - Perhaps the RCMP has something to hide?
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Editorializing the news
Am I just getting paranoid, or is there some blatant bias going on here?
Now please keep in mind that the following article in listed in the Toronto Sun under News; not Comment or opinion: Sikh MP battles 'smear campaign'. Reporter Ajit Jain tells us of the brave face that "the youngest Liberal MP" Navdeep Bains is putting on in spite of Stephen Harper's apparent bullying tactics.
This is the paragraph you need to read very carefully:
Is that really what the article reported? Or did Kim Bolan simply list some facts, and let the reader draw his or her own conclusion?
We don't even know exactly what spin the PM was planning to put on the article anyway, because he was shouted down by an obviously well-orchestrated howling chorus of self-serving, sanctimonious Liberals. However, I don't see Reporter Jain mentioning that little tidbit.
So, if you're outraged about this, please consider voicing your opinion.
Letters to the editor can be sent to: editor@tor.sunpub.com
Monday Update: Rachel Giese's column (Harper's a Bad Boy) is even worse, but at least it's an opinion column. She's obviously anti-Harper and pro-Gore. Hard to take first thing in the morning.
Now please keep in mind that the following article in listed in the Toronto Sun under News; not Comment or opinion: Sikh MP battles 'smear campaign'. Reporter Ajit Jain tells us of the brave face that "the youngest Liberal MP" Navdeep Bains is putting on in spite of Stephen Harper's apparent bullying tactics.
This is the paragraph you need to read very carefully:
We all know how Harper got up in the House of Commons and started reading from a report in the Vancouver Sun that the Liberals were opposed to extending life of two sunset clauses in the Anti-Terrorism Act to protect Darshan Singh Saini, Bains' father-in-law, who reportedly is on the RCMP list of potential witnesses in the ongoing Air India criminal investigation.
Is that really what the article reported? Or did Kim Bolan simply list some facts, and let the reader draw his or her own conclusion?
We don't even know exactly what spin the PM was planning to put on the article anyway, because he was shouted down by an obviously well-orchestrated howling chorus of self-serving, sanctimonious Liberals. However, I don't see Reporter Jain mentioning that little tidbit.
So, if you're outraged about this, please consider voicing your opinion.
Letters to the editor can be sent to: editor@tor.sunpub.com
Monday Update: Rachel Giese's column (Harper's a Bad Boy) is even worse, but at least it's an opinion column. She's obviously anti-Harper and pro-Gore. Hard to take first thing in the morning.
Can you do it?
Can you last 24 hours without using a computer?
Michele Mandel ("A Day without the Net"), has interviewed Montreal computer programmer Denis Bystrov, who along with friend Michael Taylor has issued a world challenge - Can you shut off your computer for 24 hours?. The big day is aptly scheduled for Saturday, March 24.
There are some awesome You Tube videos available on the main site. My fav is "Alternative uses for your laptop". It is a must-see! (And turn up your speakers).
As well as getting a much-needed break from internet addiction, I see a side benefit to this - It is just possible that the energy saved from computers being shut off all over the world may have enough global impact in the reduction of our collective carbon footprint, that we can finally tell David Suzuki and Al Gore to shut the h*ll up!!!
Michele Mandel ("A Day without the Net"), has interviewed Montreal computer programmer Denis Bystrov, who along with friend Michael Taylor has issued a world challenge - Can you shut off your computer for 24 hours?. The big day is aptly scheduled for Saturday, March 24.
There are some awesome You Tube videos available on the main site. My fav is "Alternative uses for your laptop". It is a must-see! (And turn up your speakers).
As well as getting a much-needed break from internet addiction, I see a side benefit to this - It is just possible that the energy saved from computers being shut off all over the world may have enough global impact in the reduction of our collective carbon footprint, that we can finally tell David Suzuki and Al Gore to shut the h*ll up!!!
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