Canada unlike our southern neighbour is showing signs of strong growth. More good news for Canada and bad news for iffy.
Canada's economy grew at the fastest pace in three years in January, capping a month of signals that the country—unlike its southern neighbor—is well on its way to recovery.
Gross domestic product rose 0.6% to $1.22 trillion Canadian dollars (US$1.20 trillion) in January, its fifth consecutive monthly increase, on strength in manufacturing, construction and wholesale trade, Statistics Canada said. The rise was greater than expected, prompting many economists to estimate that GDP grew between 5% and 6% on an annualized basis during the first quarter of 2010.
Housing continued to be an important engine of Canada's economic recovery. Construction rose 1.7% in January from December, boosted by a 4% increase in residential construction and a 1% increase in repair work, offsetting a 0.5% decrease in nonresidential construction.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Knockout?
Lawrence Martin is again afraid. HM Pm Harper will reintroduce the elimination electoral welfare again. I am sure it will get a lot of support from the Canadian public. Why should political parties get public subsidies. let them learn to raise money from their grassroots, like the Tories and the dippers.
The Tories don’t have to worry that the opposition parties will rush to form a coalition to block the funding measure this time. The Governor General wouldn’t turn power over to a coalition at this stage. There would have to be an election, one Harper would probably win.
Putting the funding measure in the campaign platform is the smart way to go about achieving the change. This way, the Tories can slip it in under the radar. It won’t be a major campaign issue and if it does come up, they can argue that in difficult economic times, the public should not be funding political parties.
Opposition parties argue that a return to private financing of parties opens the doors to all kinds of abuses, some of which are seen in the U.S. system. But it’s doubtful they would be complaining if they knew how to raise money like Harper and company.
The Tories don’t have to worry that the opposition parties will rush to form a coalition to block the funding measure this time. The Governor General wouldn’t turn power over to a coalition at this stage. There would have to be an election, one Harper would probably win.
Putting the funding measure in the campaign platform is the smart way to go about achieving the change. This way, the Tories can slip it in under the radar. It won’t be a major campaign issue and if it does come up, they can argue that in difficult economic times, the public should not be funding political parties.
Opposition parties argue that a return to private financing of parties opens the doors to all kinds of abuses, some of which are seen in the U.S. system. But it’s doubtful they would be complaining if they knew how to raise money like Harper and company.
Bye Bye iffy?
That's what Michael harris thinks. I want iffy to stay. Iffy should be allowed a chance to show his mettle in an an election campaign, maybe 2 campaigns. The grits desreve iffy, the people of Canada do not.
Time for Ignatieff to prepare parachute
By MICHAEL HARRIS, OTTAWA SUN
Like a Second World War fighter plane, Michael Ignatieff’s political career is doing the slow, death spiral toward earth trailing smoke and fire.
Soon there will only be one thing left to do: Bail out before the inevitable impact of the peoples’ judgment.
Putting aside the crude fun of laughing at the debacle in the House of Commons this week, where the Liberals lost the vote on their own motion and inadvertently said “aye” to a budget whose spending they oppose, this much must be said: The leader not only doesn’t inspire his caucus, he is ignored by them. That’s how parties fall apart from the inside.
Ignatieff’s decision to go travelling a little over a week after Parliament came back from an ill-advised prorogation took most of the wind out of the Liberal sails. Funny stories started appearing about Iggy proroguing himself. Then the polls, which had actually given the Liberals new life over the past few months, started edging up for the government and dipping down into the high 20s for the Grits.
Time for Ignatieff to prepare parachute
By MICHAEL HARRIS, OTTAWA SUN
Like a Second World War fighter plane, Michael Ignatieff’s political career is doing the slow, death spiral toward earth trailing smoke and fire.
Soon there will only be one thing left to do: Bail out before the inevitable impact of the peoples’ judgment.
Putting aside the crude fun of laughing at the debacle in the House of Commons this week, where the Liberals lost the vote on their own motion and inadvertently said “aye” to a budget whose spending they oppose, this much must be said: The leader not only doesn’t inspire his caucus, he is ignored by them. That’s how parties fall apart from the inside.
Ignatieff’s decision to go travelling a little over a week after Parliament came back from an ill-advised prorogation took most of the wind out of the Liberal sails. Funny stories started appearing about Iggy proroguing himself. Then the polls, which had actually given the Liberals new life over the past few months, started edging up for the government and dipping down into the high 20s for the Grits.
Excellent News
Tory Senators are exposing the evil that is the hrc thought police and the censor houle. I am very pleased. The letter sent by the censor houle was pure communism and one of the senators pointed that out. The persecution of Guy Earle was mentioned. It is time for HM Government to follow through on the motion from the Tory convention. We overwhelmingly passed a motion condemning section 13.1. Section 13.1 of the federal hrc legislation must be abolished. Preferably the whole hrc madness must be toppled. As Ezra says fire them all.
Great work Senators Findlay, Wallin, Duffy and Tkachuk,
OTTAWA — Senator Doug Finley led a call Tuesday to scrap a section of Canada's Human Rights Act that he and other Conservative senators say is being used to stifle free speech in Canada.
Finley was one of a quartet of Tory senators to lead a Senate inquiry into free speech rights in Canada, rights they felt had come under attack when the speech by a controversial American pundit at an Ottawa university was cancelled and again when a woman in Vancouver sued a comedian because she didn't like jokes aimed at her.
"Despite our 400-year tradition of free speech, the tyrannical instinct to censor still exists," Finley said. "We saw it on a university campus last week. And we see it every week in Canada's misleadingly named human rights commissions."
Saskatchewan Senator David Tkachuk picked up on Finley's theme to excoriate the University of Ottawa's administration for what he saw as failures of leadership that led to the cancellation of a speech there last week by controversial American pundit Ann Coulter. The event's organizers cancelled the event believing that the safety of neither Coulter nor the event's participants could be guaranteed in the face of an angry group of several hundred protesters who argued that Coulter had a history of hate speech.
"But the mob took its cue from the provost," Tkachuk told the Senate. The provost, university vice-president Francois Houle, sent a letter to Coulter before the event cautioning her about Canada's speech laws, specifically the prohibitions in the human rights act.
"The letter closed with a line that could have come straight out of the re-education camps of Pol Pot's Cambodia," Tkachuk said.
Great work Senators Findlay, Wallin, Duffy and Tkachuk,
OTTAWA — Senator Doug Finley led a call Tuesday to scrap a section of Canada's Human Rights Act that he and other Conservative senators say is being used to stifle free speech in Canada.
Finley was one of a quartet of Tory senators to lead a Senate inquiry into free speech rights in Canada, rights they felt had come under attack when the speech by a controversial American pundit at an Ottawa university was cancelled and again when a woman in Vancouver sued a comedian because she didn't like jokes aimed at her.
"Despite our 400-year tradition of free speech, the tyrannical instinct to censor still exists," Finley said. "We saw it on a university campus last week. And we see it every week in Canada's misleadingly named human rights commissions."
Saskatchewan Senator David Tkachuk picked up on Finley's theme to excoriate the University of Ottawa's administration for what he saw as failures of leadership that led to the cancellation of a speech there last week by controversial American pundit Ann Coulter. The event's organizers cancelled the event believing that the safety of neither Coulter nor the event's participants could be guaranteed in the face of an angry group of several hundred protesters who argued that Coulter had a history of hate speech.
"But the mob took its cue from the provost," Tkachuk told the Senate. The provost, university vice-president Francois Houle, sent a letter to Coulter before the event cautioning her about Canada's speech laws, specifically the prohibitions in the human rights act.
"The letter closed with a line that could have come straight out of the re-education camps of Pol Pot's Cambodia," Tkachuk said.
The liberal elite "civil service"
I have written about the problems that the Tories are having with an entrenched left wing civil service in the past.
The foreign service here, as in the US and the United Kingdom seem to have a particular class of civil servant who believes they know better than all the rest of us. Robert Fowler is a perfect example. This is the man that is giving iffy advice.
A good editorial at the Ottawa Citizen.
Unfortunately, whatever reasonable points Fowler wants to make about the benefits of an internationalist mindset are obscured by his retrograde rhetoric. He is determined to play the caricature of a Canadian foreign policy aristocrat from yesteryear, contemptuous of Americans and, in keeping with the Arabist tradition inherited from the Europeans with whom he identifies, peculiarly hostile toward Israel.
Fowler singled out Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East, as the primary source of instability in the region. Meanwhile, a country like Iran -- a totalitarian theocracy bent on obtaining nuclear weapons, which it has already threatened to use -- didn't get a mention. Is that Fowler's idea of an "even-handed" approach to the Middle East?
By externalizing blame for Arab-Muslim dysfunction -- pinning it on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and on Israeli intransigence in particular -- Fowler is playing into the hands of all the Muslim dictators, autocrats and mullahs who use the "Zionist" threat to win popular legitimacy and to justify their refusal to embrace modernization, democratization and economic reform.
The foreign service here, as in the US and the United Kingdom seem to have a particular class of civil servant who believes they know better than all the rest of us. Robert Fowler is a perfect example. This is the man that is giving iffy advice.
A good editorial at the Ottawa Citizen.
Unfortunately, whatever reasonable points Fowler wants to make about the benefits of an internationalist mindset are obscured by his retrograde rhetoric. He is determined to play the caricature of a Canadian foreign policy aristocrat from yesteryear, contemptuous of Americans and, in keeping with the Arabist tradition inherited from the Europeans with whom he identifies, peculiarly hostile toward Israel.
Fowler singled out Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East, as the primary source of instability in the region. Meanwhile, a country like Iran -- a totalitarian theocracy bent on obtaining nuclear weapons, which it has already threatened to use -- didn't get a mention. Is that Fowler's idea of an "even-handed" approach to the Middle East?
By externalizing blame for Arab-Muslim dysfunction -- pinning it on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and on Israeli intransigence in particular -- Fowler is playing into the hands of all the Muslim dictators, autocrats and mullahs who use the "Zionist" threat to win popular legitimacy and to justify their refusal to embrace modernization, democratization and economic reform.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Too Bad
My friend Dennis Lennox had been thinking of running against bart stupak, the pseudo pro life dem. I was one of many who were encouraging him to run. Looks like he is out of the race. Dennis will be running for a seat in the Michigan Statehouse. Watch out for his name, I 'm sure he will go very far in life.
"I’ve received phone calls and e-mails from party leaders and activists and a member of Congress, all encouraging to me to run, and agreeing that the district needs new representation who won’t sell out for 30 pieces of silver," Lennox said in a phone interview this afternoon. "But I’m also a realist. This is a congressman who’s been in office since I’ve been in the third grade. This would probably be a campaign where both candidates combined could spent $8 million, and this is a district where the official unemployment rate is 20 percent; once you throw in the part time workers and discouraged workers, it’s closer to 50 percent. The money just isn’t there in the district to support a bid. I knew what it would take, and like I said, I’m a realist. I’m not going to get into something if I don’t think I can pull it off."
"I’ve received phone calls and e-mails from party leaders and activists and a member of Congress, all encouraging to me to run, and agreeing that the district needs new representation who won’t sell out for 30 pieces of silver," Lennox said in a phone interview this afternoon. "But I’m also a realist. This is a congressman who’s been in office since I’ve been in the third grade. This would probably be a campaign where both candidates combined could spent $8 million, and this is a district where the official unemployment rate is 20 percent; once you throw in the part time workers and discouraged workers, it’s closer to 50 percent. The money just isn’t there in the district to support a bid. I knew what it would take, and like I said, I’m a realist. I’m not going to get into something if I don’t think I can pull it off."
Wente on the incredible shrinking iffy
Margaret Wente thinks that iffy and the grits have abandoned the center on their leftist journey. She thinks the Tories have goteen it and now are a center right party. We conservatives need to continue moving the center to the right.
Yet, even as the Liberals try to square this circle, Canadians' faith in government is on the wane. Look at the results of a recent poll commissioned by the Manning Centre, a conservative think tank. It found that, over the past decade, the political centre has shifted to the centre-right. For example, while 84 per cent of respondents agree the government should play a major role in the economy, only 39 per cent think “government can be very helpful.” Fifty-four per cent agree it's “better to implement small changes than all at once.” Most people don't want the government to do more to reduce income inequalities, and 53 per cent say it's doing “just enough” to fight global warming. Six out of 10 support reducing taxes on corporations to stimulate economic growth.
In other words, there's no appetite for more wealth redistribution or social intervention – the great Liberal project ever since the 1960s. People are also realistic. They know their governments are deeply in the hole, and that neither corporate taxes nor the Easter Bunny are going to dig them out.
Thanks to CanadianSense who was reminded of this clip. is iffy the new small george?
Yet, even as the Liberals try to square this circle, Canadians' faith in government is on the wane. Look at the results of a recent poll commissioned by the Manning Centre, a conservative think tank. It found that, over the past decade, the political centre has shifted to the centre-right. For example, while 84 per cent of respondents agree the government should play a major role in the economy, only 39 per cent think “government can be very helpful.” Fifty-four per cent agree it's “better to implement small changes than all at once.” Most people don't want the government to do more to reduce income inequalities, and 53 per cent say it's doing “just enough” to fight global warming. Six out of 10 support reducing taxes on corporations to stimulate economic growth.
In other words, there's no appetite for more wealth redistribution or social intervention – the great Liberal project ever since the 1960s. People are also realistic. They know their governments are deeply in the hole, and that neither corporate taxes nor the Easter Bunny are going to dig them out.
Thanks to CanadianSense who was reminded of this clip. is iffy the new small george?
Pierre Poilievre
On Deficit spending, I agree with the Fraser Institute
I am a long time supporter of the Fraser Institute. I have great respect for their metrics. I am disappointed that HM Government has dismissed the Fraser's most recent analysis of the stimulus package. I am not a fan of deficit spending. The government should read the Fraser Institute's analysis and cut the deficit as rapidly as possible.
There are good things about the last few budgets including corporate tax cuts. iffy apparently wants to eliminate these cuts. So why didn't he support the dippers with their recent proposals .
It looks like republican donolo wants to restart merger talks with the dippers.
L
ast week on these pages we detailed the findings of our study, “Did Government Stimulus Fuel Economic Growth in Canada?” Based on the latest economic data from Statistics Canada and using the same methodology for analysing the data as the Bank of Canada, we found the federal government’s deficit-financed $47.2-billion Economic Action Plan had virtually no impact on last year’s economic turnaround.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Finance Minister Jim Flaherty responded to our report with harsh words. Both criticized the report as being “ideologically” motivated. Minister Flaherty was “disappointed” and remarked that our report was “poorly done” and “shabby.”
There are good things about the last few budgets including corporate tax cuts. iffy apparently wants to eliminate these cuts. So why didn't he support the dippers with their recent proposals .
It looks like republican donolo wants to restart merger talks with the dippers.
L
ast week on these pages we detailed the findings of our study, “Did Government Stimulus Fuel Economic Growth in Canada?” Based on the latest economic data from Statistics Canada and using the same methodology for analysing the data as the Bank of Canada, we found the federal government’s deficit-financed $47.2-billion Economic Action Plan had virtually no impact on last year’s economic turnaround.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Finance Minister Jim Flaherty responded to our report with harsh words. Both criticized the report as being “ideologically” motivated. Minister Flaherty was “disappointed” and remarked that our report was “poorly done” and “shabby.”
grits should be fixed?
No, Kelly McParland doesn't mean the grits should be neutered. He suggests that before iffy fixes Canada , there is something far more fundamental for the rudderless deluded grits to do.
What the party should have been doing was looking at itself. If they wanted to hear the truth, Liberals should have imported a collection of respectable outsiders able and willing to explain in unblinkered detail just how bankrupt and deluded the Liberal party has become with regard to its own identity. Liberals cling to fanciful notions about their own worthiness, and the one-time greatness of the party, that prevent the current edition from making the kind of decisions that might .... might ... lift it out of its rut.
Today’s Liberals think they're heirs to a national powerhouse. They mistake their long run in office from the mid-1960s as proof of the greatness of their own history. It’s true they formed the government for most of that period, but not because of any inherent worthiness. A Liberal leader hasn’t defeated a strong opponent since 1974, when Pierre Trudeau toured the country deriding Robert Stanfield’s plan to freeze wages and prices -- sneering “Zap, you’re frozen” -- and then introduced an identical policy once safely re-elected.
Since then, what’s the Liberal record? A series of victories over weak opponents and divided parties. Trudeau beat Joe Clark after Clark forgot to count his MPs. Gee, big accomplishment. Jean Chretien gained power after nine years of Brian Mulroney left the country eager for a change -- any change. Chretien’s two ensuing majorities -- held up by Liberals (and Chretien) as evidence of his cunning -- resulted from the Conservatives fracturing into many little pieces, dividing their support for a decade until Stephen Harper came along to re-unite it under one banner.
What the party should have been doing was looking at itself. If they wanted to hear the truth, Liberals should have imported a collection of respectable outsiders able and willing to explain in unblinkered detail just how bankrupt and deluded the Liberal party has become with regard to its own identity. Liberals cling to fanciful notions about their own worthiness, and the one-time greatness of the party, that prevent the current edition from making the kind of decisions that might .... might ... lift it out of its rut.
Today’s Liberals think they're heirs to a national powerhouse. They mistake their long run in office from the mid-1960s as proof of the greatness of their own history. It’s true they formed the government for most of that period, but not because of any inherent worthiness. A Liberal leader hasn’t defeated a strong opponent since 1974, when Pierre Trudeau toured the country deriding Robert Stanfield’s plan to freeze wages and prices -- sneering “Zap, you’re frozen” -- and then introduced an identical policy once safely re-elected.
Since then, what’s the Liberal record? A series of victories over weak opponents and divided parties. Trudeau beat Joe Clark after Clark forgot to count his MPs. Gee, big accomplishment. Jean Chretien gained power after nine years of Brian Mulroney left the country eager for a change -- any change. Chretien’s two ensuing majorities -- held up by Liberals (and Chretien) as evidence of his cunning -- resulted from the Conservatives fracturing into many little pieces, dividing their support for a decade until Stephen Harper came along to re-unite it under one banner.
The Overwhelming
I went to see the Can Stage/ Studio 180 co production of The Overwhelming. It is a play about the events leading up to the Rwandan genocide. The play was disturbing. It was also somewhat hard to believe. Apparently I am not the only one to say that. I found the acting good, but the plot was disjointed and pretty unbelievable. The final scene was quite shocking, but also unbelievable. Not a particularly satisfying afternoon of theater, though the notes on the play did clarify the timelone to the genocide for me.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Manning Center Democracy Challenge
Here is The Manning Centre Conference version of the Dragon's den. My friend Leah Costello won, but I think my friend Fred Litwin of the Free Thinking Film Society should have won. If you are in the Ottawa area you should attend Soviet Story on May 11, 2010 and the outspoken Bat Ye'or on June 7, 2010.
Manning Networking Conference 2010 from Manning Centre on Vimeo.
Manning Networking Conference 2010 from Manning Centre on Vimeo.
Crist vs Rubio
I was quite impressed by Marco Rubio's speech at CPAC. He is a real conservative with a compelling life story. Here's that speech.
He is running against Charlie Grist for US Senate in Florida. They debated today on Fox News Sunday. I think Rubio beat Crist handily, but you judge. Here is a clip.
You can watch the whole thing here
He is running against Charlie Grist for US Senate in Florida. They debated today on Fox News Sunday. I think Rubio beat Crist handily, but you judge. Here is a clip.
You can watch the whole thing here
the grit think fest
The Grit think fest was very depressing. The policies announced should keep the grits in opposition for a very long time. The grits have endorsed Tory deficit cutting, but will propose billions in uncosted and unsustainable goodies. They are and continue to be tax and spend grits. it would be interesting if they endorsed two tier healkth care, but there is no chance of that. unfortunately that is also true of HM Government.
Discussions at the Liberal's three-day Deep Thinkers Summit were thoroughly depressing -- which means the conference was successful as an academic exercise and a probable failure as the party's political fix.
Straight-shooting speakers filled the hall with gloomy future scenarios and impossible solutions under hostile headlines like those generated by an attack on the lost, soulless, conniving Liberal party from diplomat Robert Fowler, who tongue-lashed delegates into shocked silence on Sunday with a profoundly insightful, must-hear speech on Canada's misguided foreign policy.
Discussions at the Liberal's three-day Deep Thinkers Summit were thoroughly depressing -- which means the conference was successful as an academic exercise and a probable failure as the party's political fix.
Straight-shooting speakers filled the hall with gloomy future scenarios and impossible solutions under hostile headlines like those generated by an attack on the lost, soulless, conniving Liberal party from diplomat Robert Fowler, who tongue-lashed delegates into shocked silence on Sunday with a profoundly insightful, must-hear speech on Canada's misguided foreign policy.
Salim Mansur on bo's radicalism
Prof Mansur on the massive new tax and spend measures by bo.
Fifteen months into his presidency, Barack Obama has demonstrated by getting his health care legislation through Congress that there is no constitutional propriety he will not tear asunder in building his legacy.
It did not matter to President Obama, in pursuing his legacy, the cost of ObamaCare to the U.S. economy, and who will pay for it or how.
The U.S. economy is faced with a rising tide of budget deficits and national debt with spending recklessly exceeding revenue. The figures are astronomical and make no sense to those Americans who habitually vote for Democrats.
The ratio of federal debt to GDP is shooting northwards, as a recent Wall Street Journal editorial described. In 2007, when Democrats took control of Congress, the ratio was 36.2%, a year later 40.2%, “reaching an expected 63.6% this year, 68.6% next year and above 70% later this decade even by White House reckoning.” ObamaCare might send the ratio past 100%.
Who pays for ObamaCare, presently estimated at a trillion dollars and climbing? Much of it will have to be by borrowing, and hence health care for Americans will be paid for in part by China, which is expected to buy U.S. treasury bills as Washington’s main creditor.
Fifteen months into his presidency, Barack Obama has demonstrated by getting his health care legislation through Congress that there is no constitutional propriety he will not tear asunder in building his legacy.
It did not matter to President Obama, in pursuing his legacy, the cost of ObamaCare to the U.S. economy, and who will pay for it or how.
The U.S. economy is faced with a rising tide of budget deficits and national debt with spending recklessly exceeding revenue. The figures are astronomical and make no sense to those Americans who habitually vote for Democrats.
The ratio of federal debt to GDP is shooting northwards, as a recent Wall Street Journal editorial described. In 2007, when Democrats took control of Congress, the ratio was 36.2%, a year later 40.2%, “reaching an expected 63.6% this year, 68.6% next year and above 70% later this decade even by White House reckoning.” ObamaCare might send the ratio past 100%.
Who pays for ObamaCare, presently estimated at a trillion dollars and climbing? Much of it will have to be by borrowing, and hence health care for Americans will be paid for in part by China, which is expected to buy U.S. treasury bills as Washington’s main creditor.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Pre Med: The Musical
I recently attended a play put on by the kids at my old CEGEP Marianopolis. It is called Pre Med: The Musical. I love musical theater and over the years I have seen hundreds of musicals. I was quite impressed by this attempt by 17 and 18 year olds! The dialogue was a bit odd at times, but many of the scenes resonated with me. They reminded of my own path to premed 30 years ago! In Qurbrc there is a program where you can go to medical school right after grade 13. That's what premed refers to.
The music was good and the storyline quite interesting. There were some opening night glitchres, but overall it was a very funny and enjoyable evening. Kudos to Alexandra Markus and her many friends and classmate.
Iffy cartoons
donolo an amateur?
Angelo Perschillo thinks the grits are run by amateurs, including republican donolo. The ndp takeover of the grits is being encouraged by donolo. I guess donolo only looked like a winner, when the Tories were bitterly divided. republican donolo and iffy are forming new cracks in grit unity which may ideologically destroy the wishy washy centrist grits.
"Our party," a Liberal MP told me last week, "has been taken over by two former NDP premiers, Ujjal Dosanjh, with the Afghanistan issue, and now Bob Rae with abortion."
These sentiments are not new. Last month, Dan Donovan, publisher of Ottawa Life magazine, wrote: "Many lifelong Liberals, like me, are disgusted with Rae and Dosanjh and their antics. Their agenda is to do whatever they can to attack the Prime Minister and defence minister, even if it means tarring the reputation of Canada and the Canadian Forces."
But I suspect that last Tuesday's mess had little to do with Rae. In fact, the former Ontario premier washed his hands of the matter, telling his caucus colleagues that the motion he presented was given to him late and that he had reservations.
The sophomoric strategy seems to have come directly from the office of the leader: Ignatieff's chief of staff, Peter Donolo, is on record as saying that it is important to win NDP votes in order to get back into government.
"Our party," a Liberal MP told me last week, "has been taken over by two former NDP premiers, Ujjal Dosanjh, with the Afghanistan issue, and now Bob Rae with abortion."
These sentiments are not new. Last month, Dan Donovan, publisher of Ottawa Life magazine, wrote: "Many lifelong Liberals, like me, are disgusted with Rae and Dosanjh and their antics. Their agenda is to do whatever they can to attack the Prime Minister and defence minister, even if it means tarring the reputation of Canada and the Canadian Forces."
But I suspect that last Tuesday's mess had little to do with Rae. In fact, the former Ontario premier washed his hands of the matter, telling his caucus colleagues that the motion he presented was given to him late and that he had reservations.
The sophomoric strategy seems to have come directly from the office of the leader: Ignatieff's chief of staff, Peter Donolo, is on record as saying that it is important to win NDP votes in order to get back into government.
the silence of the u of o president
The university of ottawa took a big hit this week. The university administration includes the censor houle and an absent president. This columnist says rock hid under a rock. rock wasn't a very good minister and he sucks as a university president. His belief in free speech is truly underwhelming, I guess he is a good liberal
OTTAWA — Is anyone in charge at the University of Ottawa? The school's reputation was ripped to pieces this week and all president Allan Rock did was issue a meaningless statement about freedom of speech, then run for cover.
The controversy over conservative American commentator Ann Coulter and her cancelled University of Ottawa speech was widely reported across North America and the university did not fare well. Its students came across as a bunch of intolerant, left-wing boobs and its administration only looked moderately better.
The university's handling of the matter was condemned by editorialists in The Globe and Mail, The Gazette and the Citizen. The Canadian Association of University Teachers demanded that the university's vice-president academic apologize for a note that raised "serious questions about the University of Ottawa's respect for freedom of expression and academic freedom." Coulter herself said the university was "bush league."
Given all of that, one would expect the person who runs the university to rise to its defence. Especially when that person is a former federal cabinet minister who has some experience in dealing with controversy.
Spin Assassin has video of what u of o thinks is an ok speaker.
OTTAWA — Is anyone in charge at the University of Ottawa? The school's reputation was ripped to pieces this week and all president Allan Rock did was issue a meaningless statement about freedom of speech, then run for cover.
The controversy over conservative American commentator Ann Coulter and her cancelled University of Ottawa speech was widely reported across North America and the university did not fare well. Its students came across as a bunch of intolerant, left-wing boobs and its administration only looked moderately better.
The university's handling of the matter was condemned by editorialists in The Globe and Mail, The Gazette and the Citizen. The Canadian Association of University Teachers demanded that the university's vice-president academic apologize for a note that raised "serious questions about the University of Ottawa's respect for freedom of expression and academic freedom." Coulter herself said the university was "bush league."
Given all of that, one would expect the person who runs the university to rise to its defence. Especially when that person is a former federal cabinet minister who has some experience in dealing with controversy.
Spin Assassin has video of what u of o thinks is an ok speaker.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
liberal travers is very sad
This is quite a column. This is the 4th column this week from the red star on how pathetic iffy and the grits are. They seem to be giving up on the grits. Perhaps the red star will become the dipper paper. That would make it a really "ptogressive paper."
So Liberals have as much reason to be surprised as disappointed. This weekend they find themselves following a supposedly brainy leader who has yet to generate a single riveting idea or tell a gripping story.
Behind hands and over designer coffees, Liberals wonder how Ignatieff has made his prodigal return and the party's resurrection so achingly difficult. By now, he should be filling the tactical campaign blanks, not noodling toward a strategic vision while apologizing for his latest blunder, this week's abortion pratfall....
These things Liberals should hold self-evident. Instead, the party roils around the knees of marquee gurus while fussing and fretting that it should have opted for seasoned Bob Rae last time, even as it ogles camera-ready Justin Trudeau for the next.
None of that softens the hard truth delivered unvarnished by a former Liberal cabinet minister: The Liberal brand is badly damaged and may not sustain another hit.
Sensing the dangers, Liberals are now looking for something to carry them through the next election while they wait for the next messiah. Instead, they should be searching their souls for who they are and what, if anything, they believe.
So Liberals have as much reason to be surprised as disappointed. This weekend they find themselves following a supposedly brainy leader who has yet to generate a single riveting idea or tell a gripping story.
Behind hands and over designer coffees, Liberals wonder how Ignatieff has made his prodigal return and the party's resurrection so achingly difficult. By now, he should be filling the tactical campaign blanks, not noodling toward a strategic vision while apologizing for his latest blunder, this week's abortion pratfall....
These things Liberals should hold self-evident. Instead, the party roils around the knees of marquee gurus while fussing and fretting that it should have opted for seasoned Bob Rae last time, even as it ogles camera-ready Justin Trudeau for the next.
None of that softens the hard truth delivered unvarnished by a former Liberal cabinet minister: The Liberal brand is badly damaged and may not sustain another hit.
Sensing the dangers, Liberals are now looking for something to carry them through the next election while they wait for the next messiah. Instead, they should be searching their souls for who they are and what, if anything, they believe.
HRH Prince Charles visits Afghanistan
God Bless the Prince of Wales. God Save the Queen
Beyond the Indian Act: Restoring Aboriginal Property Rights
I had a myriad of choices for Thursday evening HM Minister of Citizenship Jason Kenney was in town for a fundraiser for Agop Everklian. The McGill Conservatives were hosting Maxime Bernier and HM Minister of Transport John Baird. I decided to attend a Fraser Institute event with Prof Tom Flanagan and Andre Le Dressay. They were promoting their new book Beyond the Indian Act: Restoring Aboriginal Property Rights. The problems of Canada's Native peoples are massive. The solutions attempted so far have not worked. It was news to me that The Crown holds all Aboriginal land for the use of Aboriginals.
Former Nisga'a elder Manny Jules with Flanagan and Le Dressay propose actually giving Aboriginals title and then allowing bands to choose what they do with the land including allowing subdision and property rights under Aboriginal jurisdiction. This is already being done with a small portion of Nisga'a land.
Not all bands would be interested in this but some would be and if they show success as the Nisga'a have, it may spread. The audience reaction was generally positive, but there were concerned voiced about assimilation. We had dinner with Prof Flanagan and Le Dressay afterwards and continued the discusion. It was a great evening.
Here is a question and answer session on the book in the NP. There has been good coverage in the national press. My friend Joseph Quesnel likes the idea. I think this is an excellent idea. The present policies have been a dismal failure. I do think the treaties with the Crown are sacred and must be honoured, but we do need to think outside the box. I would love to abolish the entire Indian act and divide the $9 billion spent annually to Native people as a monthly stipend. That's not likely any time soon, so we need other ideas.
Buy the book!
Simpson on the iffy conference
Simpson wonders if iffy and the grits are actually going to listen . Iffy and his grits want to institute more vast entitlements that we cannot afford. The iffy proposed national daycare program will cost at least $15-20 billion. Health care spending will eventually take up the whole budget. It's time to decide what services are essential and which one should be privatized.
Will the grits endorse massive tax increases to pay for their vote buying endeavours? We shall see. I doubt this conference will lead to much. iffy is still out of touch. I have actually heard grit activists say that iffy has been out of Canada too long and he doesn't understand the grits, let alone Canada.
The people who accepted the Liberal invitation were hardly representative of Canada. There were very few people from rural Canada, few aboriginals, few visible minorities. These were the high-minded and the successful but, as such, they were people with important things to say.
....
Smart people talked, but was anybody listening, especially to the explicit and implicit difficult messages being delivered to Liberals, and by extension, to Canadians?
Were the Liberals listening when various speakers told them that health-care spending cannot continue to rise as it has for years? Did they understand the huge labour market mismatch between future jobs and too many people not skilled enough to take them? Did they appreciate the description of how the aging of the population will distend public finances?
Did they get the urgency of public investments in education? How will they react this morning if, as is likely, former Bank of Canada governor David Dodge tells them that higher taxes are needed? Will Liberals understand that they are kidding themselves (and the country) if they think even half of their lofty policy ambitions can be realized without more public revenues, which means higher taxes?
Will the grits endorse massive tax increases to pay for their vote buying endeavours? We shall see. I doubt this conference will lead to much. iffy is still out of touch. I have actually heard grit activists say that iffy has been out of Canada too long and he doesn't understand the grits, let alone Canada.
The people who accepted the Liberal invitation were hardly representative of Canada. There were very few people from rural Canada, few aboriginals, few visible minorities. These were the high-minded and the successful but, as such, they were people with important things to say.
....
Smart people talked, but was anybody listening, especially to the explicit and implicit difficult messages being delivered to Liberals, and by extension, to Canadians?
Were the Liberals listening when various speakers told them that health-care spending cannot continue to rise as it has for years? Did they understand the huge labour market mismatch between future jobs and too many people not skilled enough to take them? Did they appreciate the description of how the aging of the population will distend public finances?
Did they get the urgency of public investments in education? How will they react this morning if, as is likely, former Bank of Canada governor David Dodge tells them that higher taxes are needed? Will Liberals understand that they are kidding themselves (and the country) if they think even half of their lofty policy ambitions can be realized without more public revenues, which means higher taxes?
Friday, March 26, 2010
grits conference: bring out your dead?
That's how Don Martin sees the bloviating grits in Montreal. It is more about grit history rather than Canada's history. It is the Toronto party talking to itself yet again.
Don Martin: Liberals bring out the dead in search of new life
Posted: March 26, 2010, 5:15 PM by NP Editor
Don Martin, Liberals, Canadian politics
'd bet 90 per cent of those in this audience think a double-double is four shots of single malt Scotch and not a Tim Hortons coffee order'
With an almost audible door creak, the Liberals began their search for a future in power by throwing open the family crypt.
Former leaders and ex-prime ministers, flanked by old cabinet warhorses, senators and senior staff, formed a parade of fading government memories to launch the Liberal's seminal "thinkers" conference here Friday.
More on Free Speech
The tactics of the left to silence opponents on university campuses is becoming an increasing problem. It is one of those sam alinsky tactics. I'm glad that the kids at the University of Western Ontario and the University of Calgary are more mature and allowed Ann Coulter to speak. If the censor houle wants to reddem himself , he should invite Ann back!
Here is a list of what you shouldn't discuss on campus.
Here is a good piece by a Prof from the University of Montreal.
The University of Ottawa's cancellation of a speech by U.S. author Ann Coulter reveals a disturbing trend in political correctness on North American university campuses.
Coulter had been invited to the university campus by a conservative group, but the event had to be cancelled after it became clear that neither the university nor local police would guarantee her safety.
The tactics of Coulter's opponents follow a long line of similar incidents. Fearful of being labelled "intolerant" - the most devastating accusation that can be laid at anyone around universities - opponents of speakers frequently seek to manufacture a situation in which "public safety" is a risk, thereby giving the administration an excuse to cancel the event.
The phenomenon affects speakers on both the left and the right, although it appears that the tactic has been most effectively used in Canada against those whose views are more conservative than those of the student body.
Scot Reid ( the beer and popcorn idiot) thought the protesters were at the u of o made a first down by preventing Ann from speaking. He was on CFRB this morning.
Here is a list of what you shouldn't discuss on campus.
Here is a good piece by a Prof from the University of Montreal.
The University of Ottawa's cancellation of a speech by U.S. author Ann Coulter reveals a disturbing trend in political correctness on North American university campuses.
Coulter had been invited to the university campus by a conservative group, but the event had to be cancelled after it became clear that neither the university nor local police would guarantee her safety.
The tactics of Coulter's opponents follow a long line of similar incidents. Fearful of being labelled "intolerant" - the most devastating accusation that can be laid at anyone around universities - opponents of speakers frequently seek to manufacture a situation in which "public safety" is a risk, thereby giving the administration an excuse to cancel the event.
The phenomenon affects speakers on both the left and the right, although it appears that the tactic has been most effectively used in Canada against those whose views are more conservative than those of the student body.
Scot Reid ( the beer and popcorn idiot) thought the protesters were at the u of o made a first down by preventing Ann from speaking. He was on CFRB this morning.
Despicable vermin
I almost vomited when I saw this. These people are truly despicable. The university should be ashamed that such people are in their employ. Unfortunately this is the calibre of people who teach our kids. The alumni should stop giving this "university" money and these buffoons should be ostracized. I have already called the office of the President. The University switchboard is 13065854111.
REGINA -- A group of professors at the University of Regina is protesting a scholarship program for the dependents of dead soldiers, arguing it promotes militarism.
"We think this program is a glorification of Canadian imperialism in Afghanistan," said Jeffrey Webber, one of 16 professors who drafted an open letter to university president Vianne Timmons.
The program, called Project Hero, provides financial aid for children of Canadian Forces personnel who have lost their lives while serving in an active mission. Individual universities establish the terms and conditions for the scholarship including value, duration and application process.
REGINA -- A group of professors at the University of Regina is protesting a scholarship program for the dependents of dead soldiers, arguing it promotes militarism.
"We think this program is a glorification of Canadian imperialism in Afghanistan," said Jeffrey Webber, one of 16 professors who drafted an open letter to university president Vianne Timmons.
The program, called Project Hero, provides financial aid for children of Canadian Forces personnel who have lost their lives while serving in an active mission. Individual universities establish the terms and conditions for the scholarship including value, duration and application process.
To burka or not to burka?
I wear a Cross on a chain around my neck. I usually wear it under my clothing. It is a constant reminder to me of my devotion to My Lord and Saviour. It is also a link to my parents ( who gave it to me) and my heritage. If legislation was enacted to make me take it off, I guarantee I would defy that legislation. As a rule I don't like telling people what to do.
That is why I am very wary of the burka ban in Quebec. I was discussing this with Barbara Kay yesterday in Montreal. She has a piece about it in the NP. While Chris Selley has an opposite view.
I tend to actually support Barbara's argument that the burka is not a religious symbol, but a way to oppress it's wearer. I must admit I am still wary of telling people what to wear, except it is true that we do adhere to some conventions in society, like wearing clothes at all. I understand the jihadi threat all too well, I am just not sure this is a good way to fight it.
That is why I am very wary of the burka ban in Quebec. I was discussing this with Barbara Kay yesterday in Montreal. She has a piece about it in the NP. While Chris Selley has an opposite view.
I tend to actually support Barbara's argument that the burka is not a religious symbol, but a way to oppress it's wearer. I must admit I am still wary of telling people what to wear, except it is true that we do adhere to some conventions in society, like wearing clothes at all. I understand the jihadi threat all too well, I am just not sure this is a good way to fight it.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
red star continues to despair of iffy
Even the grit cheerleaders at the red star ar despairing of iffy. Bob Hepburn thinks iffy's conference is shaping up to be a catastrophe. I just think it will be irrelevant to Canadians. Is donolo working with rae to oust iffy? The red star seems to be on board that train.
However, the Montreal conference is shaping up as a fiasco.
Many senior Liberals are giving Montreal a pass, claiming they have better things to do. Other veterans are upset that they were told to stay away and instead watch the event via live webcast at their local riding headquarters.
And in a stupid move, Ignatieff has excluded virtually every Liberal MP and Senator, insisting the conference is to be non-partisan. But where's the "team" in the "Liberal team" if only the leader can attend? And what does it say about Ignatieff's confidence in the ability of his Liberal MPs to generate new ideas?
However, the Montreal conference is shaping up as a fiasco.
Many senior Liberals are giving Montreal a pass, claiming they have better things to do. Other veterans are upset that they were told to stay away and instead watch the event via live webcast at their local riding headquarters.
And in a stupid move, Ignatieff has excluded virtually every Liberal MP and Senator, insisting the conference is to be non-partisan. But where's the "team" in the "Liberal team" if only the leader can attend? And what does it say about Ignatieff's confidence in the ability of his Liberal MPs to generate new ideas?
hrcs are embarassing Canada
Even the Montreal Gazette gets it. Even the globe gets it. The Times Colonist gets it. The National Post always got it.
University of Ottawa disgraces itself
THE GAZETTEMARCH 25, 2010
Ann Coulter is better understood as an entertainer - a "shock pundit" - than as a political commentator. She has more in common with, say, Howard Stern than with any real political columnist. But no matter how you classify her, the treatment she received from the University of Ottawa this week was a disgrace.
So we're gratified and amused that Coulter says she will file a Human Rights Commission complaint about the politically-correct prior restraint the school tried to impose upon her.
François Houle, the university's provost, cautioned Coulter in an email "to educate yourself, if need be, as to what is acceptable in Canada" before speaking. He warned of the possibility of criminal charges for hate speech. (Oddly, Houle sent no such warning to campus organizers of last month's "Israeli Apartheid" Week.)
Most Canadians get it.
Should Ann Coulter weigh her words when speaking to a Canadian audience?
It is time to send a clear message to the censors on the u of o campus and in the hrcs. The hrcs empower petty, nasty people like francois houle to make such outlandish comments, but only to certain people in certain groups. I really do hope Ann Coulter pursues this human rights complaint against this censor.
It is unlikely, however, Mr. Houle will see anything amusing in this. And if she actually follows through with her threat, it could mean that Canadians will be seeing and hearing a lot more from Ms. Coulter as she wages her campaign to bestow free speech on a grateful nation. We will have only Mr. Houle to thank.
The Tyranny of Nice must be disbanded.It is time to get rid of section 13 federally. It is time to get rid of the hrcs altogether. As Ezra says Fire Them All.
University of Ottawa disgraces itself
THE GAZETTEMARCH 25, 2010
Ann Coulter is better understood as an entertainer - a "shock pundit" - than as a political commentator. She has more in common with, say, Howard Stern than with any real political columnist. But no matter how you classify her, the treatment she received from the University of Ottawa this week was a disgrace.
So we're gratified and amused that Coulter says she will file a Human Rights Commission complaint about the politically-correct prior restraint the school tried to impose upon her.
François Houle, the university's provost, cautioned Coulter in an email "to educate yourself, if need be, as to what is acceptable in Canada" before speaking. He warned of the possibility of criminal charges for hate speech. (Oddly, Houle sent no such warning to campus organizers of last month's "Israeli Apartheid" Week.)
Most Canadians get it.
Should Ann Coulter weigh her words when speaking to a Canadian audience?
It is time to send a clear message to the censors on the u of o campus and in the hrcs. The hrcs empower petty, nasty people like francois houle to make such outlandish comments, but only to certain people in certain groups. I really do hope Ann Coulter pursues this human rights complaint against this censor.
It is unlikely, however, Mr. Houle will see anything amusing in this. And if she actually follows through with her threat, it could mean that Canadians will be seeing and hearing a lot more from Ms. Coulter as she wages her campaign to bestow free speech on a grateful nation. We will have only Mr. Houle to thank.
The Tyranny of Nice must be disbanded.It is time to get rid of section 13 federally. It is time to get rid of the hrcs altogether. As Ezra says Fire Them All.
grits, the party of Big Abortion
A good piece by Kelly McParland. iffy seems to want to increasingly hang out with the ndp lefty wing of his party. 16 of his 77 MPs did not vote with him on "his" ill conceived motion. maybe the dipper wing have other ideas.
After all a recent poll done for the Manning center showed 60% of respondents think abortion is morally wrong. I suspect there are many who vote grit who are not happy with this motion. Was this bob rae's attempt to embarrass iffy? Is the dipper wing of the grit party trying to oust iffy? Iffy seems hell bent on helping.
And I really don't get the apparent determination of the Liberals to identify themselves as the party of Big Abortion. They've been on this kick for weeks now, culminating in Tuesday's revolt by Liberal MPs against the party leadership. When Michael Ignatieff first suggested the Tories were slagging off women by not energetically encouraging abortion in developing countries, I figured it was just another misstep by a surprisingly accident-prone leader. I thought he'd quickly be apprised of his mistake, and shut up about it. But no. He kept it up, apparently convinced there are votes to be had by raising the one issue guaranteed to make a large segment of the population decidedly uncomfortable.
Even Don Martin is amazed by iffy's ineptitude.
Whatever procedural mixups took place, the damage caused by Liberals rising in person or by proxy to defeat their leader on a rare, firm party position is hard to understate.
Mr. Ignatieff's leadership has been tainted, the Liberal pro-choice policy has been trampled from within and a black-and-white difference with the Conservatives has turned into a foggy shade of grey. Pro-life forces have fired a kill shot at their own leader. How ironic.
More than anything this mess is a stinging indictment of Michael Ignatieff's connection with his own MPs, some who are demoralized at being excluded from this weekend's party think tank, called to ponder a preview of Canada in 2017.
A leader who can't enforce a vote in a minority Parliament with the backing of both opposition partners cannot be taken seriously as someone who will deliver a Liberal vision seven years down the road when, at the rate his performance is deteriorating, he'll be a former Liberal leader...
Instead of fixating on Canada's 150th birthday at their Deep Thinkers conference this weekend, Liberals might want to put a higher priority on surviving the next year or two......
If this sort of sloppy behaviour continues, they'll be dreaming up a 2017 vision for an even smaller Liberal opposition that will be staring across the aisle at a Conservative government dynasty.
After all a recent poll done for the Manning center showed 60% of respondents think abortion is morally wrong. I suspect there are many who vote grit who are not happy with this motion. Was this bob rae's attempt to embarrass iffy? Is the dipper wing of the grit party trying to oust iffy? Iffy seems hell bent on helping.
And I really don't get the apparent determination of the Liberals to identify themselves as the party of Big Abortion. They've been on this kick for weeks now, culminating in Tuesday's revolt by Liberal MPs against the party leadership. When Michael Ignatieff first suggested the Tories were slagging off women by not energetically encouraging abortion in developing countries, I figured it was just another misstep by a surprisingly accident-prone leader. I thought he'd quickly be apprised of his mistake, and shut up about it. But no. He kept it up, apparently convinced there are votes to be had by raising the one issue guaranteed to make a large segment of the population decidedly uncomfortable.
Even Don Martin is amazed by iffy's ineptitude.
Whatever procedural mixups took place, the damage caused by Liberals rising in person or by proxy to defeat their leader on a rare, firm party position is hard to understate.
Mr. Ignatieff's leadership has been tainted, the Liberal pro-choice policy has been trampled from within and a black-and-white difference with the Conservatives has turned into a foggy shade of grey. Pro-life forces have fired a kill shot at their own leader. How ironic.
More than anything this mess is a stinging indictment of Michael Ignatieff's connection with his own MPs, some who are demoralized at being excluded from this weekend's party think tank, called to ponder a preview of Canada in 2017.
A leader who can't enforce a vote in a minority Parliament with the backing of both opposition partners cannot be taken seriously as someone who will deliver a Liberal vision seven years down the road when, at the rate his performance is deteriorating, he'll be a former Liberal leader...
Instead of fixating on Canada's 150th birthday at their Deep Thinkers conference this weekend, Liberals might want to put a higher priority on surviving the next year or two......
If this sort of sloppy behaviour continues, they'll be dreaming up a 2017 vision for an even smaller Liberal opposition that will be staring across the aisle at a Conservative government dynasty.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Susan G. Cole is a national embrassment
You can watch her being interviewed on Fox news here. I never read NOW magazine while I am in Toronto. This woman shows why that makes me very wise. This censor defends what happened in Montreal. Perhaps she would appreciate the same treatment if anyone actually wanted to hear her speak.
B'nai Brith gets it, while as is to be expected Alan Rock doesn't. Alan Rock should be proud of his censor francois houle who empowered his houligans to empower the event. I urge the alumni of the university of ottawa to stop giving money to this pro censorship organization and give it to a worthy cause.
B'nai Brith gets it, while as is to be expected Alan Rock doesn't. Alan Rock should be proud of his censor francois houle who empowered his houligans to empower the event. I urge the alumni of the university of ottawa to stop giving money to this pro censorship organization and give it to a worthy cause.
ILS in Montreal
Jason Brennan
Prof Levy
Tom Palmer
Matt Bufton
The Gang
I attended the ILS event in Montreal a few weeks ago. It was great to see so many young people come to an event that started oat 9am on a Saturday morning. It was also great that it was at my Alma Mater McGill, though it was upsetting to be in the home of the viscious censors of the ssmu.
Tom Palmer gave his great 4500 years of liberty speech. There were interesting talks by Prof Levy and Jason Brennan. I didn't agree with either of the latter two speakers, but it was still interesting to hear them. I am by no means a libertarian, but I do like some of the message the ILS espouses , which is why I still continue to support the ILS as best I can.
You can watch prof levy here. Jason Brennan here.
Watch the Windsor event with Jason Clemons here.
Tom Palmer on his new book, Realizing Freedom, and the rule of law.
Tom G. Palmer on Realizing Freedom - The most amazing bloopers are here
Governor Palin on Discovery
I like Governor Palin. The lefty media is genuinely afraid of her, that's why they spend so much time trying to knock her down. I will be meeting her in April. She will make a great TV host. Her new show should be a conservative version of Oprah.
Sarah Palin to Discovery? You betcha.
Sarah Palin to Discovery? You betcha.
Discovery Communications is expected to announce that it has won the Sarah Palin tourney. The cabler had been a front-runner to land the untitled Alaska-themed series, to be produced by Mark Burnett Prods., along with A&E.
Earlier today, word emerged, however, that A&E was likely no longer in the running, leaving Discovery as the presumptive winner.
election?
Be scared iffy, be very scared.( Of your own caucus and the Canadian people) That's what Chantal Hebert says in her latest piece. The grits have no platform and little money and they have once again put themselves on track to an election they will claim they don't want. The grit attempt to embarrass HM Government was defeated by the grits. It is nice to see there are actually a a few principled grits. (Why are they grits>)
The so called Afghan detainees scandal is nonsense. Even the grit mouthpiece, the cbc has reported that the grits ignored warnings about this in 2005. HM Government fixed that problem.
At this point I say bring it on. The Tories are ready.
The last thing Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff needs is to spend his first campaign fending off Conservative assertions that he would be willing to give the Bloc Québécois – a party described by its leader as a resistance movement only last weekend – an inside track on national security matters.
While polls have blown hot and cold on the election prospects of the Conservatives since the New Year, the Liberals have so far proven to be devoid of momentum. Ignatieff is not as ready to fight a campaign now as he might be in six to 12 months and Jack Layton is functioning on less than full capacity while he is undergoing cancer treatment.
With Quebec a Conservative black hole, Harper would have to weigh the potential perils to his leadership of a third failure to secure a governing majority versus the sense that this may be as good a re-election opening as his party is ever going to get for the foreseeable future.
Harper would not be prime minister if he was not adept at playing all the angles to his advantage and the latest parliamentary test of wills has the potential makings of a Conservative electoral opportunity.
Having put its head between the jaws of a crocodile, the opposition can now only hope it will not be bitten off.
The so called Afghan detainees scandal is nonsense. Even the grit mouthpiece, the cbc has reported that the grits ignored warnings about this in 2005. HM Government fixed that problem.
At this point I say bring it on. The Tories are ready.
The last thing Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff needs is to spend his first campaign fending off Conservative assertions that he would be willing to give the Bloc Québécois – a party described by its leader as a resistance movement only last weekend – an inside track on national security matters.
While polls have blown hot and cold on the election prospects of the Conservatives since the New Year, the Liberals have so far proven to be devoid of momentum. Ignatieff is not as ready to fight a campaign now as he might be in six to 12 months and Jack Layton is functioning on less than full capacity while he is undergoing cancer treatment.
With Quebec a Conservative black hole, Harper would have to weigh the potential perils to his leadership of a third failure to secure a governing majority versus the sense that this may be as good a re-election opening as his party is ever going to get for the foreseeable future.
Harper would not be prime minister if he was not adept at playing all the angles to his advantage and the latest parliamentary test of wills has the potential makings of a Conservative electoral opportunity.
Having put its head between the jaws of a crocodile, the opposition can now only hope it will not be bitten off.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Old Wicked Songs
I recently went to Old Wicked Songs. I last saw this play
in 1997 in Yiddish. The authour, Jon Marans, came to talk about the play and his life a few weeks ago. His life is very much reflected in the play. He is a math music major. Many aspects of his life are in the play.
The play takes place in Austria at the time of Kurt Waldheim's election as Chancellor. It is about a Music professor and his relyctant angry pupil.
It is ahbout hidden truth and life. It is woven around Robert Schumann's musical poem die Dichte liebe. The play is a co production with theatre Rideau Vert and The Segal. It was performed with the same actors in French for the last month.It will tour Quebec. It was wonderfully done. Both actors are actually also musicians and both played the piano beautifully. The music and the plot blended perfectly. The actors both got a prolonged standing ovation. It was a great performance.
Making Ann Coulter a martyr
Some on the the left are really not that clever. censor francois houle seems to have empowered the violent lefty trols at u of o to threaten violence and cancel Ann Coulter's speech. This will sell many more books for Ann. These are apparently some of the same clowns that run Israel apartheid week. This is a disgrace. it happened to Daniel Pipes, Bibi Netanyahu and now Ann.
This is a shameful day for free speech in Canada. More here and here. So all you lefties have done is made Ann even more famous and probably much richer.
Here's Ann on Michael Coren.
This is a shameful day for free speech in Canada. More here and here. So all you lefties have done is made Ann even more famous and probably much richer.
Here's Ann on Michael Coren.
grit mps should stay at home
Given the recent comments of the vile carolyn bennet about motherhood, it is not surprising that iffy wants his trained seals to stay at home. His trained seals obvious like bennet obviously need more training, who when she is not scaring Native children she is insulting mothers. Maybe ross rebagliati could tutor the trained seals on getting out that message. hedy fry could lecture on burning crosses in her front yarrd. joe volpe could give a lecture on fundraising from children. john mccallum could give a course on identifying cars made in North America. ruby dhalla could give a course on how to try servants. justin trudeau could give a lecture on the proper use of hair mousse. dosanj and rae could give a course on hypocrisy, but the grits already excel at that.
It isn’t even a party love-in.
On the contrary, the event is strictly invitation only for about 250 Grit heavies.
The vast majority of grassroots members and even elected parliamentarians need not apply.
Instead, MPs are being encouraged to set up “policy events” in their respective ridings, and connect to the Montreal confab by Internet. Think politics in cyber-tedium.
A senior Liberal official defends the event as part of an ongoing process to bring new ideas to a party that could certainly use some, new or otherwise.
“If you want to refresh the thinking well, you have to go outside your immediate surroundings,” he said.
Some MPs are apparently not amused.
A Liberal source tells us several MPs went ballistic at last week’s closed-door caucus meeting over not being invited to the Montreal gabfest.
When a party official stood up and said MPs were invited, someone else took the microphone and said they weren’t, but it would be better to talk about it somewhere else.
Liberal organization, like policy, is clearly a work in progress.
Iggy and the Eggheads, there ought to be a band.
Young Frankenstein
I love Mel Brooks, so I was very happy to attend the Mirvish co production of Young Frankenstein. I was not disappointed. It was two and half hours of great fun and laughs. Lots of great dancing and singing. A lot of juvenile and slap stick humour and I loved it. I great way to spend an afternoon
Ann Coulter in London
Michael Sona
Andrew Lawton Ari Fine
huge crowd
I just got back from the Ann Coulter event in London. It was great. THe pictures are from the private recepetion and the public event. You can see the event was packed. Close to 1000 people were in attendance and many were turned away. I congratulate Andrew Lawton who had the idea to do this and did it with a little help from his friends. Ann was very funny and very gracious at the private reception. She remembered me from our previous meet at CPAC 2008. Sh apologized that I could no longer flee to the US and practice medicine. She believes that obamacare will be repealed one day. She wants to help smash our hrcs, so I love her even more. At the public event she discussed political correctness and double standards. The audience was mostly friendly but about a third was not. Indeed lefty groups tried to subotage the even by stealing emails and blasing message that the event had moved. It didn't work. the censor francois houle in Ottawa has been exposed acros the US and Canada. The Ottawa event will be very interesting. There were many friends such as Prof Mansur, Prof Essex, Kathy Shaidle, Lumpy /Grumpy and Amber Ruddy were at this event as well. It really was a great event and it stuck a needle in the eye of political correctness.
More from the National Post.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Please Vaccinate your children
Vaccinating your children against common childhood viruses protects us all.
Children whose parents refuse vaccinations for them provide fertile ground for the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases, an investigation of a 2008 measles outbreak in San Diego demonstrated.
Although the rate of two-dose immunization against measles was 95% in the area, a single case of measles from a 7-year-old child returning from overseas sparked an outbreak that exposed 839 people and sickened 11 other children, according to David Sugerman, MD, MPH, of the CDC's Epidemic Intelligence Service, and colleagues.
Although the rate of two-dose immunization against measles was 95% in the area, a single case of measles from a 7-year-old child returning from overseas sparked an outbreak that exposed 839 people and sickened 11 other children, according to David Sugerman, MD, MPH, of the CDC's Epidemic Intelligence Service, and colleagues.
Not all grits ...
denigrate our troops. h/t This guy gets it even if the rest of the dipper grits don't.
Meanwhile, Mr. Rae and Mr. Dosanjh prostitute themselves for media ratings, offering scarce objectivity and an absence of balance. They postulate that if
Canadian soldiers handed over even one prisoner who was then mistreated (or tortured) by Afghan authorities, both the Prime Minister and Defence Minister
must be war criminals. There could not be any other explanation. Their conjecture is nothing but absurd. We know factually that there were cases
when the Canadian Forces took detainees back into their custody upon learning the Afghans were mistreating them. But don’t let that get in the way of a good round of media froth. Just last year, Bob Rae and Ujjal Dosanjh, both former NDP Premiers who are now posing as Liberals (and who are the key spokespersons for the Liberal Party posts of Foreign Affairs and Defence), were demanding that then Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Bernier resign because he told reporters during a scrum in Afghanistan that Asadullah Khalid, the governor of Kandahar province, should be replaced. They argued that by making this statement about Khalid, Bernier was interfering in Afghanistan’s domestic issues. Again, the national media were all over this story reporting that Bernier was interfering. They insinuated his resignation was imminent. Now, Rae and Dosanjh are saying that Peter MacKay should resign because he did not interfere enough in Afghanistan’s governance. It is a classic example of sucking and blowing at the same time.
Many lifelong Liberals, like me, are disgusted with Rae and Dosanjh and their antics. Their agenda is to do whatever they can to attack the Prime Minister
and Defence Minister, even if it means tarring the reputation of Canada and the Canadian Forces.
Meanwhile, Mr. Rae and Mr. Dosanjh prostitute themselves for media ratings, offering scarce objectivity and an absence of balance. They postulate that if
Canadian soldiers handed over even one prisoner who was then mistreated (or tortured) by Afghan authorities, both the Prime Minister and Defence Minister
must be war criminals. There could not be any other explanation. Their conjecture is nothing but absurd. We know factually that there were cases
when the Canadian Forces took detainees back into their custody upon learning the Afghans were mistreating them. But don’t let that get in the way of a good round of media froth. Just last year, Bob Rae and Ujjal Dosanjh, both former NDP Premiers who are now posing as Liberals (and who are the key spokespersons for the Liberal Party posts of Foreign Affairs and Defence), were demanding that then Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Bernier resign because he told reporters during a scrum in Afghanistan that Asadullah Khalid, the governor of Kandahar province, should be replaced. They argued that by making this statement about Khalid, Bernier was interfering in Afghanistan’s domestic issues. Again, the national media were all over this story reporting that Bernier was interfering. They insinuated his resignation was imminent. Now, Rae and Dosanjh are saying that Peter MacKay should resign because he did not interfere enough in Afghanistan’s governance. It is a classic example of sucking and blowing at the same time.
Many lifelong Liberals, like me, are disgusted with Rae and Dosanjh and their antics. Their agenda is to do whatever they can to attack the Prime Minister
and Defence Minister, even if it means tarring the reputation of Canada and the Canadian Forces.
Northern Tiger
That's what this red star columnist is saying. Canada has a debt to GDP ratio among the lowest in the G8. Indeed the US and the UK are set to join Greece with debt to GDP ratios of greater than 100%. Japan's is running at 200% of GDP.
T he Northern Tiger is back, as a Canadian economic recovery more rapid and vibrant than forecast increasingly wins favour with offshore investors.
Most of our economic numbers are moving in the right direction. We are showing signs of a good recovery. I wonder how if iffy and his deep thinkers will bash Canada's economy at their conference without grit mps. This is certainly very bad news for the grits.
That term was coined by then-federal finance minister John Manley during the most recent Canadian boom, the likes of which most experts thought we wouldn't see again for many years after the devastating global economic meltdown of 2008-09.
Yet improbably, given continued Canadian export reliance on a weak U.S. economy, Canada is already on the mend. Canada has posted job gains in five of the past seven months. The loonie has soared to a 20-month high and is expected to break through its 2007 record of $1.10 (U.S.) this summer.
And in this next period of Canadian prosperity, there'll be no need for Canada-boosters such as Manley to tout Canada's favourable conditions to foreign investors.
Canada's attractive record in job creation, GDP growth and comparative fiscal strength is well known to foreign institutional investors and central banks, which have been snapping up the loonie, federal and provincial bonds and Canadian corporate debt securities.
grit trained seals
Apparently iffy believes his mps are not particularly deep thinkers. They have not been invited to his "deep thinkers conference." How do you like that grits? Only iffy and belanger are worthy. The rest of you are trained seals. This carries on the grit tradition of arrogant leaders.
More from Joanne and Phantom Observer.
Federal Liberals will set aside shallow politics later this week to engage in Deep Thinking as they ponder the prospect of Canada turning 150 in 2017 under what they hope will be Liberal rule.
But guess who's not invited to the high-profile think-tank in Montreal to envision the country's future? Incredibly, that would be Liberal MPs.
The entire caucus, except for leader Michael Ignatieff and chinwag co-chairman Mauril Belanger, have been told to stay in their ridings for this seminal party event, limiting their participation to Internet video linkages with the conference floor. For Conservative zinger writers, this is a wonderful gift providing them with attack lines such as: Liberal Deep Thinkers Wanted (MPs need not apply). I can already see Prime Minister Stephen Harper's grin as he throws barbs across the Commons aisle at MPs deemed not worthy of joining their leader in this maximus cerebrius exercise.
More from Joanne and Phantom Observer.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Free speech in Canada?
Not according to this university rector. What a shameful letter. It does however make the case for getting rid of the vile hrcs.
Ann Coulter will be speaking in Canada in Ottawa, London and Ottawa and will be on the Michael Coren show. If this starts a furore among the left that is a good thing.
Maybe it will remind some that Canada has a long tradition of free speech, which some on the left used to understand. Something this censor doesn't understand.
“Dear Ms. Coulter,
I understand that you have been invited by University of Ottawa Campus Conservatives to speak at the University of Ottawa this coming Tuesday. We are, of course, always delighted to welcome speakers on our campus and hope that they will contribute positively to the meaningful exchange of ideas that is the hallmark of a great university campus. We have a great respect for freedom of expression in Canada, as well as on our campus, and view it as a fundamental freedom, as recognized by our Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. I would, however, like to inform you, or perhaps remind you, that our domestic laws, both provincial and federal, delineate freedom of expression (or “free speech”) in a manner that is somewhat different than the approach taken in the United States. I therefore encourage you to educate yourself, if need be, as to what is acceptable in Canada and to do so before your planned visit here. You will realize that Canadian law puts reasonable limits on the freedom of expression. For example, promoting hatred against any identifiable group would not only be considered inappropriate, but could in fact lead to criminal charges. Outside of the criminal realm, Canadian defamation laws also limit freedom of expression and may differ somewhat from those to which you are accustomed. I therefore ask you, while you are a guest on our campus, to weigh your words with respect and civility in mind. There is a strong tradition in Canada, including at this University, of restraint, respect and consideration in expressing even provocative and controversial opinions and urge you to respect that Canadian tradition while on our campus. Hopefully, you will understand and agree that what may, at first glance, seem like unnecessary restrictions to freedom of expression do, in fact, lead not only to a more civilized discussion, but to a more meaningful, reasoned and intelligent one as well.
I hope you will enjoy your stay in our beautiful country, city and campus.
Sincerely,
François Houle.”
‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑
Vice-recteur aux études / Vice-President Academic and Provost
Université d’Ottawa / University of Ottawa
550, rue Cumberland Street
Ottawa (ON) K1N 6N5
téléphone / telephone : 613 562-5737
télécopieur / fax : 613 562-5103
www.uOttawa.ca/vr-etudes-academic
More From Strictly Right. It seems the leftist on student council at U of O also
don't like free speech. Alumni are you listening?
Update: Front Page of National Post. You Can't buy this kind of advertising.
Ann Coulter will be speaking in Canada in Ottawa, London and Ottawa and will be on the Michael Coren show. If this starts a furore among the left that is a good thing.
Maybe it will remind some that Canada has a long tradition of free speech, which some on the left used to understand. Something this censor doesn't understand.
“Dear Ms. Coulter,
I understand that you have been invited by University of Ottawa Campus Conservatives to speak at the University of Ottawa this coming Tuesday. We are, of course, always delighted to welcome speakers on our campus and hope that they will contribute positively to the meaningful exchange of ideas that is the hallmark of a great university campus. We have a great respect for freedom of expression in Canada, as well as on our campus, and view it as a fundamental freedom, as recognized by our Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. I would, however, like to inform you, or perhaps remind you, that our domestic laws, both provincial and federal, delineate freedom of expression (or “free speech”) in a manner that is somewhat different than the approach taken in the United States. I therefore encourage you to educate yourself, if need be, as to what is acceptable in Canada and to do so before your planned visit here. You will realize that Canadian law puts reasonable limits on the freedom of expression. For example, promoting hatred against any identifiable group would not only be considered inappropriate, but could in fact lead to criminal charges. Outside of the criminal realm, Canadian defamation laws also limit freedom of expression and may differ somewhat from those to which you are accustomed. I therefore ask you, while you are a guest on our campus, to weigh your words with respect and civility in mind. There is a strong tradition in Canada, including at this University, of restraint, respect and consideration in expressing even provocative and controversial opinions and urge you to respect that Canadian tradition while on our campus. Hopefully, you will understand and agree that what may, at first glance, seem like unnecessary restrictions to freedom of expression do, in fact, lead not only to a more civilized discussion, but to a more meaningful, reasoned and intelligent one as well.
I hope you will enjoy your stay in our beautiful country, city and campus.
Sincerely,
François Houle.”
‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑
Vice-recteur aux études / Vice-President Academic and Provost
Université d’Ottawa / University of Ottawa
550, rue Cumberland Street
Ottawa (ON) K1N 6N5
téléphone / telephone : 613 562-5737
télécopieur / fax : 613 562-5103
www.uOttawa.ca/vr-etudes-academic
More From Strictly Right. It seems the leftist on student council at U of O also
don't like free speech. Alumni are you listening?
Update: Front Page of National Post. You Can't buy this kind of advertising.
poster boy for the death penalty
clifford olson is evil. That this vile monster still lives at state expense is sickening. he is a poster child for the death penalty.
For the past 20 years, I’ve been in periodic contact with Clifford Olson, Canada’s most notorious serial killer of 11 young people (he claims over 100) in British Columbia, 1980 and 1981.
It’s been a curious relationship, dating back to around 1989 when he phoned Toronto radio talk show host Arlene Bynon (CHFI) where I used to broadcast commentaries. Arlene conducted several interviews with Olson.
Arlene and I collaborated on a proposed book about Olson, and negotiated a $300,000 advance from a U.S. publisher. The deal fell through because basically the publishers wanted a Ted Bundy-like chase story, while Olson’s story was one in which the police had no idea a serial killer was loose until he confessed, and was paid $10,000 by the RCMP for every body and murder site he took them to.
After getting $100,000, Olson claims the 11th body was a “freebie”.
For the past 20 years, I’ve been in periodic contact with Clifford Olson, Canada’s most notorious serial killer of 11 young people (he claims over 100) in British Columbia, 1980 and 1981.
It’s been a curious relationship, dating back to around 1989 when he phoned Toronto radio talk show host Arlene Bynon (CHFI) where I used to broadcast commentaries. Arlene conducted several interviews with Olson.
Arlene and I collaborated on a proposed book about Olson, and negotiated a $300,000 advance from a U.S. publisher. The deal fell through because basically the publishers wanted a Ted Bundy-like chase story, while Olson’s story was one in which the police had no idea a serial killer was loose until he confessed, and was paid $10,000 by the RCMP for every body and murder site he took them to.
After getting $100,000, Olson claims the 11th body was a “freebie”.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Prof Mansur on the epic Iraq election
Prof Mansur argues that this is a transformative evet. It is indeed an encouraging sign. It should serve as a ray of light to the other opressed people of the Arab world.
The recent “tiff,” as George Jonas over at the National Post described the brouhaha between the United States and Israel, pushed aside the emphatically more significant story about the Iraq election from the top of the mainstream media’s news cycle.
The election by all accounts was fair, yet there is obviously some distance to go before it might be said a culture of democracy flourishes in Iraq — the land once ruled by the great king Hammurabi in the second millennium before Christ.
Nevertheless, this can be said of the Iraq election, despite the violence of those who fear democracy: It is a transformative event in Arab history and its consequences will have far-reaching effects over time across the Middle East.
The recent “tiff,” as George Jonas over at the National Post described the brouhaha between the United States and Israel, pushed aside the emphatically more significant story about the Iraq election from the top of the mainstream media’s news cycle.
The election by all accounts was fair, yet there is obviously some distance to go before it might be said a culture of democracy flourishes in Iraq — the land once ruled by the great king Hammurabi in the second millennium before Christ.
Nevertheless, this can be said of the Iraq election, despite the violence of those who fear democracy: It is a transformative event in Arab history and its consequences will have far-reaching effects over time across the Middle East.
Private Care
A couple of article in favour of allowing more private care. One from grit Dr. keith Martin and the other from Lord Black. It's time to stop extolling medicare as a religion and do waht works. A mix of public and private care works. It's time the Tories and like minded grits amended the Canad health act. Why are you a grit Dr. Martin?
However, one point all factions in the U.S. debate agree on is their determination not to emulate Canadian health care, which they all consider a textbook case of what not to do. American researchers have found aspects of the health-care systems of Australia, France, Germany and Japan worthy of emulation; but from left to right, they consider that Canada stifles doctors and reduces them to almost unionized public-service employees, inflicts intolerable delays on people in urgent need of prompt attention, retards medical research and imposes government interference on the doctor-patient relationship to an extent that American doctors and patients would not accept. Even comparatively radical Democrats in the Congress would never try to abolish private medicine or impose absolute equality of treatment on everyone, regardless of their means, as Canada does.
However, one point all factions in the U.S. debate agree on is their determination not to emulate Canadian health care, which they all consider a textbook case of what not to do. American researchers have found aspects of the health-care systems of Australia, France, Germany and Japan worthy of emulation; but from left to right, they consider that Canada stifles doctors and reduces them to almost unionized public-service employees, inflicts intolerable delays on people in urgent need of prompt attention, retards medical research and imposes government interference on the doctor-patient relationship to an extent that American doctors and patients would not accept. Even comparatively radical Democrats in the Congress would never try to abolish private medicine or impose absolute equality of treatment on everyone, regardless of their means, as Canada does.
Manning Center Networking Conference
Alan Gregg Andre Turcotte
Kevin Gaudet , Nigel Wright, Tasha Kherridin, Kory Teneycke, Nicholas Gafuik
Bill Robson
Cliff Fryers Kate Bahen, Charity Intelligence Senator Hugh Segal
Robert Willington
Kory Teneckye
David Akin
Tim Hudak
Preston Manning Deb Grey
Brett Wilson Cliff Fryers
I attended the Manning Center Networking Conference last week in Ottawa. It was a great week of seeing old friends and discussing how conservatives could grow the movement.
There were many interesting sessions. The first session was with Andre Turcotte and Alan Gregg. It was analysis of a Harris Decima poll. It shows that the extreme left in this country is vanishingly small. So why are they so overrepresented in universities? They also posited Canadians are socially conservative, but don't want government to enforce their views.
There were several other interesting panels. Tim Hudak gave a great speech extolling liberty.
There were great panels on charity and fundraising with Senator Segal and Kate Bahen. Kate is with a charity called Charity Intelligence. Her organization tries to do due diligence on charities.
David Akin tried to explain political reporting. He gave a good talk, but I am still deeply sceptical. He did admit there was a lot of reporter group think. He of course denied ani Tory bias. One of the grit cheerleaders, anti Tory kady o'malley, sat in the front row and of course chimed in when Kory Teneckye ( who was the other speaker on the panel) made a positive comment about HM PM Harper. Guess she just couldn't have that.
I already wrote Maxime Bernier's excellent session on Quebec.
Robert Willington, one of Senator Brown's campaign chiefs gave a great speech on the Brown campaign. It was an amazing story of grassroots activism. An inspiration to conservatives everywhere.
The last session was a conservative version of Dragon's Den, with one of the Dragons as a judge. The other three were Deb , Grey, Cliff Fryers and Prestoj Manning. My good friend Fred Litwin of the Free Thinking Film Society gave an amazing proposal for a conservative/libertarian film festival. He came in second, but he and the Manning center will still probably do such a project.
It was also nice to see Tasha and the new baby. I was also happy to meet many of my readers. She is adorable and precocious.
If you are intersted in conservative politics in Canada you should attend the 2011 conference.
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