More racism from the UN. I am proud HM Government has decided not to attend this bash Israel festival. What will obamessiah do?
The UN's insanity continues
BY ANNE BAYEFSKY
Friday, January 30th 2009, 4:00 AM
The United Nations "anti-racism" forum, known as Durban II, is becoming a more important test for President Obama's multilateralist ambitions with each passing day. Durban I was the anti-Semitic hatefest that ended three days before 9/11. Durban II - the UN equivalent of the Son of Sam - will take place in April in Geneva. Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni has called on Obama not to legitimize the meeting, or its message, and not to attend. Canada has decided to stay away. But Obama has still not decided whether the United States will go. This Wednesday, however, the stakes got a lot higher with the UN's release of the latest negotiating text.
Negotiators have now put on the table claims that (1) a homeland for the Jewish people is racism - a "racially based law of return," (2) Israel is guilty of "apartheid" and (3) the veracity of the murder of one-third of the Jewish people during the Holocaust is subject to question. A reference to Holocaust facts has now been "square-bracketed" because Iran and Syria have questioned the numbers of Jews that died and consensus is the only guiding principle governing the decision-making process.
In total, six provisions are dedicated to demonizing Israel as racist. Not one of the other 191 UN states is mentioned. The intention is clear: the political defeat of Israel in the same vein as apartheid South Africa, because repeated attempts at a military defeat of Israel have failed.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
An evil woman
Matthew 18:6But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
This woman should die in prison. What a horrible creature. Why didn't she just give the child to the biological father. I'm sure any number of people would have taken this child in. This woman is just evil.
On two separate occasions, Boudreau appealed to the public for help in finding the girl as search crews scoured the nearby river and wooded areas.
The 12-year-old's frozen remains were found on the riverbank by a passerby on Feb. 9.
On Friday, Boudreau, wearing a black T-shirt, stood up to address the court.
"I'm sorry," she said in a meek whisper.
Crown attorney Denise Smith said Boudreau's actions "defy any meaning we hold dear of what it means to be a mother."
In a victim impact statement, the girl's biological father, Paul Boudreau, wrote that "the centre of my happisness is shattered...with one selfish act."
Outside the courthouse, Paul Boudreau said Penny Boudreau had shed "crocodile tears" over the death of her daughter.
"That's all it's ever been," he said. "That's all it ever will be."
At the time her body was found, RCMP said investigators believed Karissa knew her killer.
Karissa, a Grade 6 student at Bridgewater Elementary School, was described as a typical kid, who loved singing along to Hilary Duff and the Spice Girls CDs while dancing in her room.
Mark Steyn on the Stimulus
Mark Steyn explains how democratic pork spending is seen as a stimulus and bipartisan obamessiah politics means the GOP should be quiet.
The more interviews Speaker Pelosi gives explaining how vital the STD industry is to restarting the U.S. economy, the more I find myself hearing “syphilis” every time she says “stimulus.” In late September, America was showing the first signs of “primary stimulus”—a few billion lesions popping up on the rarely glimpsed naughty bits of the economy: the subprime mortgage racket, the leverage kings. Now, the condition has metastasized in a mere four months into the advanced stages of “tertiary stimulus,” with trillions of hideous, ever more inflamed pustules sprouting in every nook and cranny as the central nervous system of the body politic crumbles into total insanity—until it seems entirely normal for the second-in-line of presidential succession to be on TV gibbering away about how vital the federalization of condom distribution is to economic recovery.
The more interviews Speaker Pelosi gives explaining how vital the STD industry is to restarting the U.S. economy, the more I find myself hearing “syphilis” every time she says “stimulus.” In late September, America was showing the first signs of “primary stimulus”—a few billion lesions popping up on the rarely glimpsed naughty bits of the economy: the subprime mortgage racket, the leverage kings. Now, the condition has metastasized in a mere four months into the advanced stages of “tertiary stimulus,” with trillions of hideous, ever more inflamed pustules sprouting in every nook and cranny as the central nervous system of the body politic crumbles into total insanity—until it seems entirely normal for the second-in-line of presidential succession to be on TV gibbering away about how vital the federalization of condom distribution is to economic recovery.
Salim Mansur on Europe
Salim Mansur writes about European appeasement of the jihadi threat.
Europe placates foes of freedom
By SALIM MANSUR
Europe, or a significant segment of Europe, unfailingly discloses its frequent willingness to appease totalitarian foes of freedom.
In modern times Europe gladly has served as a cradle of fascism on the right, communism on the left and in between all sorts of variations of the two, joined at the hip with a common blood-soaked bigotry directed at Jews.
Since 9/11, and despite Muslim terrorists striking on European soil, that segment of Europe ready to appease any totalitarian assault on freedom has contorted itself to accommodate the Islamist agenda. The latest evidence of this is the Amsterdam Court of Appeal's decision to prosecute Geert Wilders, an elected member of the Dutch Parliament, for hate speech offending Islam and Muslims.
Wilders is the most daring critic of the Islamist assault on Holland, and Europe, since the murder of Theo van Gogh in November 2004 by a self-confessed Muslim fanatic of Moroccan origin, and the marginalization in Dutch politics of Ayaan Hirsi Ali, the Somali-born critic of Islam.
What brings Wilders into legal trouble with Dutch jurists is the 15-minute video he produced last year on Islam titled Fitna. In this short film Wilders juxtaposed verses from the Koran with passages from Hitler's rant, Mein Kampf, and urged Muslims to push for reform by removing "hate-filled" verses from their sacred text.
Europe placates foes of freedom
By SALIM MANSUR
Europe, or a significant segment of Europe, unfailingly discloses its frequent willingness to appease totalitarian foes of freedom.
In modern times Europe gladly has served as a cradle of fascism on the right, communism on the left and in between all sorts of variations of the two, joined at the hip with a common blood-soaked bigotry directed at Jews.
Since 9/11, and despite Muslim terrorists striking on European soil, that segment of Europe ready to appease any totalitarian assault on freedom has contorted itself to accommodate the Islamist agenda. The latest evidence of this is the Amsterdam Court of Appeal's decision to prosecute Geert Wilders, an elected member of the Dutch Parliament, for hate speech offending Islam and Muslims.
Wilders is the most daring critic of the Islamist assault on Holland, and Europe, since the murder of Theo van Gogh in November 2004 by a self-confessed Muslim fanatic of Moroccan origin, and the marginalization in Dutch politics of Ayaan Hirsi Ali, the Somali-born critic of Islam.
What brings Wilders into legal trouble with Dutch jurists is the 15-minute video he produced last year on Islam titled Fitna. In this short film Wilders juxtaposed verses from the Koran with passages from Hitler's rant, Mein Kampf, and urged Muslims to push for reform by removing "hate-filled" verses from their sacred text.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Disillusioned youth
I wonder how the leftie students at York would react to the union and their minions the NDP. Looks like some have come to their senses.
Urban scrawl: How the NDP lost my vote with York University vote
Posted: January 30, 2009, 12:06 PM by Rob Roberts
Urban Scrawl, commentary, York Strike
Commentary by Lyndon Koopmans
Two days ago I joined more than 100 York University students outside Queen's Park to demonstrate in support of back-to-work legislation that ended the 85-day long strike at the university. The mood at our demonstration was mixed. We are all happy that the end of the strike appears near, but frustrated that the back-to-work bill was delayed. Many students were especially annoyed that the party of the student turned out to be our greatest opponent, keeping us out of class.
Of course, I am referring to the NDP. Not only did the NDP decide to vote against the back-to-work bill, they used their full share of debate time to delay the bill, adding a number of days to the strike and keeping us out of class until Monday.
Urban scrawl: How the NDP lost my vote with York University vote
Posted: January 30, 2009, 12:06 PM by Rob Roberts
Urban Scrawl, commentary, York Strike
Commentary by Lyndon Koopmans
Two days ago I joined more than 100 York University students outside Queen's Park to demonstrate in support of back-to-work legislation that ended the 85-day long strike at the university. The mood at our demonstration was mixed. We are all happy that the end of the strike appears near, but frustrated that the back-to-work bill was delayed. Many students were especially annoyed that the party of the student turned out to be our greatest opponent, keeping us out of class.
Of course, I am referring to the NDP. Not only did the NDP decide to vote against the back-to-work bill, they used their full share of debate time to delay the bill, adding a number of days to the strike and keeping us out of class until Monday.
Colby Cosh on Budget 2009
An interesting piece on the realities of government in Canada. As I have said before too much ideological purity leads to grit government.
Andrew Coyne and many of my Tory friends would not agree.
Maybe I'm getting old. I'm having trouble working up the same chest-thumping outrage over the new federal budget that other conservative, libertarian and generally just plain crusty commentators have displayed. Could it be a sign of declining testosterone? A side-effect of medication? I share the canonical right-wing view that deficits are a bad thing, but I feel puzzled at the surprise so many are exhibiting over the discovery that we do not have a right-wing government -- that the Conservatives, in the House of Commons as it is currently constituted, must meet some other party's criteria to obtain support for a budget. Surely we all did the math the morning after the election?
There does seem, at times, to be genuine confusion about this. The hypothetical Liberal-NDP-BQ coalition government is so palpably unpopular a concept in English Canada that the Conservatives, having presented a budget that will inflate government spending 9% in one year, are perhaps being blamed implicitly for kowtowing unnecessarily to an empty threat. I can barely began to list how many factors this assessment overlooks. But let us try.
Andrew Coyne and many of my Tory friends would not agree.
Maybe I'm getting old. I'm having trouble working up the same chest-thumping outrage over the new federal budget that other conservative, libertarian and generally just plain crusty commentators have displayed. Could it be a sign of declining testosterone? A side-effect of medication? I share the canonical right-wing view that deficits are a bad thing, but I feel puzzled at the surprise so many are exhibiting over the discovery that we do not have a right-wing government -- that the Conservatives, in the House of Commons as it is currently constituted, must meet some other party's criteria to obtain support for a budget. Surely we all did the math the morning after the election?
There does seem, at times, to be genuine confusion about this. The hypothetical Liberal-NDP-BQ coalition government is so palpably unpopular a concept in English Canada that the Conservatives, having presented a budget that will inflate government spending 9% in one year, are perhaps being blamed implicitly for kowtowing unnecessarily to an empty threat. I can barely began to list how many factors this assessment overlooks. But let us try.
Big Sister is watching
Barbara Kay has a piece on the insidious influence of radical feminism and political correctness gone mad. Shame on you Premier Eva Aariak! Apparently you can't handle the truth.
Barbara Kay, Nunavut Minister is Stripped by Big Sister of his Cabinet Post for Telling the Truth
Posted: January 29, 2009, 9:24 AM by Jonathan Kay
Barbara Kay
Louis Tapardjuk, until a few days ago Justice minister of Nunavut, has just been relocated to a very high-end dog house. His new kennelmates are all male public figures, such as Larry Summers, former president of Harvard University, who dared to utter certain statements that, although true and, to any objective observer, in no way hurtful to anyone, set the tumbrils in motion that would soon carry them off to the political guillotine.
What did Mr Tapardjuk say that cost him his portfolio? Why, Mr Tapardchuk had the temerity to suggest that domestic violence is sometimes initiated by women. He casually remarked in an e-mail - not even meant for anyone's eyes but his senior staff - that women who start domestic disputes should share the blame where violence is involved: "Often the man is charged [with domestic violence] even though the conflict may have been initiated by the female partner."
Barbara Kay, Nunavut Minister is Stripped by Big Sister of his Cabinet Post for Telling the Truth
Posted: January 29, 2009, 9:24 AM by Jonathan Kay
Barbara Kay
Louis Tapardjuk, until a few days ago Justice minister of Nunavut, has just been relocated to a very high-end dog house. His new kennelmates are all male public figures, such as Larry Summers, former president of Harvard University, who dared to utter certain statements that, although true and, to any objective observer, in no way hurtful to anyone, set the tumbrils in motion that would soon carry them off to the political guillotine.
What did Mr Tapardjuk say that cost him his portfolio? Why, Mr Tapardchuk had the temerity to suggest that domestic violence is sometimes initiated by women. He casually remarked in an e-mail - not even meant for anyone's eyes but his senior staff - that women who start domestic disputes should share the blame where violence is involved: "Often the man is charged [with domestic violence] even though the conflict may have been initiated by the female partner."
Private Care in India
I wrote another letter to the editor in the NP about this article. If you want to contact my cousin Dr Rajesh Garg you can find him at the Max Superspecialty Hospital in Delhi. He is an excellent Orthopaedic surgeon!
Doctors in India are waiting for your call
Re: Medicare, Made In India, editorial, Jan. 27.
I just returned from India. Many of my cousins there are physicians. One cousin, an orthopaedic surgeon in New Delhi, marvelled at the long wait times in Canada for joint replacement. He told me to send all my referrals for knee replacement to him in India, and he would do them within three days.
You editorial hits the nail on the head. Our health care system needs to look at solutions, instead of blindly following statist ideology.
Roy Eappen, Montreal.
Doctors in India are waiting for your call
Re: Medicare, Made In India, editorial, Jan. 27.
I just returned from India. Many of my cousins there are physicians. One cousin, an orthopaedic surgeon in New Delhi, marvelled at the long wait times in Canada for joint replacement. He told me to send all my referrals for knee replacement to him in India, and he would do them within three days.
You editorial hits the nail on the head. Our health care system needs to look at solutions, instead of blindly following statist ideology.
Roy Eappen, Montreal.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
obamessiah's protectionism
The horrible stimulus from the US ( voted against by every GOP member of congress) has a buy America clause which may cost a lot of Canadian jobs. Well! Well! Well! obamessiah is bad for Canada.
Harper voices concern over 'buy American' clause
Andrew Mayeda and Sheldon Alberts, Canwest News Service
Published: Thursday, January 29, 2009
OTTAWA - Prime Minister Stephen Harper expressed "serious concern" on Thursday over a provision of the U.S. stimulus bill that would require infrastructure projects to use American steel, putting Canada on the edge of its first trade dispute with the United States since Barack Obama was inaugurated.
The "Buy American" clause would ban the use of most foreign iron and steel from infrastructure projects funded under the US$819-billion stimulus bill, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday.
The 'Buy American' clause of the massive U.S. $819-billion stimulus bill, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday, has many countries, including Canada, voicing concerns.
Brendan Smialowski
On Thursday, Harper added Canada's name to the growing list of U.S. trade partners, from the European Union to Australia, who are seeking to overturn the provision.
Harper voices concern over 'buy American' clause
Andrew Mayeda and Sheldon Alberts, Canwest News Service
Published: Thursday, January 29, 2009
OTTAWA - Prime Minister Stephen Harper expressed "serious concern" on Thursday over a provision of the U.S. stimulus bill that would require infrastructure projects to use American steel, putting Canada on the edge of its first trade dispute with the United States since Barack Obama was inaugurated.
The "Buy American" clause would ban the use of most foreign iron and steel from infrastructure projects funded under the US$819-billion stimulus bill, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday.
The 'Buy American' clause of the massive U.S. $819-billion stimulus bill, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday, has many countries, including Canada, voicing concerns.
Brendan Smialowski
On Thursday, Harper added Canada's name to the growing list of U.S. trade partners, from the European Union to Australia, who are seeking to overturn the provision.
Surprise at Gitmo
Seems not everyone is bowing down to the obamessiah. Wonder if obamessiah will inform this judge that he won? The trial of the terrorist kahdr should also continue, in the interest of a speedy trial.
A military judge at Guantanamo on Thursday rejected a White House request to suspend a hearing for the alleged mastermind of the USS Cole bombing, creating an unexpected challenge for the administration as it reviews how America puts suspected terrorists on trial.
The judge, Army Col. James Pohl, said his decision was difficult but necessary to protect "the public interest in a speedy trial." The ruling came in the case against Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri. The bombing of the Navy destroyer in 2000 in the harbor of Aden, Yemen, killed 17 U.S. sailors.
It seemed to take the Pentagon and White House completely by surprise.
A military judge at Guantanamo on Thursday rejected a White House request to suspend a hearing for the alleged mastermind of the USS Cole bombing, creating an unexpected challenge for the administration as it reviews how America puts suspected terrorists on trial.
The judge, Army Col. James Pohl, said his decision was difficult but necessary to protect "the public interest in a speedy trial." The ruling came in the case against Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri. The bombing of the Navy destroyer in 2000 in the harbor of Aden, Yemen, killed 17 U.S. sailors.
It seemed to take the Pentagon and White House completely by surprise.
Ann Coulter on liberal victimhood
The spectacle of the soon to be impeached dem governor on every TV talk show has Ann laughing.
Liberal Victimhood: A Game You Can Play at Home
by Ann Coulter
I notice that liberals have not challenged the overall thesis of my rocketing bestseller, "Guilty: Liberal 'Victims' and Their Assault on America," which is that liberals always play the victim in order to advance, win advantages and oppress others.
I guess that would be hard to do when the corrupt Democratic governor of Illinois is running around comparing himself to Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi.
Liberal Victimhood: A Game You Can Play at Home
by Ann Coulter
I notice that liberals have not challenged the overall thesis of my rocketing bestseller, "Guilty: Liberal 'Victims' and Their Assault on America," which is that liberals always play the victim in order to advance, win advantages and oppress others.
I guess that would be hard to do when the corrupt Democratic governor of Illinois is running around comparing himself to Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi.
Choose Life McGill
I congratulate the students at McGill for forming a pro life club and the McGill Student government for certifying it. Even though there was some controversy. At least there is still some free speech on University Campuses in Canada.
The club has already had three events. The last one being a speech by Mary Meehan.
Mary Meehan, a self-proclaimed feminist, liberal author, and public speaker from Maryland, defended the pro-life movement last night as she stood before a packed Leacock 232 at Choose Life's third official event
Choose Life, a new interim club at McGill, invited Meehan to explain her seemingly contradictory political beliefs.
The event was also covered by the leftist McGill Daily. I have been in contact with Natalie Fohl . I have joined the club and offered any assistance I can to this great cause.
The club has already had three events. The last one being a speech by Mary Meehan.
Mary Meehan, a self-proclaimed feminist, liberal author, and public speaker from Maryland, defended the pro-life movement last night as she stood before a packed Leacock 232 at Choose Life's third official event
Choose Life, a new interim club at McGill, invited Meehan to explain her seemingly contradictory political beliefs.
The event was also covered by the leftist McGill Daily. I have been in contact with Natalie Fohl . I have joined the club and offered any assistance I can to this great cause.
The warring opposition
I am particularly happy about one thing about budget 2009. It has made the ndp and bloq furious. It becomes much more difficult for the grits to defeat HM Government at a time of their choosing, without the support of both of the opposition parties. Cooperation between the coup plotters seems very much less likely. I wonder if the other 2 parties will sue for breech of contract?
By contrast, Mr. Ignatieff's move provoked outrage from New Democratic Party Leader Jack Layton and Bloc Quebecois Leader Gilles Duceppe, who wanted the Liberals to defeat the government over the budget as early as next week. Mr. Layton accused Mr. Ignatieff of "propping up" Mr. Harper, and Mr. Duceppe declared the opposition coalition formed early last month "dead."
Charest and the Feds
I am pretty angry at Jean Charest for his campaigning for the BQ in the last federal election. Charest's support of the BQ was pretty sad. It also may have come back to bite him according to one ADQ MNA. ( h/t )
Wednesday, in the press briefing at the National Assembly, the representative of Democratic Action of Quebec did not want to condemn the budget presented by the Federal Minister Jim Flaherty.
The province is deprived of one billion dollars with the new equalization formula, Ottawa Commission intends to impose a national securities, against the wishes of the National Assembly, the Quebec industrial forest receive crumbs, and the share of Quebec for $ 12 billion in infrastructure is undetermined, said Cairo.
Because I think the Prime Minister of Quebec, the gestures he has raised in its relations with Ottawa, (...) has completely sabotaged the relationship with the federal government. "
For adequacy, "the diversion of the fruit of the fiscal imbalance", when Jean Charest has turned into tax cuts money received from Ottawa in 2007, created a malaise. Les «interventions, pendant la dernière campagne électorale», ont «créé un climat de méfiance. The "interventions during the last election, had" created a climate of mistrust. And it is Quebec that pays for it. "
Slavery in Sudan
Slavery still exist in much of the rest of the world in the US and Western Europe( where slavery was abolished many years ago) should help really be fighting slavery in places like Sudan. (h/t Infidels are Cool)
Sudan native recounts slavery
Monday, January 26, 2009
Last updated: Monday January 26, 2009, 6:46 AM
BY KAREN ROUSE
NorthJersey.com
STAFF WRITER
A man who said he was captured at age 9 and sold into slavery urged North Jersey's Jewish community on Sunday to continue speaking out against human trafficking in Sudan.
"Sudan is a country where human beings are still bought and sold into slavery, where genocide is being committed on the black people," said Simon Deng, now a human rights activist.
He was speaking at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades in Tenafly, where Jewish groups were marking U.N. Holocaust Commemoration Day.
"By inviting me here today you have given me the chance to be the voice of the voiceless," Deng, now an American citizen who works with the American anti-slavery group iAbolish, told an audience of about 40 people.
Sudan native recounts slavery
Monday, January 26, 2009
Last updated: Monday January 26, 2009, 6:46 AM
BY KAREN ROUSE
NorthJersey.com
STAFF WRITER
A man who said he was captured at age 9 and sold into slavery urged North Jersey's Jewish community on Sunday to continue speaking out against human trafficking in Sudan.
"Sudan is a country where human beings are still bought and sold into slavery, where genocide is being committed on the black people," said Simon Deng, now a human rights activist.
He was speaking at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades in Tenafly, where Jewish groups were marking U.N. Holocaust Commemoration Day.
"By inviting me here today you have given me the chance to be the voice of the voiceless," Deng, now an American citizen who works with the American anti-slavery group iAbolish, told an audience of about 40 people.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Myths of the Great Depression
An interesting little book from the Mackinac Centre with lessons for those who like keynesian economics. Again a h/t to my friend Janet Neilson.
Students today are often given a skewed account of the Great Depression of 1929-1941 that condemns free-market capitalism as the cause of, and promotes government intervention as the solution to, the economic hardships of the era. In this essay based on a popular lecture, Mackinac Center for Public Policy President Lawrence Reed debunks the conventional view and traces the central role that poor government policy played in fostering this legendary catastrophe.
Students today are often given a skewed account of the Great Depression of 1929-1941 that condemns free-market capitalism as the cause of, and promotes government intervention as the solution to, the economic hardships of the era. In this essay based on a popular lecture, Mackinac Center for Public Policy President Lawrence Reed debunks the conventional view and traces the central role that poor government policy played in fostering this legendary catastrophe.
Oh Joy
The mullahs lapdog is running again. he wants obamessiah to grovel for him. I doubt even a dem would be that spineless( unless it was jimmy carter).
Iranian leader demands US apology
Mr Ahmadinejad's remarks were the first since Mr Obama took office
Iran's president has responded to an overture by the new US president by demanding an apology for past US "crimes" committed against Iran.
The US "stood against the Iranian people in the past 60 years", Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said during an address in the western region of Khermenshah.
"Those who speak of change must apologise to the Iranian people and try to repair their past crimes," he said.
The US president has offered to extend a hand if Iran "unclenched its fist".
President Barack Obama discussed the possibility of a softening of US policy towards Iran in an interview recorded with a Saudi-owned Arabic TV network on Monday.
Mr Ahmadinejad will, as expected, stand for re-election in June, close aide Aliakbar Javanfekr told Reuters news agency on Wednesday.
Iranian leader demands US apology
Mr Ahmadinejad's remarks were the first since Mr Obama took office
Iran's president has responded to an overture by the new US president by demanding an apology for past US "crimes" committed against Iran.
The US "stood against the Iranian people in the past 60 years", Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said during an address in the western region of Khermenshah.
"Those who speak of change must apologise to the Iranian people and try to repair their past crimes," he said.
The US president has offered to extend a hand if Iran "unclenched its fist".
President Barack Obama discussed the possibility of a softening of US policy towards Iran in an interview recorded with a Saudi-owned Arabic TV network on Monday.
Mr Ahmadinejad will, as expected, stand for re-election in June, close aide Aliakbar Javanfekr told Reuters news agency on Wednesday.
Senator Norm Coleman on the Minnesota Senate Race
The real senator from Minnesota discusses the debacle in Minnesota that has the clown Franken in the lead. Some votes have been counted twice! There have been other dem dirty tricks as well. Senator Coleman will triumph!
Jay Bryan on Budget 2009
The Montreal Gazette's financial reporter sees more merit in the budget than I do, but I am not an expert in these matters.
Flaherty makes a solid effort to get economy moving again
JAY BRYAN, The Gazette
Published: 10 hours ago
It's not a visionary document, nor is it flawless even as an exercise in economic firefighting, but Jim Flaherty's latest budget does enough big things well to begin redeeming a reputation that was in the Dumpster only a few months ago.
Gone is the finance minister who in November would have been happy to worsen Canada's recession by slashing billions from federal spending to avoid a deficit at all costs.
In his place, there's a new Flaherty, whose idea of discipline is to spend like a drunken, but very focused, sailor. We'll see large deficits for two years, then sharply diminished ones, culminating in a return to surplus in five years.
Flaherty makes a solid effort to get economy moving again
JAY BRYAN, The Gazette
Published: 10 hours ago
It's not a visionary document, nor is it flawless even as an exercise in economic firefighting, but Jim Flaherty's latest budget does enough big things well to begin redeeming a reputation that was in the Dumpster only a few months ago.
Gone is the finance minister who in November would have been happy to worsen Canada's recession by slashing billions from federal spending to avoid a deficit at all costs.
In his place, there's a new Flaherty, whose idea of discipline is to spend like a drunken, but very focused, sailor. We'll see large deficits for two years, then sharply diminished ones, culminating in a return to surplus in five years.
Hope for Zimbabwe?
I'm not sure this will work, but anything that can be done to drive the butcher mugabe out is good news. The Southern African neighbours of the butchers continue to be his enablers. The power sharing deal with the MDC has broken down.The Cholera outbreak continues and mass starvation is approaching.
I suspect the only way to get rid of these thugs is the way the Romanians rid themselves of ceausescu.
resident Obama wants a fresh approach to toppling Robert Mugabe and is discussing with aides an unprecedented, US-led diplomatic push to get tough new UN sanctions imposed against the Zimbabwe regime, The Times has learned.
During talks Mr Obama has had with his top Africa advisers in recent weeks, the central idea they focused on was taking the issue of Zimbabwe before the UN Security Council, but for the first time to combine such a move with an intense diplomatic effort to persuade Russia and China not to block the initiative.
I suspect the only way to get rid of these thugs is the way the Romanians rid themselves of ceausescu.
resident Obama wants a fresh approach to toppling Robert Mugabe and is discussing with aides an unprecedented, US-led diplomatic push to get tough new UN sanctions imposed against the Zimbabwe regime, The Times has learned.
During talks Mr Obama has had with his top Africa advisers in recent weeks, the central idea they focused on was taking the issue of Zimbabwe before the UN Security Council, but for the first time to combine such a move with an intense diplomatic effort to persuade Russia and China not to block the initiative.
Private care in India
I have many cousins who are doctors. One of my cousins was amazed that it takes months and moths to get a knee replaced in Canada. He will do it in less than 3 days. Of course he will do this in a private hospital. Doctors and hospitals in India compete for patients . Now Canadians are going to places like India to get procedures they can't get in a timely fashion in Canada.
We need to de-mythologize health care. Our nation's sentimental attitude toward the subject is holding back the expansion of services in Canada and leading to ever-lengthening waiting lists and a deepening doctor shortage. As our population ages and Baby Boomers enter the prime care-consuming years, our insistence on maintaining the government health monopoly is going to lead to a train wreck in care.
We need to stop worrying about such tangential issues as whether our blood tests are being read in Mumbai or Medicine Hat, and start looking for solutions --private as well as public-- that will give the greatest number of Canadians the best care as quickly as possible.
We need to de-mythologize health care. Our nation's sentimental attitude toward the subject is holding back the expansion of services in Canada and leading to ever-lengthening waiting lists and a deepening doctor shortage. As our population ages and Baby Boomers enter the prime care-consuming years, our insistence on maintaining the government health monopoly is going to lead to a train wreck in care.
We need to stop worrying about such tangential issues as whether our blood tests are being read in Mumbai or Medicine Hat, and start looking for solutions --private as well as public-- that will give the greatest number of Canadians the best care as quickly as possible.
Mad Magazine on obamessiah
At least the entire American public hasn't gone mad over obamessiah.(h/t The SantosRepublic)
MAD ushers in an era of hope – with our latest hopeless issue! We pay tribute to President Obama by examining what the crowd was thinking during his inauguration – and taking a look at the first 100 minutes of his presidency!
MAD ushers in an era of hope – with our latest hopeless issue! We pay tribute to President Obama by examining what the crowd was thinking during his inauguration – and taking a look at the first 100 minutes of his presidency!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Budget 2009
The federal budget is not really a surprise. It is not a very Tory budget. There are massive spending increases and a whopping deficit. Unfortunately this is the world wide pattern.
I do like the tax cuts. The reaction is predictable the ndp and bloc say they will oppose. chokula is being coy and will probably demand even more spending. Some of my friends are apoplectic over this budget. I can't say I am very happy either. As I said earlier I will continue to criticize, but I am still a Tory.
I also remind my friend Gerry Nichols that pseudochretien was not particularly conservative, he was pushed by a conservative/reform opposition. Unfortunately in this case the minority government is being shoved to the lift.
I do like the tax cuts. The reaction is predictable the ndp and bloc say they will oppose. chokula is being coy and will probably demand even more spending. Some of my friends are apoplectic over this budget. I can't say I am very happy either. As I said earlier I will continue to criticize, but I am still a Tory.
I also remind my friend Gerry Nichols that pseudochretien was not particularly conservative, he was pushed by a conservative/reform opposition. Unfortunately in this case the minority government is being shoved to the lift.
duh!
Whiny grit ken dryden is bleating about big bad HM PM Stephen Harper. It is always hilarious to here grit bleating over partisan politics. After all this is the party of pseudochretien and trudeau. Unfortunately the Tories have learned only too well from the grits. Your bleating kenny is just the pot
calling thekettle black.
For anything really to change, Harper believes, Canadians need to develop more "conservative" and "Conservative" habits. For that to happen, the Conservatives need to win government more often and for longer. The Liberals must be truly defeated. For that to happen, they must be destroyed.
That is the consistency of mind with which Harper has governed for nearly three years. And when someone thinks this way, they don't really govern, they campaign, never-endingly, which is exactly what Harper has done. In doing so, at times he has seemed oddly conciliatory – on Afghanistan. At times, oddly intransigent – on anti-terrorism legislation.
But there has been nothing odd or inconsistent about either of these actions. He could see differences within the Liberal party on Afghanistan that his conciliation would only exacerbate, so he was conciliatory. He could see differences on the anti-terrorism sunset clause that his intransigence would only exacerbate, so he was intransigent.
In each case, his direction was not determined by ideology or pragmatic belief or even just "good politics," but by the opportunity to weaken the Liberal party. In October, it won him re-election with an even greater number of seats.
This was a big achievement for the traditional politician whose focus is winning and power, but not for Harper. His next big step came with the November economic update.
calling thekettle black.
For anything really to change, Harper believes, Canadians need to develop more "conservative" and "Conservative" habits. For that to happen, the Conservatives need to win government more often and for longer. The Liberals must be truly defeated. For that to happen, they must be destroyed.
That is the consistency of mind with which Harper has governed for nearly three years. And when someone thinks this way, they don't really govern, they campaign, never-endingly, which is exactly what Harper has done. In doing so, at times he has seemed oddly conciliatory – on Afghanistan. At times, oddly intransigent – on anti-terrorism legislation.
But there has been nothing odd or inconsistent about either of these actions. He could see differences within the Liberal party on Afghanistan that his conciliation would only exacerbate, so he was conciliatory. He could see differences on the anti-terrorism sunset clause that his intransigence would only exacerbate, so he was intransigent.
In each case, his direction was not determined by ideology or pragmatic belief or even just "good politics," but by the opportunity to weaken the Liberal party. In October, it won him re-election with an even greater number of seats.
This was a big achievement for the traditional politician whose focus is winning and power, but not for Harper. His next big step came with the November economic update.
Ideological purity
I am very conservative and don't particularly like the direction of the Tories of late. I spent the weekend with a group of my friends from my residency days. We rented an house at St Anne Quebec near Quebec city. There were 30 people. We try and all get together like this at least once a year. It was great to see my friends and watch how their children have grown. I am by far the most right wing of this group. I have friends on the left and even friends who believe in Quebec separation. They all love me, as I love them. We have all known each other for more than 23 years. I drove down to Montreal with my friend Serge.
We had a long political discussion. He has voted Tory in most of the last elections, but is a very pragmatic guy. He is a soft Quebec nationalist. He listened as I ranted about the leftward tilt of the Tories. He wondered if the Tories really wanted to be in power. He told me the only job of a political party is to win power. That pseudochretien believed in nothing and would do anything for power. He then said we could be ideologically power and permanently out of power. He even went so far as suggesting that doing things that alienate Alberta would win many votes back east. I said that the party has already alienated the base quite a bit. As I have said looking for ideological purity at all times is a recipe for grit victory.
I believe criticizing the party is wholly legitimate. It gives cover on the left ( look what those crazy right wing nuts want, we are moderate) and helps keep the party on the right track. As HM PM Stephen Harper has said, we Blogging Tories also keep the party's feet to the fire. My problem is when we become so critical and stomp out, I suspect many stop listening. The Tory party is not synonymous with the conservative movement. The party is their to win power. The movement is here to help move the center of Canadian politics back to the right.
I am not going to abandon a party that i have invested so much sweat,tears time and money. I will continue to criticize things i don't like and compliment the Tories for the many things they have down right. I am sure the budget today will give me heartburn, but I will not abandon the party. Politics is the art of the possible. Given the leftist tendencies of many Canadians, overnight change is not likely. For those who think Iggy and the grits are more right wing, think again. Iggy has taken over an essentially left wing party. He has already had to take very different positions to be a grit ( e.g Iraq and even the coup).
I will continue to support the conservative movement, as well as the party. I don't abandon old friends because they have somewhat lost their way. It is my own two pronged approach to try and keep this land that I love, going in the right direction.
We had a long political discussion. He has voted Tory in most of the last elections, but is a very pragmatic guy. He is a soft Quebec nationalist. He listened as I ranted about the leftward tilt of the Tories. He wondered if the Tories really wanted to be in power. He told me the only job of a political party is to win power. That pseudochretien believed in nothing and would do anything for power. He then said we could be ideologically power and permanently out of power. He even went so far as suggesting that doing things that alienate Alberta would win many votes back east. I said that the party has already alienated the base quite a bit. As I have said looking for ideological purity at all times is a recipe for grit victory.
I believe criticizing the party is wholly legitimate. It gives cover on the left ( look what those crazy right wing nuts want, we are moderate) and helps keep the party on the right track. As HM PM Stephen Harper has said, we Blogging Tories also keep the party's feet to the fire. My problem is when we become so critical and stomp out, I suspect many stop listening. The Tory party is not synonymous with the conservative movement. The party is their to win power. The movement is here to help move the center of Canadian politics back to the right.
I am not going to abandon a party that i have invested so much sweat,tears time and money. I will continue to criticize things i don't like and compliment the Tories for the many things they have down right. I am sure the budget today will give me heartburn, but I will not abandon the party. Politics is the art of the possible. Given the leftist tendencies of many Canadians, overnight change is not likely. For those who think Iggy and the grits are more right wing, think again. Iggy has taken over an essentially left wing party. He has already had to take very different positions to be a grit ( e.g Iraq and even the coup).
I will continue to support the conservative movement, as well as the party. I don't abandon old friends because they have somewhat lost their way. It is my own two pronged approach to try and keep this land that I love, going in the right direction.
More on cutting red tape as a stimulus
Again thanks to Janet Neilson. Another article on why we don't need massive government spending to stimulate the economy.
Reject political stimulus, embrace “Deregulatory Stimulus.†And do it FAST.
by Wayne Crews
November 11, 2008 @ 7:56 pm
Facing an economic downturn and an election, politicians of both parties sought to stimulate consumer demand—and some business investment—through political action. They promised that if the early 2008 “Stimulus Package†didn’t succeed, there would be “more to come.â€
It didn’t work, and a stimulus is now the number one Obama priority. His “Big Bang†agenda has to wait its turn.
As in recent stimulus campaigns—for example, during the first terms of presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush—almost all today’s politicians accept the legitimacy of government stimulus and rarely ponder the future economic harm such intervention may cause.
Genuine stimulus would entail liberalization of the economy from excessive interventions, regulations, and spending, and from political inflation of the money supply. It would maintain the conditions—legal order, minimal regulations and stable institutions—within which wealth can be created. It would recognize that governments do not themselves create wealth.
Reject political stimulus, embrace “Deregulatory Stimulus.†And do it FAST.
by Wayne Crews
November 11, 2008 @ 7:56 pm
Facing an economic downturn and an election, politicians of both parties sought to stimulate consumer demand—and some business investment—through political action. They promised that if the early 2008 “Stimulus Package†didn’t succeed, there would be “more to come.â€
It didn’t work, and a stimulus is now the number one Obama priority. His “Big Bang†agenda has to wait its turn.
As in recent stimulus campaigns—for example, during the first terms of presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush—almost all today’s politicians accept the legitimacy of government stimulus and rarely ponder the future economic harm such intervention may cause.
Genuine stimulus would entail liberalization of the economy from excessive interventions, regulations, and spending, and from political inflation of the money supply. It would maintain the conditions—legal order, minimal regulations and stable institutions—within which wealth can be created. It would recognize that governments do not themselves create wealth.
A culture of responsibility
Star Parker talks about responsibility and the black community. She urges obamessiah to reconsider his adherence to the death cult.
The black poverty rate, which has been frozen at twice the national average for decades, is almost exclusively a phenomenon of single parent homes. Black families with two married parents at home are on approximate economic par with white families.
According to the most recent report on sexually transmitted diseases from the Center for Disease Control, these diseases are increasing and spreading in our nation. And blacks account, depending on the disease, for between 50-70 percent of them.
No, this is not about "reproductive freedom." This about respect for life, for others, and a true culture of responsibility.
What can be done?
Understand that our crisis is one of values. Restore law that protects all life. And free at risk children from the tyranny of government schools where they are taught moral relativism. Allow these children the freedom to go to church schools.
The black poverty rate, which has been frozen at twice the national average for decades, is almost exclusively a phenomenon of single parent homes. Black families with two married parents at home are on approximate economic par with white families.
According to the most recent report on sexually transmitted diseases from the Center for Disease Control, these diseases are increasing and spreading in our nation. And blacks account, depending on the disease, for between 50-70 percent of them.
No, this is not about "reproductive freedom." This about respect for life, for others, and a true culture of responsibility.
What can be done?
Understand that our crisis is one of values. Restore law that protects all life. And free at risk children from the tyranny of government schools where they are taught moral relativism. Allow these children the freedom to go to church schools.
The goreacle's religion
More on the global warming religion.
The fact that through all of recorded history, the earth has gotten warmer and cooler long before the internal combustion engine was even a gleam in Nicholas Cugnot’s eye, should suggest to everyone that Gore is peddling month-old fish. But so long as there are enough true believers to make it profitable, not to mention chic, the weather zealots will continue to trample truth and logic underfoot.
All hope is not lost, however. Quite recently, Sammy Wilson, who represents East Antrim in Parliament, and also serves as England’s environmental minister, dismissed man-made global warming as a gigantic con game. But, of course, I’m sure that Gore’s galoots will discount his judgment. After all, he’s merely a politician, whereas Al Gore is a…..god?
The fact that through all of recorded history, the earth has gotten warmer and cooler long before the internal combustion engine was even a gleam in Nicholas Cugnot’s eye, should suggest to everyone that Gore is peddling month-old fish. But so long as there are enough true believers to make it profitable, not to mention chic, the weather zealots will continue to trample truth and logic underfoot.
All hope is not lost, however. Quite recently, Sammy Wilson, who represents East Antrim in Parliament, and also serves as England’s environmental minister, dismissed man-made global warming as a gigantic con game. But, of course, I’m sure that Gore’s galoots will discount his judgment. After all, he’s merely a politician, whereas Al Gore is a…..god?
Monday, January 26, 2009
Saving the planet with carbon credits?
Carbon credits seems to be an utter failure. Are you really surprised?
XIAOXI, China – The hydroelectric dam, a low wall of concrete slicing across an old farming valley, is supposed to help a power company in distant Germany contribute to saving the climate — while putting lucrative "carbon credits" into the pockets of Chinese developers.
But in the end the new Xiaoxi dam may do nothing to lower global-warming emissions as advertised. And many of the 7,500 people displaced by the project still seethe over losing their homes and farmland.
"Nobody asked if we wanted to move," said a 38-year-old man whose family lost a small brick house. "The government just posted a notice that said, 'Your home will be demolished.'"
The dam will shortchange German consumers, Chinese villagers and the climate itself, if critics are right. And Xiaoxi is not alone.
Similar stories are repeated across China and elsewhere around the world, as hundreds of hydro projects line up for carbon credits, at a potential cost of billions to Europeans, Japanese and soon perhaps Americans, in a trading system a new U.S. government review concludes has "uncertain effects" on greenhouse-gas emissions.
XIAOXI, China – The hydroelectric dam, a low wall of concrete slicing across an old farming valley, is supposed to help a power company in distant Germany contribute to saving the climate — while putting lucrative "carbon credits" into the pockets of Chinese developers.
But in the end the new Xiaoxi dam may do nothing to lower global-warming emissions as advertised. And many of the 7,500 people displaced by the project still seethe over losing their homes and farmland.
"Nobody asked if we wanted to move," said a 38-year-old man whose family lost a small brick house. "The government just posted a notice that said, 'Your home will be demolished.'"
The dam will shortchange German consumers, Chinese villagers and the climate itself, if critics are right. And Xiaoxi is not alone.
Similar stories are repeated across China and elsewhere around the world, as hundreds of hydro projects line up for carbon credits, at a potential cost of billions to Europeans, Japanese and soon perhaps Americans, in a trading system a new U.S. government review concludes has "uncertain effects" on greenhouse-gas emissions.
Tories still lead
An Ipsos read poll shows the Tories still more trusted on the economy. The Ottawa citizen article still tries to spin this in favour of the grits.
Respondents were asked which of the main federal parties they most trust to manage the economy. Forty-four per cent chose Mr. Harper and the Conservatives, down one percentage point from pre-budget polling in 2008.
Mr. Ignatieff and the Liberals received 31 per cent of the vote, up five points from where former leader Stéphane Dion stood heading into last year's budget. The NDP's Jack Layton slipped two points to 14 per cent.
"Iggy has yet to establish his bona fides," said Darrell Bricker, CEO of Ipsos Reid Public Affairs. "I think people like the idea of Iggy as opposed to Dion, but he hasn't been a game-changer and he hasn't really established himself as a credible alternative yet."
Respondents were asked which of the main federal parties they most trust to manage the economy. Forty-four per cent chose Mr. Harper and the Conservatives, down one percentage point from pre-budget polling in 2008.
Mr. Ignatieff and the Liberals received 31 per cent of the vote, up five points from where former leader Stéphane Dion stood heading into last year's budget. The NDP's Jack Layton slipped two points to 14 per cent.
"Iggy has yet to establish his bona fides," said Darrell Bricker, CEO of Ipsos Reid Public Affairs. "I think people like the idea of Iggy as opposed to Dion, but he hasn't been a game-changer and he hasn't really established himself as a credible alternative yet."
Residential Schools
I have written in the past about Residential schools. It makes me sad that the compensation package given to everyone who attended these schools has resulted in a lot of subsidizing alcoholism, drug abuse and suicide. Indeed, I have heard that there have been suggestions that some native leaders wanted to sue over these most recent deaths. Apparently some think that because the compensation wasn't enough, it triggered these abuses. Perhaps these "leaders" should read what my friend Rebecca Walberg has written.
OTTAWA - Payments to Indian residential school survivors, meant to compensate them for mistreatment, have led to suicides, substance abuse and depression across the country, documents obtained by Canwest News Service show.
In British Columbia alone, according to a member of one survivors' group, two dozen deaths have been attributed to the payments.
The "Common Experience Payment" (CEP) for natives who attended residential schools was launched with much fanfare in the fall of 2007, after years of lawsuits and negotiations.
OTTAWA - Payments to Indian residential school survivors, meant to compensate them for mistreatment, have led to suicides, substance abuse and depression across the country, documents obtained by Canwest News Service show.
In British Columbia alone, according to a member of one survivors' group, two dozen deaths have been attributed to the payments.
The "Common Experience Payment" (CEP) for natives who attended residential schools was launched with much fanfare in the fall of 2007, after years of lawsuits and negotiations.
Week one : the obamessiah staff subpoaenas
Did anyone see mention of this in the MSM??
Among those served with subpoenas were:
David Axelrod, Obama's "Karl Rove" and the biggest surprise on the list. Obama's team issued a report in December that said his staff had no "inappropriate contact" with Blago, so the inclusion of Axelrod is a bit of a shock.
Valerie Jarrett, Blago's "Senate Candidate 1", a real estate management executive and political hack of the first order. Her ties to failed and fraudulent real estate deals in Chicago were the subject of numerous investigations and should have instantly disqualified her for any public office.
Rahm Emanuel was already deeply involved in the case with some reports describing as many as 21 conversations with Blago's office during the period in question.
Tony Rezko, Obama's first advocate, fundraiser and adviser, was convicted last year on numerous charges related to kickbacks, and is now awaiting sentencing. Rezko is "cooperating with authorities, FBI Agent Daniel Cain said in an affidavit."
Among those served with subpoenas were:
David Axelrod, Obama's "Karl Rove" and the biggest surprise on the list. Obama's team issued a report in December that said his staff had no "inappropriate contact" with Blago, so the inclusion of Axelrod is a bit of a shock.
Valerie Jarrett, Blago's "Senate Candidate 1", a real estate management executive and political hack of the first order. Her ties to failed and fraudulent real estate deals in Chicago were the subject of numerous investigations and should have instantly disqualified her for any public office.
Rahm Emanuel was already deeply involved in the case with some reports describing as many as 21 conversations with Blago's office during the period in question.
Tony Rezko, Obama's first advocate, fundraiser and adviser, was convicted last year on numerous charges related to kickbacks, and is now awaiting sentencing. Rezko is "cooperating with authorities, FBI Agent Daniel Cain said in an affidavit."
dems against children?
Nancy Pelosi who is the mother of 5 and the grandmother of 6 , contends family planning will stimulate the economy. Is this woman on drugs? Besides being gifts from God, these babies are future consumers and taxpayers. Their parents will have to spend a lot of money raising them Once again we see how anti baby and anti family the dems have become. Apparently abortion and birth control are part of their economic stimulus package. How very sad?
Cutting red tape
My friend ,Janet Neilson, made a very good suggestion. She said one of her colleagues talked about stimuls packages made up just of cutting red tape. I think that is a great idea. Here is one suggestion for the government to help the Detroit automakers. Cut more red tape and spend much less monet!
Commentary: Bail out Big 3 by cutting red tape
Reducing excessive regulation helps Detroit without costing taxpayers
Iain Murray
Why are we spending $17 billion of taxpayers' money propping up two Detroit automakers (notably not Ford Motor Co.)? What the auto companies really need is a reduction in their regulatory burden.
Through excessive regulation, Congress has placed Detroit at a competitive disadvantage with foreign automakers, since many rules are aimed at eliminating the sort of vehicles that Detroit has proved adept at designing and marketing.
The following deregulatory bailout will help the embattled automakers without spending a dime of taxpayers' money:
There are many other nanny state regulations that stiffle private enterprise of all sizes. Instead of wasting tens of bilions in a stimulus package, eliminate the red tape and cut taxes
Commentary: Bail out Big 3 by cutting red tape
Reducing excessive regulation helps Detroit without costing taxpayers
Iain Murray
Why are we spending $17 billion of taxpayers' money propping up two Detroit automakers (notably not Ford Motor Co.)? What the auto companies really need is a reduction in their regulatory burden.
Through excessive regulation, Congress has placed Detroit at a competitive disadvantage with foreign automakers, since many rules are aimed at eliminating the sort of vehicles that Detroit has proved adept at designing and marketing.
The following deregulatory bailout will help the embattled automakers without spending a dime of taxpayers' money:
There are many other nanny state regulations that stiffle private enterprise of all sizes. Instead of wasting tens of bilions in a stimulus package, eliminate the red tape and cut taxes
The National Post on Budget 2009
The NP supports the contention of many conservatives (including me) that we don't need a stimulus. The only saving grace for all of this spending so far is some permanent tax cuts. I am not looking forward to the budget.
Editorial: Why we don't need a big stimulus
National Post
Published: Monday, January 26, 2009
As we were told last Thursday in a rather extraordinary revelation by Prime Minister's Office staffers, tomorrow's budget will yield a $34-billion deficit this year and another $30-billion shortfall next year. Close to $50-billion of this overspending -- and perhaps a total of $85-billion over the next five budgets -- will be attributable to so-called fiscal stimulus. Supporters of big government will take this as good news. But this newspaper takes the opposite view: The Bank of Canada is already predicting an economic turnaround in the second half of this year and a "robust" recovery in 2010. Sloshing so much tax money into a rebounding economy would be useless at best and could well prove harmful.
Editorial: Why we don't need a big stimulus
National Post
Published: Monday, January 26, 2009
As we were told last Thursday in a rather extraordinary revelation by Prime Minister's Office staffers, tomorrow's budget will yield a $34-billion deficit this year and another $30-billion shortfall next year. Close to $50-billion of this overspending -- and perhaps a total of $85-billion over the next five budgets -- will be attributable to so-called fiscal stimulus. Supporters of big government will take this as good news. But this newspaper takes the opposite view: The Bank of Canada is already predicting an economic turnaround in the second half of this year and a "robust" recovery in 2010. Sloshing so much tax money into a rebounding economy would be useless at best and could well prove harmful.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
NDP supports unions..
but doesn't give a damn about York students. The lapdog of the unions will oppose a speedy end to the York strike. I deology over peopl, the ndp mantra. Solidarity forever?
TORONTO — The Ontario government will recall the legislature Sunday to introduce legislation that would end the 11-week strike by contract faculty and teaching assistants at York University. But a speedy end to the dispute will not happen because of opposition from the New Democratic Party.
Premier Dalton McGuinty said Saturday that he has been advised by a provincial mediator that talks between York and the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local had ground to a halt. He said the government is acting to prevent 50,000 York students from losing their academic year.
TORONTO — The Ontario government will recall the legislature Sunday to introduce legislation that would end the 11-week strike by contract faculty and teaching assistants at York University. But a speedy end to the dispute will not happen because of opposition from the New Democratic Party.
Premier Dalton McGuinty said Saturday that he has been advised by a provincial mediator that talks between York and the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local had ground to a halt. He said the government is acting to prevent 50,000 York students from losing their academic year.
More on Gitmo
I beginning to think my friend and commentator Rebecca is right. obamessiah's executive order on gitmo is mor style than substance.
Assessing the Israeli actions in Gaza
An ex British Colonel on BBC (during the conflict), praises IDF actions in trying to limit civilian casualties
Saturday, January 24, 2009
J.D. McLean
I had some very bad news. A teacher and colleague and friend has died suddenly. I received this email from my classmate Dr Michael Libman, Chief of Infectious Disease at the Montreal General Hospital. The world is a poorer place without Dr J.D. Maclean My deepest sympathies to his wife and family.
To all members of the Department of Medicine on behalf of Dr. Michael Libman, Director of the Division of Infectious Diseases.
Unexpectedly and suddenly, the McGill Community lost Dick MacLean yesterday. After more than 30 years of passionate interest and effort, he was recognized across Canada and internationally as one of the most influential forces in clinical tropical medicine. He single-handedly built the McGill Center for Tropical Medicine into a leading clinical, laboratory and research hub. Instead of easing-up as he approached and then passed 'retirement age', Dick just kept getting better at what he did with endless requests from governments for advice, invitations to speak at the continent's most prestigious medical schools and the publication of influential manuscripts in the most important journals. In 2006, this expertise was formally recognized when he was asked to serve as the President of the Clinical Group of the American Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene. Using wit and gentle barbs, Dick freely shared his encyclopaedic knowledge of tropical diseases with generation after generation of students, residents and staff. His effectiveness as a teacher is best evidenced by the fact that virtually everyone who worked with him was inspired to at least consider pursuing a career in international health or doing work in the tropics. He loved to teach and he was very good at it. Although he was lost to McGill too soon, his influence will be felt for decades to come through the many colleagues he inspired not only to be better physicians but also to be citizens of the world.
Michael Libman M.D.
Update: Here is the obituary in the Montreal Gazette.
Budget 2009, a Tory Budget?
Apparently HM Finance Minister Flaherty says the budget will have a Tory stamp on it. How is this possible with a large deficit. I urge large spending cuts, cutting electoral welfare and tax cuts. I urge not spending for corporate welfare and if public spending is needed to fund only very necessary infrastructure programs.
It will still have the Tory stamp
Bulging Budget Wish List = Tax Cuts + Bailouts + Tax Credits + Investment + Incentives + Subsidies
Paul Vieira, Financial Post
Next week's stimulus-laden, deficit-creating budget is the type one would least expect from Stephen Harper, the Prime Minister, and Jim Flaherty, the Finance Minister.
Since attaining power in early 2006, the Conservatives' economic mantra has been about their preference for less government and paying down debt.
Make no mistake, however -- Tuesday's budget will have Conservative fingerprints all over it, from how they plan to spend the $20-billion or so with the aim of pumping up a moribund economy an1211472d avoiding a protracted recession, to indications of future policy direction that likely point to further market liberalization and the repeal of overlapping regulation.
It will still have the Tory stamp
Bulging Budget Wish List = Tax Cuts + Bailouts + Tax Credits + Investment + Incentives + Subsidies
Paul Vieira, Financial Post
Next week's stimulus-laden, deficit-creating budget is the type one would least expect from Stephen Harper, the Prime Minister, and Jim Flaherty, the Finance Minister.
Since attaining power in early 2006, the Conservatives' economic mantra has been about their preference for less government and paying down debt.
Make no mistake, however -- Tuesday's budget will have Conservative fingerprints all over it, from how they plan to spend the $20-billion or so with the aim of pumping up a moribund economy an1211472d avoiding a protracted recession, to indications of future policy direction that likely point to further market liberalization and the repeal of overlapping regulation.
Finally
I guess even dalton understands the York strike must be ended. I'm glad he is calling back the legislature.
McGuinty to introduce back-to-work legislation to end York strike
Canwest News Service
Published: Saturday, January 24, 2009
Premier Dalton McGuinty said Saturday he will recall the provincial legislature on Sunday at 1 p.m. to introduce back-to-work legislation that would end the labour dispute at Toronto's York University.
"I am asking MPPs from all parties to provide unanimous consent for immediate passage of the bill so that students can get back to school this week," McGuinty said in a statement.
McGuinty to introduce back-to-work legislation to end York strike
Canwest News Service
Published: Saturday, January 24, 2009
Premier Dalton McGuinty said Saturday he will recall the provincial legislature on Sunday at 1 p.m. to introduce back-to-work legislation that would end the labour dispute at Toronto's York University.
"I am asking MPPs from all parties to provide unanimous consent for immediate passage of the bill so that students can get back to school this week," McGuinty said in a statement.
A center right obamessiah
Apparently the progressives are not happy with obamessiah. Maybe things won't be as bad as I feared?
Better than McCain" doesn't cut it, anymore.
When the New York Times describes the emerging Obama administration as "centre-right," there is not much for an honest progressive to defend - and most African-Americans are progressive on economic issues and questions of war and peace.
Beyond a ritual counting of the president-elect's African-American appointees, most African-Americans seem oblivious to the political nature of his cabinet, his policy pronouncements and shameful silences.
More likely, they pretend to be oblivious so as not to lose that once-in-a-lifetime feeling that happened when a black man won.
Better than McCain" doesn't cut it, anymore.
When the New York Times describes the emerging Obama administration as "centre-right," there is not much for an honest progressive to defend - and most African-Americans are progressive on economic issues and questions of war and peace.
Beyond a ritual counting of the president-elect's African-American appointees, most African-Americans seem oblivious to the political nature of his cabinet, his policy pronouncements and shameful silences.
More likely, they pretend to be oblivious so as not to lose that once-in-a-lifetime feeling that happened when a black man won.
Salim Mansur on Free Speech
We musn't forget fighting the thought police of the hrcs! My friend Salim Mansur remembers.
In a crowded year for news such as 2008, there was one subject of vital importance for Canadians that did not receive sufficient media and public attention.
This is the grassroots campaign supporting freedom of speech unconstrained by the coercive arm of the state -- the federal and provincial Human Rights Commissions (HRC). It is truly bizarre that in the 21st century such a campaign has to be organized in one of the oldest liberal democracies.
It is also bizarre that so many Canadians remain unconcerned that the foundational principle of liberal democracy -- freedom of speech -- has been assaulted systematically in their country in the name of tolerance.
And then making matters worse, the Canadian state armed the federal HRC -- provincial governments have followed Ottawa -- with section 13 in the Canadian Human Rights Act to penalize speech if it is "likely" to expose someone to contempt or hatred even though it might not be proven in court.
What might now seem a long time ago to Canadian legislators and bureaucrats of the HRCs, J.S. Mill, writing in On Liberty, observed some eight years before the Dominion of Canada was established that "unless the reasons (for free speech) are good for an extreme case, they are not good for any case."
Going back further by more than two centuries, the English poet John Milton laid out the argument against censoring free speech in his tract titled Areopagitica, Milton contended -- and Mill returned to it -- that truth does not need the aid of censor's coercive powers to prevail.
In a crowded year for news such as 2008, there was one subject of vital importance for Canadians that did not receive sufficient media and public attention.
This is the grassroots campaign supporting freedom of speech unconstrained by the coercive arm of the state -- the federal and provincial Human Rights Commissions (HRC). It is truly bizarre that in the 21st century such a campaign has to be organized in one of the oldest liberal democracies.
It is also bizarre that so many Canadians remain unconcerned that the foundational principle of liberal democracy -- freedom of speech -- has been assaulted systematically in their country in the name of tolerance.
And then making matters worse, the Canadian state armed the federal HRC -- provincial governments have followed Ottawa -- with section 13 in the Canadian Human Rights Act to penalize speech if it is "likely" to expose someone to contempt or hatred even though it might not be proven in court.
What might now seem a long time ago to Canadian legislators and bureaucrats of the HRCs, J.S. Mill, writing in On Liberty, observed some eight years before the Dominion of Canada was established that "unless the reasons (for free speech) are good for an extreme case, they are not good for any case."
Going back further by more than two centuries, the English poet John Milton laid out the argument against censoring free speech in his tract titled Areopagitica, Milton contended -- and Mill returned to it -- that truth does not need the aid of censor's coercive powers to prevail.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Gitmo alumni
Now isn't this wonderful. So aren't we all looking forward to the closing of gitmo and the release of all these jihadis?
CAIRO, Egypt – A Saudi man released from Guantanamo after spending nearly six years inside the U.S. prison camp is now the No. 2 of Yemen's al-Qaida branch, according to a purported Internet statement from the terror network.
The announcement, made this week on a Web site commonly used by militants, came as President Barack Obama ordered the detention facility closed within a year. Many of the remaining detainees are from Yemen, which has long posed a vexing terrorism problem for the U.S.
The terror group's Yemen branch — known as "al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula" — said the man, identified as Said Ali al-Shihri, returned to his home in Saudi Arabia after his release from Guantanamo about a year ago and from there went to Yemen, which is Osama bin Laden's ancestral home.
CAIRO, Egypt – A Saudi man released from Guantanamo after spending nearly six years inside the U.S. prison camp is now the No. 2 of Yemen's al-Qaida branch, according to a purported Internet statement from the terror network.
The announcement, made this week on a Web site commonly used by militants, came as President Barack Obama ordered the detention facility closed within a year. Many of the remaining detainees are from Yemen, which has long posed a vexing terrorism problem for the U.S.
The terror group's Yemen branch — known as "al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula" — said the man, identified as Said Ali al-Shihri, returned to his home in Saudi Arabia after his release from Guantanamo about a year ago and from there went to Yemen, which is Osama bin Laden's ancestral home.
Monstrous evil
Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
This is beyond comprehension.
The unidentified assailant, whose face was reportedly painted with black and white make-up, attacked the creche in Dendermonde, 20 miles northwest of Brussels.
"Two children and one adult have been killed," a spokeswoman for Belgium's interior ministry said.
There are reports that as many as 20 other children have been wounded.
"At least 10 are injured. Ten, 15, 20 are injured, I don't know," said Peter Cleymans, the chief of the local ambulance service.
This is beyond comprehension.
The unidentified assailant, whose face was reportedly painted with black and white make-up, attacked the creche in Dendermonde, 20 miles northwest of Brussels.
"Two children and one adult have been killed," a spokeswoman for Belgium's interior ministry said.
There are reports that as many as 20 other children have been wounded.
"At least 10 are injured. Ten, 15, 20 are injured, I don't know," said Peter Cleymans, the chief of the local ambulance service.
Milking the public?
Tasha Kheiriddin and Maitre Simon Potter
Marcel Groleau Head of the Quebec Milk Producers and a member of the UPAI am not a big fan of supply management. It is just another form of tariff barrier that effectively harms the third world.
I went to a Fraser Institute luncheon on the It was presented by Maitre Simon Potter from McCarthy Tetrault. Potter quoted from Terence Corcoran's recent piece in the NP Potter made the point that many decisions are made without our knowledge which affect our choices. The marketing boards are actually decreasing our agricultural trade by billions of dollars. The marketing boards have a mandate to see suplly equals demand. There are multiple regulations which must employ oodles of civil servants Unfortunately all parties seem vested in keeping this system inspite of our NAFTA and GATT obligations. There were several members from the powerful Quebec farmers group the UPA in attendance who vigourously opposed this thesis. Indeed Potter did not propose completely getting rid of the milk marketing board. He even acknowledged the advantages to small farms and some producers.The lawyer from the UPA gave an environmental( envirostalinist) view which held up the marketing boards as saviours of the environment. Then of course red herring health issues were being brought up. It does seem to be true that at least at the retail level milk is about the same price in Canada and the US, but industrial milk is much higher here. Indeed pizza makers have a special side deal through even more bureacratic regulations. I think that it would be better to allow market forces to decide.
What makes the latest price increase more laughable is that it is taking place in an economic environment where milk prices should be falling.
In the United States, the latest reports say the price of milk has fallen from $20 per hundred pounds to $10 per hundred pounds. In Canadian terms, taking into account the richer fat content in Canadian milk, that works out to a current price of about $35 per hectolitre compared with the $75 price now being pushed through by the farmers under supply management.
U.S. milk users see the lower prices as a boost for their businesses in tough times.
For Canada, it means more of the same. The Canadian dairy industry is in long-term decline, reduced in size and loaded with exorbitant extra costs, including the cost of buying and owning a quota right to produce milk, now worth about $30,000 per cow in capital costs.
The Mac turns 25!
My dad bought me one of these Macintosh computers in late 1984. I thought it was an amazing machine. It was the beginning of a very long relationship! Today that first Mac t would be considered a large low end programmable calculator.
Remember the commercial?
and the remake?
Here is Steve Jobs introducing the Mac.
Remember the commercial?
and the remake?
Here is Steve Jobs introducing the Mac.
Government should get out of Banking...
as soon as possible. ( H/T The Santos Republic) I absolutely agree, its time to actually let the market work. The bailouts are not doing what they were supposed to do and more and more government interferene will just make matters worse.
Professor Richard Herring, co-chair of the Shadow Financial Regulatory Committee, makes his case to Obama.
On the eve of Barack Obama’s inauguration as president of the United States, Wharton finance professor Richard J. Herring discussed with Knowledge@Wharton some of the advice offered to the new chief executive by the Shadow Financial Regulatory Committee, a group of economists, former regulators and lawyers, of which Herring is a co-chair.
In an open letter to Obama, the committee suggested that the government should quickly extract itself from the investments it made to rescue the financial system and devise a new regulatory framework for preventing future crises. Herring also assessed the deepening woes at Citigroup.
Professor Richard Herring, co-chair of the Shadow Financial Regulatory Committee, makes his case to Obama.
On the eve of Barack Obama’s inauguration as president of the United States, Wharton finance professor Richard J. Herring discussed with Knowledge@Wharton some of the advice offered to the new chief executive by the Shadow Financial Regulatory Committee, a group of economists, former regulators and lawyers, of which Herring is a co-chair.
In an open letter to Obama, the committee suggested that the government should quickly extract itself from the investments it made to rescue the financial system and devise a new regulatory framework for preventing future crises. Herring also assessed the deepening woes at Citigroup.
animal rights terrorists jailed
More animal rights crazies in Great Britain. Too bad their sentences were so short.
Animal rights campaigners jailed
The activists sent hoax bombs and made threatening phone calls
Seven animal rights activists who blackmailed companies linked to an animal testing laboratory have been jailed for between four and 11 years.
They used paedophile smears, criminal damage and bomb hoaxes to intimidate companies associated with Huntingdon Life Sciences (HLS) in Cambridgeshire.
Heather Nicholson, Gerrah Selby, Daniel Wadham and Gavin Medd-Hall were found guilty of conspiracy to blackmail.
Gregg and Natasha Avery, of Hampshire, and Daniel Amos admitted the charge.
Winchester Crown Court heard that during a six-year campaign members of Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty (SHAC) falsely claimed managers of the companies were paedophiles.
They also sent hoax bomb parcels and made threatening telephone calls to firms telling them to cut links with HLS.
Animal rights campaigners jailed
The activists sent hoax bombs and made threatening phone calls
Seven animal rights activists who blackmailed companies linked to an animal testing laboratory have been jailed for between four and 11 years.
They used paedophile smears, criminal damage and bomb hoaxes to intimidate companies associated with Huntingdon Life Sciences (HLS) in Cambridgeshire.
Heather Nicholson, Gerrah Selby, Daniel Wadham and Gavin Medd-Hall were found guilty of conspiracy to blackmail.
Gregg and Natasha Avery, of Hampshire, and Daniel Amos admitted the charge.
Winchester Crown Court heard that during a six-year campaign members of Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty (SHAC) falsely claimed managers of the companies were paedophiles.
They also sent hoax bomb parcels and made threatening telephone calls to firms telling them to cut links with HLS.
poodle bites chirac
The depressed poodle of jacques chirac bit him. Can you say shadenfreude? Bad Dr Roy!Bad!
Former French President Jacques Chirac was rushed to a hospital after being mauled by his pet dog who is being treated for depression, in a dramatic incident that rattled the ex-president's wife.
Former French President Jacques Chirac was rushed to a hospital after being mauled by his pet dog who is being treated for depression, in a dramatic incident that rattled the ex-president's wife.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
separatist fantasies
The grit coup plotter ally, duceppe of the bloq and pauline marois, think now is a great time to separate. they even performed delusional math tricks for reporters. These are the people that the grits and the ndp wanted to help run Canada.
Now is a great time to start talking up separation, the two most powerful leaders of the sovereignty movement say.
Bloc Québécois leader Gilles Duceppe and Parti Québécois leader Pauline Marois yesterday emerged from their first joint caucus meeting since 2004 to say that, far from stagnating, the sovereignty option is in better shape today than it was even a year ago.
And despite a period of economic turmoil in which Quebecers are mostly concerned about bread-and-butter issues, cranking up the sovereignty machine now makes sense because they can show how much better off Quebec would be in a recession if it was not part of Canada, which they described as a "dead end" and a "losing proposition" for a province with high aspirations.
Now is a great time to start talking up separation, the two most powerful leaders of the sovereignty movement say.
Bloc Québécois leader Gilles Duceppe and Parti Québécois leader Pauline Marois yesterday emerged from their first joint caucus meeting since 2004 to say that, far from stagnating, the sovereignty option is in better shape today than it was even a year ago.
And despite a period of economic turmoil in which Quebecers are mostly concerned about bread-and-butter issues, cranking up the sovereignty machine now makes sense because they can show how much better off Quebec would be in a recession if it was not part of Canada, which they described as a "dead end" and a "losing proposition" for a province with high aspirations.
Good work by the York Union
cupe at York university is destroying the institution and the lives of its students. Solidarity forever?
A self-destructing university
National Post Published: Thursday, January 22, 2009
The damage caused by striking staff at Toronto's York University goes well beyond the added difficulty its 50,000 undergraduates will face in completing the academic year.
The strike, now in its third month, is hurting the image and reputation of the school, perhaps permanently. In a year when applications at Ontario universities are rising, almost 11% fewer students have sought a place at York.
A self-destructing university
National Post Published: Thursday, January 22, 2009
The damage caused by striking staff at Toronto's York University goes well beyond the added difficulty its 50,000 undergraduates will face in completing the academic year.
The strike, now in its third month, is hurting the image and reputation of the school, perhaps permanently. In a year when applications at Ontario universities are rising, almost 11% fewer students have sought a place at York.
The Bush vindication
It seems clear that while obamessiah has his own style. Many things will not change. Many of the things the dmes not try and distance themselves from were passed overwhelmingly by hese same dems.
This week, Barack Obama became the 44th president of the United States. So now the governing begins -- along with the resurrection of George W. Bush's reputation.
Candidate Obama promised to pull all the troops from Iraq within the first year to 16 months of his administration. President Obama intends to retain Bush's secretary of Defense, Robert Gates -- a man who supported Bush's courageous decision to "surge" and send 30,000 troops, an action that then-Sen. Obama opposed while predicting its failure. When, post-surge, violence in Iraq dramatically declined, candidate Obama refused -- for a long time -- to credit the surge, later pointing to the lack of Iraqi "political reconciliation." But the supposedly nonexistent political reconciliation produced a U.S.-Iraqi agreement -- supported by Gates -- for troops to remain until 2011.
Candidate Obama claimed George W. Bush "shredded" the Constitution. But as president-elect, Obama nominated former Deputy Attorney General Eric Holder to serve as attorney general. Holder, in a 2002 CNN interview, agreed with the Bush administration's position that the Geneva Conventions do not apply to terrorist detainees! "One of the things we clearly want to do with these prisoners," said Holder, "is to have an ability to interrogate them and find out what their future plans might be, where other cells are located. It seems to me that given the way in which they have conducted themselves, however, that they are not, in fact, people entitled to the protection of the Geneva Convention. They are not prisoners of war."
Holder also supported the Patriot Act, first passed in the Senate 98-1. The Senate renewed it in 2006 with support from then-Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Both versions included the much-condemned "library provisions," which allow federal agents -- after authorization from a "secret" court -- to obtain suspects' records from businesses, libraries and bookstores during terrorism probes....
As terence Corcoran notes obamessiah's inaugural speech was more Bush than FDR.
This week, Barack Obama became the 44th president of the United States. So now the governing begins -- along with the resurrection of George W. Bush's reputation.
Candidate Obama promised to pull all the troops from Iraq within the first year to 16 months of his administration. President Obama intends to retain Bush's secretary of Defense, Robert Gates -- a man who supported Bush's courageous decision to "surge" and send 30,000 troops, an action that then-Sen. Obama opposed while predicting its failure. When, post-surge, violence in Iraq dramatically declined, candidate Obama refused -- for a long time -- to credit the surge, later pointing to the lack of Iraqi "political reconciliation." But the supposedly nonexistent political reconciliation produced a U.S.-Iraqi agreement -- supported by Gates -- for troops to remain until 2011.
Candidate Obama claimed George W. Bush "shredded" the Constitution. But as president-elect, Obama nominated former Deputy Attorney General Eric Holder to serve as attorney general. Holder, in a 2002 CNN interview, agreed with the Bush administration's position that the Geneva Conventions do not apply to terrorist detainees! "One of the things we clearly want to do with these prisoners," said Holder, "is to have an ability to interrogate them and find out what their future plans might be, where other cells are located. It seems to me that given the way in which they have conducted themselves, however, that they are not, in fact, people entitled to the protection of the Geneva Convention. They are not prisoners of war."
Holder also supported the Patriot Act, first passed in the Senate 98-1. The Senate renewed it in 2006 with support from then-Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Both versions included the much-condemned "library provisions," which allow federal agents -- after authorization from a "secret" court -- to obtain suspects' records from businesses, libraries and bookstores during terrorism probes....
As terence Corcoran notes obamessiah's inaugural speech was more Bush than FDR.
Four of a kind
I love this editorial in the National Post. That was exactly what I was thinking. Though I was actually thinking more rudely STFU.
National Post editorial board: Uninvited advice from four unsuccessful leaders
Posted: January 22, 2009, 8:00 AM by NP Editor
Canada has six living former prime ministers. So when four of them get together to urge the current federal government to incorporate a “green stimulus” package into the upcoming budget, the joint effort sounds pretty impressive … until you realize that among the four of them — Joe Clark, John Turner, Kim Campbell and Paul Martin — they spent just 42 months in office.
That’s a total of three-and-a-half years, less the a full term for a typical majority government. Only two of them — Messrs. Clark and Martin — were ever elected to the job. And only one — Mr. Martin — spent as much as a year (actually, 26 months) as PM. If these folks have any special expertise in the field of environmentalism, they hid it well during their tenures.
National Post editorial board: Uninvited advice from four unsuccessful leaders
Posted: January 22, 2009, 8:00 AM by NP Editor
Canada has six living former prime ministers. So when four of them get together to urge the current federal government to incorporate a “green stimulus” package into the upcoming budget, the joint effort sounds pretty impressive … until you realize that among the four of them — Joe Clark, John Turner, Kim Campbell and Paul Martin — they spent just 42 months in office.
That’s a total of three-and-a-half years, less the a full term for a typical majority government. Only two of them — Messrs. Clark and Martin — were ever elected to the job. And only one — Mr. Martin — spent as much as a year (actually, 26 months) as PM. If these folks have any special expertise in the field of environmentalism, they hid it well during their tenures.
Dennis Miller on the coronation
More class acts from the obamessiah coronation. ( Warning foul language)
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
More mad mullah" justice"
Two prominent Aids researchers have been jailed in Iran. More secret trials and imagined plots from the mad mullahs of Iran.
Iran doctors jailed over 'plot'
Arash and Kamyar Alaei were respected for their HIV work
Two prominent Iranian Aids doctors have been jailed for a total of nine years for their part in an alleged coup plot.
Brothers Arash Alaei and Kamyar Alaei were accused of being "key elements" in a plan Iran said was backed by the CIA.
The prison sentences were imposed after a secret trial and have provoked strong protests from human rights groups.
Iran doctors jailed over 'plot'
Arash and Kamyar Alaei were respected for their HIV work
Two prominent Iranian Aids doctors have been jailed for a total of nine years for their part in an alleged coup plot.
Brothers Arash Alaei and Kamyar Alaei were accused of being "key elements" in a plan Iran said was backed by the CIA.
The prison sentences were imposed after a secret trial and have provoked strong protests from human rights groups.
Hakim goes to jail
This spoiled brat is finally going to prison. The Quebec court of appeals has rejected his attempts to serve his time in the community. He should have gotten a longer sentence. Perhaps he can now think of his victim a litlle.
QUEBEC -- Edward Hakim (pictured, right) is finally headed to prison, more than two years after the dangerous-driving incident that left St. Lazare resident Patricia Jolicoeur in a semi-vegetative state.
In an unanimous decision, three Quebec Appellate Court judges last week upheld an 18-month sentence handed to Hakim by Quebec Court judge Michel Mercier last April.
Hakim's vehicle struck Patricia Jolicoeur in St. Lazare's Saddlebrook district as she was walking her dog on November 29, 2006. Sûreté du Québec investigators couldn't prove he and buddy James Holhouse were drag-racing, so Hakim was charged with hit and run and dangerous driving causing bodily harm.
His lawyer Martin Pilotte and the Crown plea-bargained those and a prior drug charge to a single count of dangerous driving causing injury, to which Hakim pleaded guilty in 2007.
Hakim, now 21 and a former resident of St. Lazare, had appealed the 18-month sentence for dangerous driving causing injury as being too harsh and inconsistent with Quebec norms.
The decision is being hailed by many local area residents, victims and families affected by a recent spate of car crashes in the region as a clear, strong message to reckless drivers.
QUEBEC -- Edward Hakim (pictured, right) is finally headed to prison, more than two years after the dangerous-driving incident that left St. Lazare resident Patricia Jolicoeur in a semi-vegetative state.
In an unanimous decision, three Quebec Appellate Court judges last week upheld an 18-month sentence handed to Hakim by Quebec Court judge Michel Mercier last April.
Hakim's vehicle struck Patricia Jolicoeur in St. Lazare's Saddlebrook district as she was walking her dog on November 29, 2006. Sûreté du Québec investigators couldn't prove he and buddy James Holhouse were drag-racing, so Hakim was charged with hit and run and dangerous driving causing bodily harm.
His lawyer Martin Pilotte and the Crown plea-bargained those and a prior drug charge to a single count of dangerous driving causing injury, to which Hakim pleaded guilty in 2007.
Hakim, now 21 and a former resident of St. Lazare, had appealed the 18-month sentence for dangerous driving causing injury as being too harsh and inconsistent with Quebec norms.
The decision is being hailed by many local area residents, victims and families affected by a recent spate of car crashes in the region as a clear, strong message to reckless drivers.
"Life' in the butcher's Zimbabwe
The horror that is life in Zimbabwe. wonder if obamessiah will do anything about this ?
Esther (not her real name), 29, a professional living and working in Zimbabwe's capital, Harare, describes the reaction to the last round of power-sharing talks between the ruling Zanu-PF and opposition Movement for Democratic Change.
To be honest, we don't care about the politics that much any more.
We saw the failure of Monday's power-sharing talks coming - despondency set in a long time back.
These guys have failed to agree for about six months or more, so what was going to get them to agree this time?
As the talks were going on, we were talking about the incident over the weekend when the first lady - Grace Mugabe - slapped a photographer in Hong Kong.
It sums up the arrogance of those in power in this country. If you don't like somebody, you beat them up.
Esther (not her real name), 29, a professional living and working in Zimbabwe's capital, Harare, describes the reaction to the last round of power-sharing talks between the ruling Zanu-PF and opposition Movement for Democratic Change.
To be honest, we don't care about the politics that much any more.
We saw the failure of Monday's power-sharing talks coming - despondency set in a long time back.
These guys have failed to agree for about six months or more, so what was going to get them to agree this time?
As the talks were going on, we were talking about the incident over the weekend when the first lady - Grace Mugabe - slapped a photographer in Hong Kong.
It sums up the arrogance of those in power in this country. If you don't like somebody, you beat them up.
Bankrupt Britain
Gordon Brown and Labour is driving Britain into the ground. The Tories will have a lot to fix.
They don't know what they're doing, do they? With every step taken by the Government as it tries frantically to prop up the British banking system, this central truth becomes ever more obvious.
Yesterday marked a new low for all involved, even by the standards of this crisis. Britons woke to news of the enormity of the fresh horrors in store. Despite all the sophistry and outdated boom-era terminology from experts, I think a far greater number of people than is imagined grasp at root what is happening here.
The country stands on the precipice. We are at risk of utter humiliation, of London becoming a Reykjavik on Thames and Britain going under. Thanks to the arrogance, hubristic strutting and serial incompetence of the Government and a group of bankers, the possibility of national bankruptcy is not unrealistic.
The political impact will be seismic; anger will rage. The haunted looks on the faces of those in supporting roles, such as the Chancellor, suggest they have worked out that a tragedy is unfolding here. Gordon Brown is engaged no longer in a standard battle for re-election; instead he is fighting to avoid going down in history disgraced completely.
This catastrophe happened on his watch, no matter how much he now opportunistically beats up on bankers. He turned on the fountain of cheap money and encouraged the country to swim in it. House prices rose, debt went through the roof and the illusion won elections. Throughout, Brown boasted of the beauty of his regulatory structure, when those in charge of it were failing to ask the most basic questions of financial institutions. The same bankers Brown now claims to be angry with, he once wooed, travelling to the City to give speeches praising their "financial innovation".
They don't know what they're doing, do they? With every step taken by the Government as it tries frantically to prop up the British banking system, this central truth becomes ever more obvious.
Yesterday marked a new low for all involved, even by the standards of this crisis. Britons woke to news of the enormity of the fresh horrors in store. Despite all the sophistry and outdated boom-era terminology from experts, I think a far greater number of people than is imagined grasp at root what is happening here.
The country stands on the precipice. We are at risk of utter humiliation, of London becoming a Reykjavik on Thames and Britain going under. Thanks to the arrogance, hubristic strutting and serial incompetence of the Government and a group of bankers, the possibility of national bankruptcy is not unrealistic.
The political impact will be seismic; anger will rage. The haunted looks on the faces of those in supporting roles, such as the Chancellor, suggest they have worked out that a tragedy is unfolding here. Gordon Brown is engaged no longer in a standard battle for re-election; instead he is fighting to avoid going down in history disgraced completely.
This catastrophe happened on his watch, no matter how much he now opportunistically beats up on bankers. He turned on the fountain of cheap money and encouraged the country to swim in it. House prices rose, debt went through the roof and the illusion won elections. Throughout, Brown boasted of the beauty of his regulatory structure, when those in charge of it were failing to ask the most basic questions of financial institutions. The same bankers Brown now claims to be angry with, he once wooed, travelling to the City to give speeches praising their "financial innovation".
Sorry?
These two idiots didn't think anything bad would happen? The Mayerthorpe killings shocked and sickened Canadians. We should honour the memory of these brave men Const. Peter Schiemann, Const. Brock Myrol, Const. Anthony Gordon and Const. Leo Johnston today.
These two should spend many years in prison contemplating the evil they have done.
I am truly sorry for the loss these families have suffered. In no way did I mean for any harm to come to anyone."
On Monday, Hennessey, 29, and Dennis Cheeseman, 25, each pleaded guilty to four counts of manslaughter for their role in the 2005 deaths of RCMP constables Brock Myrol, Peter Schiemann, Anthony Gordon and Leo Johnston at the hands of gunman James Roszko, who later killed himself. Hennessey and Cheeseman had earlier been charged with four counts of first-degree murder.
Hennessey and Cheeseman now admit they supplied Roszko with a rifle, heard him talk about revenge against the RCMP, drove him close to his farm, dropped him off and decided against warning the RCMP about the grave danger Roszko presented.
In the following hours, Roszko made his way onto the farm, snuck into a Quonset hut which housed a marijuana grow-op, then slaughtered the four RCMP officers in an ambush around 10 a.m. local time on March 3, 2005.
Crown prosecutor David Labrenz has asked for a 10- to 15-year sentence for both men.
Time to go back to school
It's time for dalton to legislate the York Kids back to school. This is getting pretty ridiculous. The union has again rejected the latest offer. The strike is jeopardizing the futures of thousands of students. The province should step in, as my friend MPP Peer Shurman said last night on Legal Briefs on Court TV. ( I called in to agree)
School is still out at York University after striking staff rejected a settlement offer from administrators.
The president of York University, in a rare public appearance, said he does not expect it to return any time soon.
“We’ve reached an impasse,” Mamdouh Shoukri said. “We cannot improve the offer without jeopardizing our academic and economic position.”
A total of 1,466 members of Canadian Union of Public Employees 3903, which represents teaching assistants, graduate assistants and contract faculty, voted no to the university’s offer — a margin of 63%. All three units rejected the deal.
A small group of members erupted in cheers when Tyler Shipley, the union spokesman, announced the results.
“It’s a clear statement to the university that this offer was inadequate and the process was disrespectful. As far as I’m concerned, they’ve wasted 10 days of our time,” he said. “I’m proud of our members for standing up to the pressure they faced from the administration. We’ll be waiting for them at the bargaining table at 1 p.m. tomorrow.”
But York University will not be meeting him there.
“There will be no negotiations for the sake of appearances,” Dr. Shoukri said. “CUPE members who believed a no vote would cause York University to bow to their demands are mistaken.”
He said the summer term is now in serious danger.
School is still out at York University after striking staff rejected a settlement offer from administrators.
The president of York University, in a rare public appearance, said he does not expect it to return any time soon.
“We’ve reached an impasse,” Mamdouh Shoukri said. “We cannot improve the offer without jeopardizing our academic and economic position.”
A total of 1,466 members of Canadian Union of Public Employees 3903, which represents teaching assistants, graduate assistants and contract faculty, voted no to the university’s offer — a margin of 63%. All three units rejected the deal.
A small group of members erupted in cheers when Tyler Shipley, the union spokesman, announced the results.
“It’s a clear statement to the university that this offer was inadequate and the process was disrespectful. As far as I’m concerned, they’ve wasted 10 days of our time,” he said. “I’m proud of our members for standing up to the pressure they faced from the administration. We’ll be waiting for them at the bargaining table at 1 p.m. tomorrow.”
But York University will not be meeting him there.
“There will be no negotiations for the sake of appearances,” Dr. Shoukri said. “CUPE members who believed a no vote would cause York University to bow to their demands are mistaken.”
He said the summer term is now in serious danger.
President Bush Returns to Texas
President Bush spoke at a rally in Texas. he said a good man has taken the oath of office and offered his support and prayers to obamessiah. I also pray for the safety and prosperity of the United States of America .
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Goodbye and Thank you President Bush...
and May God Bless You, your family and the United States of America.
NYT in trouble
This is an interesting story. Apparently being unrepenatnt apologists for all things leftist is not that profitable these days.
Times agrees to financing deal
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Mexican mogul sees opportunity in NY Times
NEW YORK - The New York Times Co., which has been struggling with declining advertising sales and is facing deadlines to repay hundreds of millions in debt, is getting a US$250-million infusion from Mexican telecommunications billionaire Carlos Slim.
The Times is paying a hefty price for the investment - an interest rate of 14 per cent for the six-year notes - and is giving Slim warrants that he could use to boost his stake in the company to 17 per cent from the current level of 6.9 per cent.
That would make Slim, one of the world's richest men, one of the newspaper publisher's biggest shareholders.
The grits only had to pay 9% per annum last year, on their $2 million loan. Maybe they should borrow some from this guy this year. I doubt any Canadian lender will give them any cash.
Times agrees to financing deal
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Mexican mogul sees opportunity in NY Times
NEW YORK - The New York Times Co., which has been struggling with declining advertising sales and is facing deadlines to repay hundreds of millions in debt, is getting a US$250-million infusion from Mexican telecommunications billionaire Carlos Slim.
The Times is paying a hefty price for the investment - an interest rate of 14 per cent for the six-year notes - and is giving Slim warrants that he could use to boost his stake in the company to 17 per cent from the current level of 6.9 per cent.
That would make Slim, one of the world's richest men, one of the newspaper publisher's biggest shareholders.
The grits only had to pay 9% per annum last year, on their $2 million loan. Maybe they should borrow some from this guy this year. I doubt any Canadian lender will give them any cash.
Good
The National Post posted a profit for the last quarter of 2008. That is good news, particularly in the bad economic times. It seems CanWest is actively trying to keep the Post alive. Now if they can only keep all of CanWest alive.
National Post records Q1 profit
Grant Surridge, Financial Post
Published: Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Executives from Canwest Global Communications Corp. said Wednesday that for the first time in its 10-year history the National Post newspaper turned an operating profit.
Leonard Asper, Canwest chief executive, described the profit recorded over the three months ended Nov. 30 as "modest."
National Post records Q1 profit
Grant Surridge, Financial Post
Published: Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Executives from Canwest Global Communications Corp. said Wednesday that for the first time in its 10-year history the National Post newspaper turned an operating profit.
Leonard Asper, Canwest chief executive, described the profit recorded over the three months ended Nov. 30 as "modest."
Obamessiah Cartoons
Monday, January 19, 2009
Very interesting
As I have said before I was never convinced of Maher Aar's innocence. Now another hero of the Canadian left ( and apparently the chocula grits), omar khadr has implicated him .
The plot thickens. Can we get the $10 million back?
Khadr linked Arar to al-Qaeda, FBI testifies
Steven Edwards, Canwest News Service
Published: Monday, January 19, 2009
Janet Hamlin/AFP/Getty ImagesLawyers for Canadian-born accused terrorist Omar Khadr called on the judge Monday to 'terminate these proceedings.'
U.S. NAVAL BASE GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba -- Accused terrorist Omar Khadr identified Maher Arar as someone he recognized who appeared at an al-Qaeda-run "safe" house in Afghanistan, an FBI agent testified at a Guantanamo Bay military commission Monday.
Robert Fuller said Mr. Khadr made the identification when he interrogated the Canadian-born terror suspect at Bagram in Afghanistan in October, 2002.
A Canadian inquiry found Syrian-born Mr. Arar had no terrorism links and awarded him $10.5-million in compensation after admitting Canada had been wrong to provide information that led U.S. authorities to deport him as a terror suspect to Syria, where he underwent torture.
The plot thickens. Can we get the $10 million back?
Khadr linked Arar to al-Qaeda, FBI testifies
Steven Edwards, Canwest News Service
Published: Monday, January 19, 2009
Janet Hamlin/AFP/Getty ImagesLawyers for Canadian-born accused terrorist Omar Khadr called on the judge Monday to 'terminate these proceedings.'
U.S. NAVAL BASE GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba -- Accused terrorist Omar Khadr identified Maher Arar as someone he recognized who appeared at an al-Qaeda-run "safe" house in Afghanistan, an FBI agent testified at a Guantanamo Bay military commission Monday.
Robert Fuller said Mr. Khadr made the identification when he interrogated the Canadian-born terror suspect at Bagram in Afghanistan in October, 2002.
A Canadian inquiry found Syrian-born Mr. Arar had no terrorism links and awarded him $10.5-million in compensation after admitting Canada had been wrong to provide information that led U.S. authorities to deport him as a terror suspect to Syria, where he underwent torture.
Radio Noon on Gaza
CBC Montreal 's Radio Noon had a call in show on the Middle East and Gaza today. There was an Israeli and a Palestinian representative who discussed things fairly calmly. I called in to defend Israel and denounce the terrorist hamas. I am the first caller after the 2 guests.
Listen here.
Here is the rest of the show.
Listen here.
Here is the rest of the show.
Cross Country Checkup and the budget
You can here me here. I am the second caller after that lefty grit blowhard jim travers. Travers seems to think everyone wants a huge deficit and massive government spending increases. I said that I don't want a deficit and i don't want corporate welfare. I want tax cuts. I don't tthink spending stimulii accomplish much. keynes was and is wrong
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