Emergency Preparedness, SCO, David Warren, Doug Fisher: SSM 'Inside job' & Stephen Harper

US: Global Emergency Management System

Canada: PSEPC

Compare the US site with Canada's site which exhorts, "Emergency Preparedness Starts With You?" -- Note: Earthquakes, evacuating, floods, psychosocial planning for disasters, severe lightning storms, tornadoes and the like are mentioned, but there is no use of the word "terrorism".

We wouldn't want to upset a voting bloc, I suppose.




Stephen Fletcher, MP, on Stephen Harper: "Fletcher speaks almost reverently of his leader, whom he calls "one of the smartest guys on the Hill." "He's there by ability," Fletcher says. "He doesn't come from money. He doesn't come from fame or power. He's there because of what's happening from the neck up." And suddenly he pauses, as if struck by having finally identified just what it is he finds so alluring about Harper's leadership." Joan Bryden, July 13, 2005, Macleans


Cutting out the US By Michael A Weinstein, July 13, 05

Published with permission of the Power and Interest News Report, an analysis-based publication that seeks to provide insight into various conflicts, regions and points of interest around the globe. All comments should be directed to content@pinr.com

[. . . . ] the six members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) . . .

Created with its present membership of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in 2001, the origins of the SCO date to 1996 when Beijing initiated the Shanghai Five, which included all the current SCO members except for Uzbekistan.

[. . . . ] The overall strategic aim of the alliance for Beijing and Moscow is curbing Washington's influence in Central Asia to establish a joint sphere of influence there. For Beijing, the most important goal is to get a lock on the considerable energy resources of the region, but it also seeks markets for its goods, outlets for investment and collaboration against Islamist movements. Moscow has leagued with Beijing to restore some of its influence over its "near abroad". The regimes of the Central Asian states want support for their survival against opposition movements, economic development assistance and increased trade and investment. [. . . . ]

David Warren: Re-awaking July 13, 05

[The] transcript of remarks by Dr. Hani Al-Sibai, director of London's Al-Maqreze Centre for Historical Studies. This was from an interview with Al Jazeera TV, after the London bombings (available in translation with clips of the original broadcast in the MEMRI website).

“Doctor” Sibai says there are no “civilians” in Islamic law; that the London bombings were a great victory. “It rubbed the noses of the world's eight most powerful countries in the mud.” He tells his viewers there is nothing wrong with slaughter; and reminds them that the Prophet Mohammad slaughtered many.

This was not an anti-Islamic rant. It was the considered view of someone claiming Islamic scholarly authority, broadcast respectfully into every Arabic-speaking home. And this man continues to enjoy the safety of London, and the protection of British police. [. . . . ]

Committee: US Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Title: Money Laundering and Terror Financing Issues in the Middle East Date: 7/13/05 Time: 10:00 AM Place: 538 Dirksen Senate Office Building Agenda: The Committee will meet in OPEN SESSION to conduct a hearing on "Money Laundering and Terror Financing Issues in the Middle East."

PDF available for download.


Same-sex law 'inside job' -- United effort ensured courts were prepped for decision Doug Fisher, Ottawa Sun, July 11, 05

Two questions disturb me in my midsummer lull. First how was the coup of legalized same-sex marriage achieved? Who shaped it, who co-ordinated it from a long-shot prospect a few years ago to a clinched deal last month?

[. . . . My] theory is that to a remarkable degree, same-sex marriage was an "inside job" carried out within the federal Department of Justice, among the law clerks of Canada's courts, and lawyers (largely women) in tune with the aims of gay organizations such as EGALE Canada. When the time came for crucial decisions supporting same-sex marriage, the senior courts were ready. [. . . . ]

Fisher's take on SSM is good but I disagree totally on CPC leadership in that he's joining the media attempt to get Conservatives to toss aside their leader, the best man for Prime Minister, perhaps in favour of someone with more BS and bafflegab.

Is anyone else tired of the talk of and calls for charisma, the talk in the MSM of ephemera instead of the crying need in Canada for one noted for his honesty and competence?

Remember the charismatic Trudeau and what he brought us? We're still stuck with the result of his gerrymandering and interfering with what worked and now does not work as well. He talked federalism while devolving power and throwing money to . . . fill in the rest for yourself.

---