Stephen LeDrew Targeted by Taxman for JC? UNSCAM & Canada's Louise Frechette

Targeted by taxman, top Liberal says James Daw, Mar. 12, 05, Business Columnist.

James Daw, CFP, appears Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Stephen LeDrew has seen both highs and lows. He was a high flyer, big in Liberal circles, with a house in Rosedale and a kid in a private school. Now the former Liberal Party of Canada president is in the midst of bankruptcy proceedings, pointing out the advanced age of the suits and overcoat he wears.

He claims he has been unfairly targeted by the taxman and has speculated in private that there may be political undertones. Yet the Toronto lawyer and commentator started to fall behind in his taxes once he hit the political fast lane.

[. . . . ] By last September, his tab with the taxman was potentially more than $400,000, depending on the outcome of an appeal over a film tax shelter he expected would save him $123,000 in taxes in 1996 and 1997.

But Canada Revenue Agency lost patience. [. . . . ]

As time passes and we learn more, does JC grow in stature? His legacy!




UNSCAM -- Louise Frechette's "decision to intervene"

Volcker Panel to Correct Frechette Omission FOXNews, March 10, 2005

NEW YORK — The committee probing the Oil-for-Food (search) scandal says it will correct omitting the name of a U.N. official involved in the international controversy who has a close relationship with the executive director of the panel.

It's well known that the Volcker commission's executive director, Reid Morden (search), and Louise Frechette (search) have had a "longstanding professional relationship" for 30 years, according to the Independent Inquiry Committee — dubbed the "Volcker commission" after its chief, former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker (search).

[. . . . ] Frechette, 58, came to the United Nations following a long career as a Canadian civil servant. The first deputy secretary-general in U.N. history, she has served since 1998 as Annan's chief administrator. She also chairs the steering committee on U.N. Reform and Management Policy.

Annan's office has argued that the Security Council — and not the Secretariat — supervised the more than $110 billion Oil-for-Food program. But Frechette's decision to intervene also may place responsibility in the secretary-general’s office for obscuring mismanagement of the program from the Security Council. [. . . . ]

Compare: "Pulp MIll Workers Urged to Build Arts Industry" & UNB: World Bank, Industry, Educ. Ambassadorial Reps "Working with Africa Workshop"

The following came about when I read about the difference in the scenarios afforded the pulp and paper mill workers and the power and prestige assembled to develop enthusiasm and plans for projects in Africa -- What might have been. The former group have just found out that the Saint Anne Nackawic Pulp and Paper Mill will not re-open.

There are two sections.




1. The Unemployed New Brunswick Mill Workers

Take a group of unemployed former pulp and paper mill workers, largely men, and many over 45. Put together a "Beyond Borders East craft marketing conference" for later in March (Daily Gleaner, Mar. 11, 05, D1) and bring in two female artists, one a "former academic dean of the Alberta College of Art and Design in Calgry" and a "past executive director of the Kootenay School of the Arts in Nelson B. C.", the other "an artist and teacher at the Kootenay School" who "delivers marketing workshops across Canada.". According to these women, these men could make $49.000 a year in the US, but an average of $17,000 in Canada. The artistically challenged could work as artist/craftsperson's helpers -- presumably for somewhat less .

Now, look what power could be brought together to consider their plight if only they had the right connections, currently potent buzz words, along with ambassadorial, business and academic connections, in addition to the Canada Council on . . . , the World Bank and CIDA -- oh, yes, and taxpayer money.

As you skim the following description of what will happen at the "Working with Africa Workshop", participants and their topics, note the language employed.

facilitate contacts, ecosystems management, Gender Issues, Social and Corporate Responsibility, Entrepreneurship, CIDA-funded, environment management, board member, land administration and property systems, Administration, Land Information Management and Land Information Systems, United Nations High Commission for Refugees, research, development and consulting, NATO Science for Stability, Monitoring project, sustainable forest management, rural economic development based upon forestry in Spain, analyses, enhacement of value-added forestry, Director of International relations, extensive experience in the design, implementation, accreditation and evaluation of a wide range of educational products, disseminate information, software adaptations, and systems development . . .

Considered along with the suggestion that these unemployed workers become involved in arts and crafts, should one suggest that, these experts mentioned below -- experts at facilitation, initiation and implementation of . . . . . . are hoist with their own petard -- in terms of qualifications, buzz words, and UN/CIDA/ACOA/World Bank language?

Then, think of the unemployed millwrights, equipment mechanics, and others without a pay cheque, ordinary guys and gals from Saint Anne-Nackawic Pulp and Paper Mill and the Nelson-Mirimichi Pulp and Paper Mill (Check that name; I cannot remember it exactly).

Which is more important to Canadians -- helping their own unemployed or . . . ? It simply struck me as problematic. You decide for yourself.

Since there is a forestry component in this Africa workshop, was there any thought of putting workers who need jobs together with some of this high power in development? These are experienced workers! Does ACOA or CIDA deal with the blue collar unemployed?





2. The "Working with Africa Workshop" at the University of New Brunswick

First, it is useful to check who are the Sponsors of the "Working with Africa Workshop" It should be understood that there is information about each; assume [ . . . . ] after each of the following.

Business New Brunswick

New Brunswick Community College's (NBCC)

Business New Brunswick

SNC Lavalin

The International Business and Entrepreunership Centre (IBEC) of the University of New Brunswick

The Centre for Property Studies at the University of New Brunswick

Canadian Council on Africa (CCAfrica)

University of New Brunswick

Terradigm is a registered cluster specializing in land administration and management The ultimate goals are to contribute to the reduction of poverty, improvement of governance, and establishment of more sustainable development through security of tenure. The direct pathways between security of tenure and the ultimate goals include human rights, asset realization, investment, transaction costs, information systems, capacity building and human capital. The products and services offered by Terradigm include consulting, capacity building, project management, software adaptations, and systems development. The membership is drawn from the private sector, government and academia working together in a proven partnership. This partnership is then augmented with local partners from client jurisdictions on a project-by-project basis.

There is also a link to ACOA.

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is a federal government agency. Headquartered in the Atlantic Region, ACOA's goal is to improve the economy of Atlantic Canadian communities through the successful development of business and job opportunities.

Here are some quick links to popular sections of our Web site:

Atlantic Innovation Fund
Business Development Program
Canada's Innovation Strategy
Infrastructure Canada Program
Project Information Site
Strategic Community Investment Fund
Sustainable Development

More taxpayers' money there, I assume. Link to follow these.




Working with Africa Workshop

A one-day workshop to encourage New Brunswick-based initiatives in Africa will be held at the Wu Centre, UNB Fredericton, on Tuesday, March 15. . . . the first of its kind in New Brunswick

The Wu Centre was a gift from a graduate of UNB, part of UNB's network of students from Hong Kong.




To view the program, or to register, visit

The University of New Brunswick, Canadian Council on Africa, New Brunswick Community College, Université de Moncton, Franklin G. Cardy Consulting, Lyceum Group and the Province of New Brunswick will host a one day workshop on “Working with Africa” in Fredericton to bring into focus the links between New Brunswick and Africa and how these can be strengthened. . . .

. . . a networking and consensus building event, to help promote and encourage provincial and federal based initiatives in Africa . . .

The meeting is intended to bring together:

* New Brunswickers interested in increasing their involvement in Africa,
* Africans living in New Brunswick
* Canadians already working in or involved with Africa, and
* Representatives of agencies or institutions that may provide support and encouragement.

The programme will provide a mixture of information, networking, data gathering and discussion and is designed to result in recommendations for next steps. The objectives of the meeting are to expand participants’ knowledge of opportunities in Africa and of New Brunswick’s existing links with the continent and to explore ways in which New Brunswick institutions, industries, businesses, citizen groups and students can work together more closely with Africa. . . .

[. . . . ]




Speakers

As you read, note: Intergovernmental and International Affairs, Canadian Venture, Social and Corporate Responsibility, World Bank, Bilateral funding, Trade and Development, Procurement Processes with the ADB, success factors, High Commissioner, Ambassador

Nota Bene: Apparently, New Brunswick has a minister of International Affairs, as does Quebec.

* The Honorable Percy Mockler, Minister of Intergovernmental and International Affairs (DIIR), New Brunswick

* Dr. John McLaughlin, President of UNB

* Dr. Nianga Malo, President of UDECOM (Universite pour la Developpement Communautaire) N'Zerekore, Guinea and Gatineau, Quebec : Case Study of a Successful Canadian Venture in Africa

* Dr. John Harker, President and Vice-Chancellor, University College of Cape Breton: Social and Corporate Responsibility of doing Business in Africa

* Dr Yves Prevost, Africa Region, World Bank, Washington. D.C. Africa, Canada and the World Bank.

* Mr. Lucien Bradet, President and CEO, Canadian Council on Africa Why Africa, and the role of the CCA

* Mr. Paul Hitschfeld, Director, Africa-Americas Bureau, Private Sector Division, CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency) Industrial Cooperation Programs and Bilateral funding for Africa

* Ms. Jennifer Rosebrugh, Deputy Director of Foreign Affairs, Sub-Saharan Africa, International Trade Canada (ITCAN) Why Africa? The Economic Implication of Canada ’s Efforts to Promote Trade and Development

* Mr. Emmanuel Lomo, Principle Procurement Specialist, the African Development Bank, Tunis, Tunisia Business Opportunities and Procurement Processes with the ADB

* Mr. Eric Pelletier, Trade Commissioner and Liaison Officer with the African Development Bank, Canadian Embassy in Tunis, Tunisia The Role of the ADB in African Development

* Ms. Fadima Toure-Diallo, Vice President, Marketing, French and Portuguese Speaking Africa, SNC-Lavalin Doing Business with Africa: Examples and success factors

* Ambassadors from Africa

* High Commissioner for the Republic of Kenya
* Ambassador for the Republic of Guinea
* Ambassador for the Republic of Mali
* Ambassador for the Federal Republic of Ethiopia
* Ambassador for the Republic of Cameroon
* Ambassador for the Republic of Burkina Faso

This is a high powered group coming together for the good of the poor in Africa -- one asssumes -- or is it high-powered business development opportunities with ACOA and World Bank involvement for the educated and the relatively affluent of Canada?

Note which African countries are represented. Does this have anything to do with the francophonie -- or should one not ask?




Working with Africa March 15th 2005
What follows is only one example.

Elective Breakout sessions by suggested clusters

Agriculture/Environment/Forestry/ Fisheries/Consultancy
Infrastructure/Utilities/Land Ownership/Transport
Education and Training
Health/Social/Corporate Social Responsibility/Gender Issues
Governance/ Public Administration/Law and Justice

Organizing Committee Biographies

Benoît Bourque is the Director of the Bureau de la coopération et des échanges internationaux (International Cooperation and Exchanges Office) at the Université de Moncton. Benoît has experience both in the public and private sector working on international projects. . . . Romania . . . . Indonesia, Burkina Faso, Tunisia, and Ukraine. His current position makes him the institutional lead for a Université de Moncton CIDA-funded project on ecosystems management in Burkina Faso.

Dannie Brown, Director of the International Business and Entrepreneurship Centre in the Faculty of Administration at UNB Fredericton since July 2003 . . . . Export Partnering Program

Kenneth E. Keirstead, Lyceum Group / CC Africa NB is educated in clinical biochemistry, phytochemistry, and business administration. He has applied his education for over 45 years to health care delivery and pharmaceutical development. He has authored over 50 papers, public policy reports, chapters and books. Born in Johannesburg , South Africa , he grew up in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Over the past four and a half decades he has worked in 13 African countries. He now works out of Fredericton with an office in Conakry, Guinea and specializes in rural community development focused on health care, education, and sustainability programs. In December 2004 he was conferred with an honorary doctorate in African Community Development. He is also a board member of the Canadian Council on Africa.

Franklin Cardy is a senior consultant offering implementation and policy support for natural resources and environment management. He has four decades of practical experience as a scientist, engineer and senior manager working for the World Bank and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the United Nations, governments, engineering consultants and universities, on four continents. He has lived and worked extensively in Africa.


Ian Methven is currently Director of the Centre for Property Studies, and Professor and Dean Emeritus . . . interest and specialization are in land administration and property systems as they influence economic development, good governance and sustainable development. Associated with this is a strong interest in professional education and capacity development. Born in the Philippines, and have [having -- this must have been translated ] visited, lived or worked in a number of countries in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa including the U.K., Holland, France, Germany, Switzerland, Egypt, Kenya, Uganda, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, the Philippines, Ecuador, Mexico, and China, with current projects evolving in Costa Rica, Peru, and Argentina.

Sam Macharia Ng’ang’a is a member of the Centre for Property Studies and Part-time lecturer/ Researcher in Land Administration, Land Information Management and Land Information Systems at the Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering Department, University of New Brunswick. Born in Kenya, Sam has 10 years experience in project management and capacity building involving countries such as Kenya, Canada, USA, Guatemala and Chile. He has international experience in project management working with Medecins Sans Frontieres-Belgium (under the umbrella of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees) in East Africa; professional experience as a Land Surveyor/Geomatics Engineer in Kenya and Canada; and consultancy experience involving Guatemala and Chile for the Centre for Property Studies. . . . an expert on marine boundaries. . .

E.W. Ted Robak A professional engineer and professional forester, . . . improve the quality of forest operation management by leading or participating in research, development and consulting projects in Canada, the U.S., Ireland, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Thailand, China, India and Spain. . . . a consultant for a NATO Science for Stability research and development project in Portugal and to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization on a National Forest Resources Monitoring project in China. In 2001 he led a team that designed sustainable forest management strategies and processes for the regional government of Galicia, Spain. Most recently he has cooperated in the development of a proposals for rural economic development based upon forestry in Spain, led a team of researchers and consultants undertaking analyses related to the Canada/US Software Lumber Dispute, and led a team developing a proposal for enhacement of value-added forestry in New Brunswick. During his career at UNB he has acted as Chair of the Forest Engineering department and Dean of the Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management, and is currently Director of International relations for the Fredericton campus.

Maurice Roy is the Director of Development for the New Brunswick Community College (NBCC). NBCC is the only college system in Canada, which operates under the auspices of a provincial government department. As such, it has extensive experience in the design, implementation, accreditation and evaluation of a wide range of educational products. . . . (NBCC) is an educational network of 11 campuses working within the parameters of a quality system. Having worked internationally for the past 25 years, the network has worked in close collaboration with more than 20 countries (of which 10 are from Africa ), in a variety of capacities ranging from consultancy assignments and student/faculty exchanges, to international project management.

Lynne Tompkins is a Trade Executive with the Export Development branch of Business New Brunswick. . . . She has recently been named NB’s Private Sector Liaison Officer (PSLO) for the World Bank Group. The PSLO’s with the support of the Bank, act as a convenient “one stop shop” to disseminate information about the World Bank Group and its business opportunities (procurement, IFC, MIGA, trust funds), organize regional or thematic local events, facilitate contacts between local companies and the Bank Group, and promote the knowledge of the Bank and its partnerships.

Well, there you have it. If only the mill workers of NB could put together such expertise to help them in the areas in which they have developed some skills -- the New Brunswick citizens who are wondering if they will lose their homes and how--or whether--they will ever find work, especially if they are older workers.

New Illuminati, Cdn. Aid to China, China textiles, Bud Talkinghorn: Dear Lou Dobbs

The New Illuminati CCD website

[. . . . ] The Illuminati (control yourself, kind reader) are (take a deep breath) do-gooding 'Rights Maniacs'. Yes. Those friendly folks in your neighbourhood and thousands of other upper middle class places where those who want to control the world live. These protestors, liberal voters, anti-smokers and supporters of grooms marrying grooms. Those solemn jurists in their black gowns with crisp white collars who make up laws as they go along with the end goal to equalize everyone. Those politicians to whom every cause is a priority and who promote a world where no one should ever go wanting for anything. The Multiculturalism Hucksters. The Rights Advocates. The Equality-for-All Gang. The new elite who knows what's best for everybody, never having asked everybody what they want. [. . . . ]

Minister backs aid to China -- Tory urges end to funding of regime -- MP cites record on human rights Mar. 10, 2005, Andrew Mills, The Star

OTTAWA—International Trade Minister Aileen Carroll has rejected a suggestion that Canada stop sending aid money to China.

The suggestion from Alberta Conservative MP Ted Menzies came during question period in the Commons yesterday.

"In the past decade the Liberal government has spent a billion dollars in foreign aid to China despite its violent human rights record and authoritarian regime. This does not reflect Canadian values of good governance or respect for human rights," Menzies said.

But Carroll immediately rejected any notion of aid to China being stopped.[. . . . ]

Search: rules based, Canadian International Development Agency, Canadian Bar Association, Supreme Court of Canada, a major part of Canada's embassy, a major part of Canada's embassy



At this point, it seems appropriate to direct your attention to this article; do not miss China textiles -- US



Dear Lou Dobbs

I am a Canadian who has followed your program and its emphasis on illegal immigration. We in Canada face the same government indifference to fraudulent entry and bogus refugee claims as you people do. Presently, we have over 36,000 people, who have been given deportation orders, but have simply been allowed to disappear into our huge ethnic ghettoes. So much for voluntarily showing up to be deported. The government won't even supply our police with full descriptions of these escaped deportees, citing "privacy concerns". The real reason is that the Liberals have traditionally depended on garnering the urban ethnic votes for parliamentary seats, so the velvet glove is extended to them. As well, thousamds of undocumented Muslim 'refugees' have been allowed to enter Canada, even after Sept/11. It is sickening to see such disregard for our safety, and subsequently, yours. As the government and the mainly liberal / Liberal leaning media controls the news outlets, this is rarely reported. Keep up the good work. This issue is crucial to our mutual survival.

© Bud Talkinghorn

A Tribute To Our Four Fallen Brothers

The following comes via Jack's News Watch. He wants people to read it.

When you have finished reading, check his site for news items; I shall post little for a while as I have other commitments. Jack will keep you up-to-date, I am sure.



A Tribute To Our Four Fallen Brothers



As four Mounties stood facing their Maker,

which prematurely for them came to pass,

They bowed down to see their boots shining brightly,

just like in their first academy class.



"Stand to attention, you four brave young constables,

What shall justice now deal each of you?

Have you turned the other cheek while serving your Master?

Or have you all been True Blue through and through?"



The first constable, with squared shoulders, said

"No sir, I guess I ‘ain't,

because those of us who carry such weighty badges

can't always live life like our Saints.”

The second confessed he’d worked most Sundays

and that at times his talk was quite rough,

but that to control such senseless violence,

sometimes words were simply just not enough…

The third confessed he’d never took a penny,

that wasn't rightfully his to keep,

Though he’d worked so many hours of overtime

to cover family bills when they just got too steep.

The fourth constable stated he never passed a cry for help

though inside he had occasionally shook with fear,

“and once,” he said quite meekly,

“I've wept lonely in silence many tears.”



The constables agreed together, that they were not sure

if they deserved to rest with the best;

their life had been one of selfless serving;

and they were so used to receiving much less…

“But if there’s a place for us here,” said the four humble Mounties,

“it really need not be too grand,”

“we don’t expect, nor have had too much,

so if there’s no room, well, we all understand."



Then a silence fell throughout all of heaven

While the Saints nodded together as they stood,

over the souls of the four young slain Mounties,

awaiting final judgment from God - Bad or Good?



"Stand at ease, you four brave young constables,

You have borne too many burdens so well,

Come walk a beat on Heaven’s street;

For you’ve proven your metal in Hell…

And to your brothers on Earth who are all now in mourning,

the sad loss of four of Canada’s best,

they’ll one day stand here with you shoulder to shoulder,

And as brothers in arms you will rest.”



Detective Larry Wieda, Boulder Police, Colorado & Constable Ian Barraclough, Vancouver Police, Canada

It is time to clean up the criminal justice labyrinth

'About supporting brothers, sisters' -- COPS COME TOGETHER IN GRIEF Thane Burnett, March 11, 2005, Toronto Sun

"It's about supporting our brothers and sisters," she said, noting, at 34 years old with 10 years on the force, every police officer has something in common.

"We are willing to die -- we all know that can happen."

It's time for Canadians to throw off their apathy and hold people responsible for twisting the criminal justice system into a pretzel where the good guys become victims and the bad guys pass through the revolving door of "justice" with their "get out of jail free" passes. We owe it to those who protect us to provide them with the necessary tools to protect us and themselves. Enough with the double talk, the false promises and the lack of resources. Major criminals are laughing themselves silly at their good fortune of being in a country whose government coddles criminals. We've had enough reviews, studies, plans, meetings, to fill Fort Knox. It's time to put the resources where they are required. Enough with the stonewalling and protecting criminals.

In the sea of proud red serge that we witnessed on March 10, 2005, this is what the government has done to them when it comes to "always getting their man"........

The Last Guardians: The Crisis in the RCMP ... and in Canada by Paul Palango, ISBN: 0771069081, Published by McClelland & Stewart

There is coruption in this country and the government has tied the hands of those entrusted to deal with it. Taking five years to do an investigation because of lack of resources is not justice when the sentence ends up being two years, if a miracle occurs and there is a conviction. The government has set up a system where there is no deterrence and where there are repeat offenders who thrive on the let's make a deal legal system.

We owe it to the four murdered constables and their colleagues to move the pendulum back to the center. There are four dead young constables, we owe it to them to clean up the mess now and stop procrastinating.


The time is ripe for real reform Robert Marshall, Winnipeg Sun, March 11, 2005 -- scroll down for excerpt.

Continental terror drill to be focus of Canada-U.S. homeland security meeting Jim Bronskill, Mar. 11, 05.

There will be more than 10,000 participants. Search: Topoff 3, Topoff 2, Michael Chertoff



Our Mounties maintain a noble tradition Peter Worthington, Mar. 11, 05, Toronto Sun

An RCMP anecdote I grew up with as a kid on the prairies, was the story of Chief Sitting Bull and his Sioux Indians, who sought refuge in Canada after annihilating George Custer and his 7th Cavalry at the Little Bighorn in 1876.

When the time came for the Sioux to go back to Dakota, the U.S. cavalry was waiting at the border to escort Sitting Bull back to a reservation.

A lone Mountie was at the head of the long line of Indians, and the nervous cavalry officer (the fate of the 7th Cavalry ingrained on his memory) asked the Mountie: "And where is the rest of your troop?"

The Mountie shrugged: "Oh, he's back at camp, cooking breakfast."

Cops shaken to their core -- MICHELE MANDEL ON THE STRENGTH LOCAL OFFICERS SHOW IN THE FACE OF ALBERTA TRAGEDY March 11, 2005

The time is ripe for real reform Robert Marshall, Winnipeg Sun, March 11, 2005

[. . . . ] Detailed and thorough investigations will accompany the Mountie murders. [. . . . ]

But that's not enough. Not even close. A much larger investigation is in order. A macro-inquiry. One where those who have been in charge for far too long are forced to looked inward and made to answer for their failings. [. . . . ]

Anne McLellan stated: "These four officers did not die in vain." She must be held to her word. Some good must come of this. Something more than the decriminalization of marijuana and prostitution. It's time they played hardball.

Search: statistics, Youth Criminal Justice Act, "Con Game - the Truth About Canada's Prisons", travesty, DNA labs




Saying 'no' to U.S. was very Liberal Salim Mansur, Mar. 11, 05, Toronto Sun

Mansur is a professor of political science at the University of Western Ontario

To be a multicultural country means to be fragmented, and to have the people pulled in different directions with no common loyalty except what can be negotiated at the lowest common denominator of unstable interests.

Hence what was once the great refusal amounting to nation-building became strident anti-Americanism to bind an increasingly divided country, adrift in its own falsely induced uncertainties by a political party whose sole interest is perpetuating its hold on power, by whatever means and at whatever costs [. . . . ]

Security trumps trade -- Improve border security: former U.S. official CP, March 11, 2005

HALIFAX -- Bureaucrats in Canada and the United States need to move rapidly to improve border security, given the continuing threat of terrorist attacks, a former U.S. security official said Friday.

Maj. Chris Hornbarger, who spoke at a conference in Halifax, was policy director for the U.S. Homeland Security Council, where he planned security measures for the U.S.-Canada border following the 9-11 terrorist attacks. [. . . . ]

Search: "smart border", Detroit-Windsor, Mexico

Bud Talkinghorn: Putting some backbone in the up-coming Conservative policy convention

Putting some backbone in the up-coming Conservative policy convention

Rule number one: Forget the inevitable Liberal charges that will be leveled against any policy you agree on. Better to be hung as a wolf than as a sheep. Don't water down needed policy resolutions to please The Globe and Mail or The CBC. They are implacable opponents, who at best will damn you with faint praise for your moderate stances. Later they will accuse you of being wishy-washy, or trot out the classic charge of "having a hidden agenda". True, the party has to do a balancing act, what with the Red Tory rump and the social conservatives joined together in a shotgun wedding. Still, there surely are areas that can be championed simply because they are logical and economically sound.

Some of these areas are traditional marriage, lax security, gun control, refugee abuses, and gargantuan bureaucracy. The numbers are there to make traditional marriage a cornerstone issue. It is a vote-getter in the ethnic communities, none of whom accept the idea of same-sex marriage, religiously or culturally.

The recent massacre of the Mounties has galvanized the public's attention on the problem of inadequate criminal sentencing. Rozsko should never have been on the street. Earlier in his career he shot and wounded a teen who had ventured on his property. The charge of attempted murder was dropped by the Crown. The billion dollar gun registry's failure can be tied in as well. And every day provides new examples of major lapses in crime control. An example of this today was the announcement that Paul Cochrane, the ex-Deputy Minister of Health, will be sentenced to no more than one year in prison for his multi-million dollar scam. In exchange for millions in funding to a native drug rehab center, he received kickbacks--about two-thirds of a million, SUVs, NHL season tickets, plus other bribes. With the present justice system, Cochrane will be out in a few months. It wouldn't hurt to tie his 'punishment' to what can be expected should any of the sponsorship scandal guilty go to court.

As for the refugee system's absurdities, the Conservatives don't really have to worry about the immigrant vote. Most legitimate immigrants are furious at these queue jumpers. They cannot be happy either that the IRB has allowed in undocumented Middle Easterners. They take the subways too and they remember Ressam's idea of bombing the Montreal stations. There is also the cost of these bogus refugees that most Canadians are kept in the dark about. That cost is enormous, but the Conservatives have been terrified to bring it up because they fear being branded "racist". Well, again, the ethnic communities are paying for these freeloaders, crooks and welfare cheats, through their taxes. The ones I talk to are extremely resentful about this. Even the immigration system is a tempting target. The Liberals are poised to introduce increased family reunification levels. Statistics Canada has shown that this category is a drag on the economy and the health system. Handled the right way, these issues could even be better than neutral in getting votes from these communities. Support immigration and responsible refugee initiatives, but criticize the wrongheadedness of the current system.

Big government was a difficult issue to ignite the public behind, as the Liberals kept boasting that it wasn't affecting the economy. However the economic bubble has burst, with the final quarter of 2004 showing only a 0.2% productivity growth--the lowest in almost a decade. In fact, that number meant that the productivity growth for the past year was zero. It makes a mockery of the Finance Minister's crowing about how much better we were doing than the Americans. The Americans posted a 4% increase for 2004. The implication of our sorry performance is that it will stimulate outsourcing of jobs to the Third World--thus increasing unemployment at home. Already you can go to The Great WallMart of China to see how few Canadian-made goods are for sale there.

The Conservatives must stress that they will encourage productivity gains through more efficient industrial purchases. Give financial incentives to companies that up-date their equipment, instead of allowing the deadbeat corporate welfare schemes that the Liberals so love (Bombardier, et al have only paid back 5% of the billions 'loaned' to them by government.)

There is an additional attack tactic for the $5 billion, the national child care system. a bureaucracy that has bloat written all over its future. There is no way that it can be done for that amount. Just think of the ways its costs can spin out of control--bilingual considerations, translations, aboriginal concerns, formal training and certification of the caregivers, thousands of 'silly serpents' writing and re-writing regulations, proper daycare centers, etc. The mind boggles at the cost overrun possibilities. Then you have to hope that the entire Ministry is not overseen by an Alfonso Gagliano or a Paul Cochrane -- a Jane Stewart or a Pierre Pettigrew . Heap all these concerns on top of the number of voters who don't even want this socialist education (indoctrination as in Communist Russia and China?) The Conservatives should go for the throat on this one.

In short, be an Opposition, not a quasi-Liberal party.

© Bud Talkinghorn

Keep Islamic Law Out of Canada, Quebec Politicians Urge -- Quebec Wants a New Social Contract for Immigrants -- A Slave Speaks Out

"We must rework the social contract (for immigrants) so that the people - Muslims who want to come to Quebec and who do not respect women's rights or who do not respect whatever rights may be in our Civil Code - stay in their country and not come to Quebec, because that's unacceptable."

Keep Islamic law out of Canada, Quebec politicians urge -- Minister suggests province reject; Muslim immigrants who favour system

Online Extra:

Learn more about Islamic law at our Web site: Montreal Gazette March 11, 2005, Mike De Souza, The Gazette

Islamic law has no place in Quebec or the rest of Canada, a provincial cabinet minister and several MNAs said yesterday.

With the Ontario government expected to decide shortly on whether to allow the Islamic legal code, known as sharia, to be applied to settle family disputes among Muslims, Liberal and Parti Quebecois MNAs warned yesterday that using sharia would lead to blatant violations of women's rights. [. . . . ]

Search: International Relations Minister Monique Gagnon-Tremblay, Liberal MNA Fatima Houda-Pepin, Salam Elmenyawi, Muslim Council of Montreal, Action democratique du Quebec

Islamic law has no place in Quebec or the rest of Canada, a provincial cabinet minister and several MNAs said yesterday.

With the Ontario government expected to decide shortly on whether to allow the Islamic legal code, known as sharia, to be applied to settle family disputes among Muslims, Liberal and Parti Quebecois MNAs warned yesterday that using sharia would lead to blatant violations of women's rights.

NB: Quebec now has "international" ministers in assymetrical Canada.

Finally, someone is speaking common sense. No country can withstand the onslaught of the intemperate sharia law groups unless Canadians insist on some ground rules; as a woman, I demand this. As a Canadian, I want this multicult nonsense which tries to preach that no culture is superior to another is utterly foolhardy, particularly to women, if we wish to return to and to maintain what used to be a decent democracy in Canada. End the funding of differences so loved by that party of gathering identifiable political group votes; instead, create democratic, tolerant Canadians, whether born here or imported.




Testimony by Beatrice Fernando, author of "In Contempt of Fate" -- Associate, American Anti-Slavery Group

The International Relations Committee of the House of Representatives -- Sub-Committee on Africa , Global Human Rights, International Operations March 9, 2005

. . . how did a nice Sri Lankan girl like me end up jumping off a balcony in Lebanon? How did I end up in slavery? Could this have been prevented? And how did I survive the leap? In my brief testimony today, I want to address those questions.

[. . . . ] 1) We need more public awareness campaigns about the dangers of trafficking. I got swept up in human trafficking because I did not understand the risks. I needed to make money, and like many people from South and Southeast Asia, I pursued work in the Middle East. I didn’t know my passport would get taken away, and I didn’t know that I wouldn’t get paid. . . .

[. . . . ] 4) We need to have even tougher monitoring of foreign countries. Every year, the State Department’s annual report on trafficking should list the amount of money each country spends on anti-trafficking efforts.

[. . . . ] And we need to hold accountable the repressive governments that are part of the problem rather than part of the solution.

The Shotgun: Kevin Steele-Former Health Canada Asst. Deputy Minister Paul Cochrane Pleading Guilty-Huge Scandal-Millions-Native Treatment Centre

Western Standard / Shotgun Does the Job -- Mainstream Media Remiss

The mainstream media have been 'conveniently' remiss, I think, in order to maintain the status quo; thus they downplay news like this to protect those who don't want this information to roam too far into the minds of the electorate -- who might demand more transparency and accountability -- the kind of thing ex-Liberal Minister Robert Nault wanted to bring about. For his troubles, where is he today? Did he get a patronage position?

Once he leaves government, will the minister in charge of native affaurs and reserves, the present Minister, Andy Scott, get a patronage position for failing to insist on further investigation of the information about drugs coming into the Labrador Innu communities -- the communities that already have alcoholism and glue sniffing, along with other problems. He did manage to get a treaty agreement with at least one Innu chief who had previously been unhappy with the government. How was that accomplished in one publicized meeting?

The Shotgun: Kevin Steele Mar. 11, 05 -- Conspiracy of delusion , the TrackBack URL

I'm having a little trouble finding a link to a Winnipeg Free Press story this morning about former Health Canada assistant deputy minister Paul Cochrane pleading guilty in a huge scandal--millions of dollars in funds--involving a Native treatment centre on the Sagkeeng First Nation. You would think a story about a scandal this size might make it onto our country's newswire service...

[. . . . ] And here is the story about Cochrane in full:

Man to plead guilty in health scandal: Accused alleged to have accepted bribes from Native health centreThe StarPhoenix (Saskatoon)
Fri 11 Mar 2005
Page: B7
Section: National
Byline: Paul Samyn
Source: Winnipeg Free Press

OTTAWA -- The former Health Canada assistant deputy minister at the centre of a multimillion-dollar scandal involving Native health care is expected to plead guilty today to two fraud charges as part of plea bargain, the Winnipeg Free Press has learned.

Paul Cochrane's appearance in an Ottawa courtroom this morning will come with a recommendation from the Crown that he receive a one-year jail term and two years probation, senior government sources say. [. . . . ]

Get the rest online at the Shotgun.

Kevin Steele is funny and informative. Make a habit of checking the Western Standard and the blog section, The Shotgun; the writers are like junkyard dogs following the scent. (Thanks to JD for that apt phrase.)



Adscam Memorial Golf Balls -- a remembrance of things past -- a perfect gift for the today's Canadians.

This tickles my funny bone -- no, I don't get a cut. Why not pass them out at the Conservative Convention in Montreal? Many would pay for them.

Bud Talkinghorn: Walls Not Mentioned by UN -- Four slain Mounties & Canada's Injustice System

The walls that the UN doesn't like to talk about

I suspect that like me most people know about The Great Wall of China, Hadrian's Wall in England and the Israeli wall. Little walls such as the one that separates San Diego and Tijuana are known to most Americans. However, the extent of the numbers of walls that separate countries around the world came as a revelation to me. According to Abigail Cutler in the National Post (March, 10, 05) there are walls that dwarf the controversial one that separates Israel from Palestine. Who knew that India had created a 1,100 km anti-terrorism fence that separates Kashmir from Pakistan? When finished, it will stretch 3,000 km. The next time you hear the Saudi ambassador rail against Israel's fence, think about the one that his country is building between Saudi Arab and Yemen. The reason is to stop terrorist attacks from Yemen. Another Muslim security fence exists between Morocco and the Western Sahara. It is a 3 meter high sand and iron barrier, with mines, yet. It stretches over 2,000 km along the border with Western Sahara. Then there is the 240 km long demilitarized zone between North and South Korea--described by Bill Clinton as "the scariest place on Earth". To back up the barbed wire/mines, are about 3,000 long-range guns trained on Seoul. There are other fences/walls in Northern Ireland, Botswana, and Cyprus. None of these generates much criticism from the UN talk-shop boys. However, the wall/fence in Israel drives them into hyperventilating abuse. It makes one think about that old saw: Good fences make good neighbours.

© Bud Talkinghorn




The memorial for the four slain Mounties -- &-- the Injustice System

The ceremony was extremely touching. That four superior young men should be gunned down by the likes of a career criminal, whose violent hatred of the law was well known, is incredibly unjust. After numerous crimes Roszko was served only two years. There is something profoundly wrong with our justice system that he was still on the loose. There was one saving grace and that was that Irwin Cotler was not on the stage mouthing platitudes about the tragic loss. Maybe the Liberals wanted him there, but the Mounties may have vetoed it. The number of insane sentences handed out to violent thugs and even murderers is too long to enumerate. The Justice Minister, Cotler, is not the man to remedy this serious lack of retribution. I only hope that this massacre of these fine officers will lead to a reappraisal of the sentencing guidelines.

© Bud Talkinghorn


I realize that having 'dignitaries' speak at such a massive and symbolic occasion as the RCMP funeral is expected. Nevertheless, it offended my sensibilities to listen to Paul Martin mouth gusts of hot air signifying little of substance -- nothing that would have helped an underfunded service operate so as to protect all the young men who serve and protect us -- if anything could have helped these young men. There are articles being written on how underfunding and taking older recruits who, presumably, would have had more mature judgement, may have contributed. Perhaps nothing could have saved them. Nevertheless, search for an article today in the National Post concerning the RCMP situation.

Paul Martin's government has extended the decimation of our security and military forces begun in the era of Jean Chretien and his cohort. Remember the cost to everyone except JC pique of cancelling the helicopter contract to best former PM Brian Mulroney (many believe) -- Mulroney who had contracted for new helicopters? Remember JC's pique surpassed a security and military need -- just so the "little" guy could "win". Jean Chretien and his governent's largesse to some--think the Gomery Inquiry--while underfunding, underequipping, and undermanning our RCMP, CSIS, and CBPS (Canada Border Patrol Service, I think). Under the Liberals, our Ports Police were taken away. To whose benefit? Who would not want police closely monitoring our ports?

Canadians are beginning to realize we are relatively unprotected because of these Liberal governments; meanwhile criminals and terrorists enter Canada aided by a dysfunctional immigration and refugee system helped by the judges and that scourge of common sense, the Charter. Criminals, organized crime, drug dealers and the lawyers who dance on the head of a pin of common sense make money, even are corrupted by the flow of illegal money.

These governments have increased Canadians' insecurity while allowing unbridled corruption in their handling of taxpayer money. I have mentioned previously on this site details of several areas in which these governments have been remiss. Just check previous posts on this site and on News Junkie Canada which has links and posts from the past two years. NJC

Pot: "The growers are winning and the situation is out of control." & "Bold U.S. voice to the U.N."

Crime's down -- that's the government's standard line

There are 4 dead RCMP officers and the government plays games with the "justice" system. There is no justice for victims whom the government continually ignores; furthermore, the government is not preventing them from becoming victims in the first place.

Out of control: Criminal justice system 'on the brink of imploding' Chad Skelton, Vancouver Sun, Mar. 11, 05. If you would like to contact the journalist, he has provided this email address: cskelton@png.canwest.com. It is time for the citizenry to get involved with any help they can offer.

With more than 4,500 reports last year of illegal indoor pot-growing operations, B.C. police cannot keep up.

Lawbreakers have to rack up nine or more prior drug convictions before they have a better than 50-50 chance of being sent to jail. Children are found in one-fifth of grow-ops raided. In B.C.'s war against marijuana-growing operations, a groundbreaking new study makes one thing clear: The growers are winning and the situation is out of control.

First of a two-day series

Police are less likely to investigate marijuana growers, prosecutors are less likely to lay charges against them, and judges are less likely to send them to jail than they were in the late 1990s, according to a groundbreaking study to be released today. [. . . . ]

This is lengthy, detailed, worth reading.

If owning a home interests you, search "A COMMON STORY"

Here you have Liberal heaven, it would seem, since the federal government inadequately funds and inadequately mans the security services that would pursue those involved in this criminal industry -- a thriving industry.

Somehow, I do not believe that all the good, decent MP's of all parties want this.

If, as an MP you have not made it out of the Parliamentary back benches, it may signify that you wear a badge of honour and innate decency, given what is being revealed over time in several areas. This is your chance to stand and be counted. Get to it. NJC




Bold U.S. voice to the U.N. R. Emmett Tyrrell, Washington Times, Mar. 11, 05.

R. Emmett Tyrrell is founder and editor in chief of the American Spectator, a contributing editor to the New York Sun, and an adjunct scholar at the Hudson Institute. His latest book is "Madame Hillary: the Dark Road to the White House."

Given the deplorable moral condition of the United Nations over the past dozen years, I have longed for a U.S. representative of the quality of Pat Moynihan or Jeane Kirkpatrick. Admittedly a Moynihan or a Kirkpatrick are rare finds, but surely some stentorian voice could be found to abuse the United Nations with a recitation of democratic values. Now President Bush has found one in nominating the State Department's John Bolton to serve where Mr. Moynihan and Mrs. Kirkpatrick served so memorably. [. . . . ]

RCMP: Rest in Peace -- Photos, Audio & Tributes -- & -- The Everyday Reality

"Eternal rest grant unto them, Oh Lord"

March 10 RCMP Funeral -- click on each photo to enlarge

"As many as 10,000 police officers from across the country and the United States crammed into the University of Alberta's Butterdome Thursday to witness the ceremony, which was broadcast nationally."

It was a moving ceremony, the most touching aspects of which were the words of family and friends in memory of their loved ones -- heart wrenching. These were such worthy, accomplished and decent young men.




Memorial honours Mounties 'who have given everything' Mar. 10, 05, CBC

EDMONTON - As RCMP officers bowed their heads and blinked away tears, the haunting bugle notes of the Last Post hung over the final moments of a memorial service for four constables gunned down in the line of duty last week.

Thousands of police officers, mourners and dignitaries gathered inside an Edmonton pavilion to honour Constables Peter Schiemann, Leo Johnston, Anthony Gordon and Brock Myrol in the largest memorial service in the Mounties' history. [. . . . ]

LISTEN

Related:
Man who shot officers made calls to CBC: RCMP March 9, 05

Our Mounties maintain a noble tradition March 11, 2005, Peter Worthington, Toronto Sun

[. . . . ] Perhaps the most fitting tribute to the four who died so unnecessarily last week at the hand of James Roszko, is the one penned by Robert Service in his poem Clancy of the Mounted Police over a century ago: [. . . . ]

Rest in Peace, Constables Peter Schiemann, Brock Myrol, Anthony Gordon and Leo Johnston.

Mourning Canada's own sons Mar. 11, 05

[. . . . ] Yesterday's service opened with a chaplain reading from 1 Corinthians 13: "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." [. . . . ]

A Slice of the Reality

Still on U.S. radar

Rice: Terrorists Trying to Enter U.S. Mar 10, 05, Liz Sidoti, AP / Yahoo

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (news - web sites) said Thursday that al-Qaida and other terrorist groups are doing everything they can to get into the United States through Mexico and Canada [. . . . ]

Alta. Mountie killer offered cash to man to gun down rival with assault rifle March 9, 2005, Darcy Henton, CP

[. . . . ] He said Roszko suggested he use his .308-calibre HK assault rifle for the job -- a weapon the witness testified Roszko had let him use for target shooting. [. . . . ]

If this was the "rifle" some politicians have some explaining to do about the usefulness of the gun registry -- $1.2 billion that could have gone to increase manpower instead.

assault rifle -- Do not miss this photo





Painting a sad tale -- Artist Les Pomeroy has worked around clock since the tragedy, Mark Bonokoski writes March 10, 2005, Mark Bonokowski

THE PAINTING of the four fallen RCMP officers -- young men in red serge, their lives taken by a cop-hating gunman -- left by plane for Edmonton at dawn this morning, its destination being a place on the podium at the massive police memorial service later today [yesterday] at the University of Alberta.

[. . . . ] Artist Les Pomeroy had been working on the oil-on-canvas non-stop since the painting was commissioned late Sunday, and he worked through the night again Tuesday in a small 14th-floor apartment in the Pape and Danforth area which a friend lets him share, and where his bed is the couch.

This is of interest, also, about an artist considered so promising he acquired patrons.




From the Perspective of a Police Officer Ready for Retirement

"Spring Planting Season" March 10, 2005

Paul Wells -- "Bang On The Money"! March 09, 2005

Martin -- And The Mounties March 08, 2005





CHARTER ARGUMENTS STALL HIT AND RUN LEGISLATION -- LIBERALS, NDP, BLOC, SATISFIED WITH LENIENT SENTENCES FOR HIT AND RUN OFFENDERS

Randy White, MP
Abbotsford
Media Release

Ottawa - The Liberal, NDP, and Bloc parties took turns Tuesday criticising Bill C-275, Carley’s Law, that would have stiffened sentences for people who flee the scene of an accident after striking someone. The law proposes penalties ranging from 4 years in the case of bodily harm, and 7 years for bodily harm causing death.

The following statements on the Bill were given by Members in the House on March 8th:

PAUL MACKLIN (LIB) “Courts would find that the combination of the disproportionate minimum penalties and the elimination of the mental element would violate the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which is an integral part of the Canadian Constitution.”

RICHARD MARCEAU (BQ): “The Bloc believes that the judge is in the best position to analyze the individual’s reasons for leaving the scene and determine the appropriate sentence. . . moreover, the Bloc Quebecois also thinks that the minimum sentences proposed in Bill C-275 are exaggerated and out of proportion.”

JOE COMARTIN (NDP): “It is not a perfect system. Again I think the family will probably not accept that, but it is not a perfect system… the criminal justice system has failed them. But we know that day in and day out the system we have built generally works.”

DON BOUDRIA (LIB): “The end result is that guilty people are exonerated, because the judge felt that the sentence was too stiff.”

“I cannot believe it”, commented Abbotsford Member of Parliament Randy White in the House,“As I prepare to leave the House of Commons, I wonder if the Charter of Rights will ever be used for something really valid that all people in Canada want as opposed to an excuse for not doing anything at all.”

[. . . . ]




Inmate ran fraud from jail: Cops

A PHONE and unmitigated gall were all Dickson Motsewetsho needed to run an international telemarketing fraud from inside the Don Jail, police alleged yesterday. "Being that he is able to operate while in custody, I think it's fair to say he's very smooth," OPP Det.-Sgt. Joe Zwambag said. [. . . . ]

Gun registry 'colossal failure'

THE SHOOTING deaths of four Mounties proves the controversial gun registry is a "colossal failure," opposition MPs charged yesterday in the House of Commons. "It is self-evident that last week's multiple murder tragedy was not in any way prevented or impeded by the gun registry, although the gun registry was brought into effect primarily to deal with precisely this kind of tragedy," said Conservative Leader Stephen Harper. [. . . . ]

2 slayings, grow op tied Mar. 10, 05

A TREMBLING, weeping, witness in a murder trial linked to a marijuana grow operation told a jury yesterday how she was caught in the middle between two men hell-bent on a pay-back scheme against each other. Clutching her arms tightly around her body, Minh Thuy Dang, 28, now serving prison time for conspiracy to murder and manslaughter, stood in the witness stand in a Barrie court and testified she thought hired thugs only meant to "beat up" her boss and part-time lover. [. . . . ]

Police mow down T.O. grass labs Jonathan Jenkins, Toronto Sun, March 10, 2005

OUTSIDE A Lawrence Ave. apartment block, a modest sign pleads, "Please Keep Off Grass." Inside, four people were arrested yesterday, allegedly for failing to do just that. [. . . . ]

Hells wheel into Steeltown March 10, 2005

THE STEEL City just got a little tougher with the emergence of a new Hells Angels chapter in a heavily fortified brick box in Hamilton's gritty downtown. The Hells Angels officially opened their 16th Ontario chapter in the former digs of the Satan's Choice on Lottridge St. with a party on Friday night [. . . . ]

Bailiff had no idea of killer's history -- re four dead RCMP officers




Witness laid trap for pair Mar. 11, 05

Search: Minh Dang, diamond, first-degree, Casino Rama


Casino Rama, aboriginally owned casino just outside of Orillia


The above relates to another article from Mar. 10, 05 "2 slayings, grow op tied -- WITNESS THOUGHT THUGS WOULD ONLY BEAT HER BOSS" -- by Tracy McLaughlin, Toronto Sun special




See also an article from Mar. 10 which I posted yesterday:

MPs set to war over pot -- Commons justice committee to review decriminalization plan Kathleen Harris, Ottawa Bureau, Mar. 9, 05

How dare they! -- a school, a student, and the Toronto Sun

Yesterday I posted on what I heard via CFRB NewsTalk 1010 with Bill Carroll -- that the Toronto Sun is disallowed as a research source for a history assignment in a private school. The Sun has a tabloid style and apparently, its appeal is greatest amongst blue-collar workers, as opposed to the outlets approved of by the bafflegab and blunderbuss elites -- the type who, at the Gomery Inquiry can parse the meaning of "evident" in whether the sponsorship program delivered "evident" value for money -- the type who can differentiate between "decriminalizing" what is an illegal product with, therefore, no legal source of supply, and "legalizing" said product.


The story -- Fan of Sun penalized by teacher -- 22% slashed off teen's grade Brodie Fenelon, Toronto Sun, Mar. 10, 05

The result -- ... but we're 100% behind her

IT MAY not be good enough for her private school, but Jessica Bolzicco has just earned herself a free six-month home subscription to the Sunday Sun. [. . . . ]

The latest on this from the Toronto Sun site: Teen's last straw Mar. 11, 05



I checked the Toronto Sun the evening of Mar. 10 and early on Mar. 11 to see whether I would forbid it as a source, particularly, if I wanted students to get a picture of what was happening in the Toronto area. Actually, the Sun includes much more -- and perhaps that is the problem. Just scroll down.




The problem with "blue collar" newspapers is that they attract exactly the kind of reader who sees through bafflegab and who will call a spade a spade.

These readers may not have learned the finer points of huffing and puffing, publicly proclaiming one value or belief while effectively acting to assure the opposite in private, in their power positions. No wonder those who have learned to "parse" ordinary words for nuance or to confuse and confound reason are afraid of the blue-collars amongst them. Bring on the blue-collar voter and, to the Toronto Sun, keep appealing to those who want straightforward news.



What follows, since I had so short a time, omits some of my favourite columnists but anyone who checks this site will be able to tell. These indicate a few of the news items that any school should find perfectly acceptable.



"Canada's Liberals have proved to be far from liberal when it comes to allowing their members and MPs to publicly express personal opinions."

The honourable thing to do Bob MacDonald, Toronto Sun, Mar. 10, 05

[. . . . ] That's right. Despite their name, Canada's Conservatives have long been known as the party of free speech. Individual members and MPs have a natural, stubborn individualism in their make-up that insists on having their say -- on anything. It's called free speech. [. . . . ]

Of course, the Honourable Stephen Harper actually listened and responded to members' concerns. Vive la difference! We are not Liberals.




RCMP memorial draws 15,000 police, dignitaries and mourners March 10, 2005, John Cotter, CP

EDMONTON -- Led by Mounties on black horses, their lances gleaming in the morning sun, a parade of officers marched solemnly Thursday to a cavernous pavilion to honour four slain colleagues in an unprecedented memorial. [. . . . ]

McGuinty blames it all on feds Mar. 10, 05

THE GAP between what Ontario contributes to federal coffers and the cash Ottawa plows into the province is big and getting bigger, Premier Dalton McGuinty said last night. Seizing on an increasingly familiar theme, McGuinty said the difference soared from just $2 billion in 1995 to $23 billion now. [. . . . ]

Keep your enemies close but your friends and federal political brethren closer.




RCMP charge 12, including suspected bikers, in alleged drug conspiracy March 10, 2005, CP

SUDBURY, Ont. (CP) - Twelve people, including several alleged members of the Hells Angels, have been charged following a 14-month cocaine trafficking investigation, the RCMP said Wednesday. [. . . . ]

Search: prison, ecstasy, New Brunswick




Ad man's son places blame for sponsorship irregularities in dad's lap Brian Daly, March 10, 2005, CP

MONTREAL (CP) - An ex-Liberal campaign worker who became rich from federal sponsorship contracts placed responsibility for apparent billing irregularities at the feet of his father and sister. [. . . . ]

Search: Michel Octeau, Julie, $150, windfalls, federally branded paraphernalia, Guite, Canada Post. commemorative stamp




$245-an-hour shipping clerk

TAXPAYERS FORKED out $245 per hour for a Montreal ad exec to package 5,000 Christmas tree ornaments purchased through the controversial sponsorship program. Eric Lafleur told the AdScam commission yesterday that he worked hard at managing sponsorships but did agree he shouldn't have been paid so much to package promo items like ornaments. [. . . . ]

Canuck 'tortilla' T-shirts

THE LIBERAL government is under fire for doling out T-shirts with made-in-Mexico tags while promoting Canada on a recent trade trip to Washington. More than 1,700 of the cotton T-shirts were distributed during the "advocacy day" on Capitol Hill last week. The shirts were supplied by Gildan Activewear, a Quebec-based company that has faced past accusations of unfair labour practices in Third World countries. [. . . . ]

AdScam lawyer seeks press silence

A MONTREAL AD exec, charged by the RCMP for allegedly defrauding taxpayers of $2 million through the sponsorship program, will ask the AdScam inquiry for a publication ban on his testimony. Jean Brault, the former owner of Groupaction Marketing, will ask Justice John Gomery March 21 to shield his testimony for fear it will hurt his chances of a fair criminal trial beginning May 2 in Montreal. [. . . . ]

Air it all.




Liberals stack committee to help push along gay marriage bill March 10, 2005, Alexander Panetta. CP

OTTAWA (CP) - The Liberal government has stacked the parliamentary deck in favour of its same-sex marriage bill by naming only supportive Liberals to a key committee.

The makeup of a new same-sex committee should ensure Bill C-38 doesn't suffer any major changes before it arrives for a final vote in the House of Commons in the coming months. Although the controversial marriage issue has divided the ranks of the governing party, it will be a powerful block of six Liberals sitting on the committee scrutinizing the bill. [. . . . ]

Search: MP Don Boudria, 13-member committee, marriagevote.ca




Hong Kong's leader resigns Helen Luk, CP

HONG KONG (AP) [. . . . ] Tung's position would be temporarily filled by the No. 2 ranking official, Donald Tsang -- a popular, bow tie-wearing career civil servant who was educated at Harvard and received a knighthood for his service during British colonial rule.

Tsang might be Beijing's idea of a complete package: a man known to follow orders without wavering and a battle-hardened civil servant who can run a bureaucracy.
"He has the mentality of a loyal servant. He just follows his boss. ... It's just that his bosses keep changing," said Ma Ngok, a political scientist at Hong Kong's University of Science and Technology. [. . . . ]

Search: speculation, one country, two systems, 800-member



Well, there is a selection. What do you think of this tabloid and its appeal?

Al Gordon: Feds' Tiger Tales Don't Add Up, CFRB: Student-Toronto Sun, Kyoto: Cyclical Movements or Harbinger? Roszko-Justice? Toews: Age of Consent

Tamil Tigers

Misleading Canadians about the crass political concerns that stop us from cracking down on terrorism is bad enough. But failing to do the right thing in the end -- that would be a real scandal. Alastair Gordon

Alastair Gordon is president of the Canadian Coalition for Democracies.; CanadianCoalition.com Do check the forum on this website. It is au courant and always worth reading; my only problem is that I can't read it all.

The feds' Tiger tales don't add up Alastair Gordon, March 10, 2005, National Post

Alastair Gordon is president of the Canadian Coalition for Democracies.; CanadianCoalition.com

By any objective standard, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam is clearly a terrorist organization. The LTTE (or "Tamil Tigers") has killed tens of thousands of Sri Lankans over the last two decades, often in suicide attacks. It has also assassinated a variety of democratically elected political leaders, including Sri Lankan president Ranasinghe Premadasa and Indian prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. And, to keep its operations going, it has forcibly recruited child soldiers (over 6,000 since 2001, according to Human Rights Watch).

Knowing all this, the United States, United Kingdom and other Western nations have rightly branded the LTTE a terrorist group. Among other things, this means fundraising for the Tigers is illegal in each of those countries. Canada has not followed suit. Why?

In January, the National Post editorial board put the question to Justice Minister Irwin Cotler. In reply, he hinted that politics played a role: "Toronto I think has the largest number of Tamils ... outside of Sri Lanka, so we've got to be very careful just in terms of our own relationships." [. . . . ]

Is Kyoto about climate change and pollution -- or something else? Check out the science.

Polar history shows melting ice-cap may be a natural cycle Ian Johnson

THE melting of sea ice at the North Pole may be the result of a centuries-old natural cycle and not an indicator of man-made global warming, Scottish scientists have found.

After researching the log-books of Arctic explorers spanning the past 300 years, scientists believe that the outer edge of sea ice may expand and contract over regular periods of 60 to 80 years. This change corresponds roughly with known cyclical changes in atmospheric temperature.

The finding opens the possibility that the recent worrying changes in Arctic sea ice are simply the result of standard cyclical movements, and not a harbinger of major climate change. [. . . . ]

CFRB: NewsTalk 1010 online -- Today I listened to this discussion.

A student at King City's St. Thomas of Villanova College lost 22 points on an assignment for using the Toronto Sun

Apparently, it is considered a "tabloid newspaper" and, despite its use of UPI and Reuters, despite having some very good journalists, it is not acceptable to some education establishments.

A student at King City's St. Thomas of Villanova College lost 22 points on an assignment for using the Toronto Sun as a source; it is too conservative but the reason given is the use of the Sunshine girl and Sunshine boy--the latter ended in Sept. 2004, I learned. Funny, I check the Toronto Sun most days and I have never even noticed them -- perhaps more a reflection on the singularity of my own interests than on anything; nevertheless, we do have the freedom to look at what we want and to ignore the rest. Or is this not enough control? A caller on CFRB attending the University of Toronto a few years ago concurs that the university put the Toronto Sun off limits to students as a research source.




Alta. Mountie killer offered cash to man to gun down rival with assault rifle Darcy Henton, CP, March 09, 2005

EDMONTON (CP) -- More than a decade before he gunned down four Alberta Mounties, James Roszko tried to convince another man to kill for him.

Recently released court documents reveal Roszko offered a young acquaintance $10,000 in 1993 to kill a man in Mayerthorpe, Alta., with an automatic assault rifle that may have been the same weapon used in last Thursday's slayings.

Roszko was charged with counselling another person to commit murder, but the charge was dropped after a preliminary hearing when the judge ruled that casually talking about killing someone isn't the same thing as plotting to kill someone. [. . . . ]

[. . . . ]




Age of Consent in Canada

CPC MP Vic Toews: Fourteen is too young National Post, Mar. 10, 05

This week's news that a 31-year-old Texan man allegedly lured a 14-year-old Ottawa boy to a hotel for sex has drawn attention to Canada's role as a tourist destination for Americans seeking sex with minors. Had the alleged incident occurred in Texas, where the age of consent is 17, this individual might have been charged with sexually abusing a child. In Canada, however, the age of consent is 14. [. . . . ]

Vic Toews makes sense -- and he also discusses sex between young teens of similar age -- addressing the reality. Was Svend Robinson not active in lowering the age of consent to 14? Parental wishes don't trump the homosexual agenda in Liberal Canada -- don't you realize?

Bud Talkinghorn: CSIS meets the Senate Committee on Anti-terrorism -- & -- Let's Talk about the Gun Registry and Weak Sentencing

CSIS meets the Senate Committee on Anti-terrorism

Jim Judd, the Director of CSIS, was answering questions -- shown on CPAC on March 9, 05. He was peppered with questions about how sensitive CSIS was in exchanging information with countries that had less than a sterling record of democracy. Judd admitted that it was a necessity in this era of Islamist terroism to have contact with the countries that produced these terrorists, i.e. Eygpt or Algeria. The Liberal Senators who were so concerned to assure that no Canadian refugee or immigrant would have his name revealed, are the same crowd that cheer on Canada siding with the thug states of the UN. The majority of the times that the dictatorial regimes of the Muslim world have put forth a resolution to condemn Israel for "genocide" or "terrorism", Canada has voted with them. Our UN record of voting against the only democracy in the Middle East is a total disgrace. But than, considering the UN's own record on human rights (think Rwanda, Cambodia and Darfur), it follows. The majority of the General Assembly members are just this side of Stalin's communists. The UN's record of impotence in the face of a Pol Pot or a Mugabe is almost perfect. The Liberals like to pretend that they are a 'moderating' influence on the institution, but they have simply allowed themselves to be as morally corrupted as the worst members.

Thankfully, President Bush has appointed a U.S. ambassador, John Bolton, who sees the UN for what it is, a talkshop for tyrants and their sympathizers. He once said that the UN building could lose 10 storeys and no harm would be done. The international left is all a-twitter of course. They want UN supremacy to trump national sovereignty. Forget that Mugabe has allowed his populace to face mass starvation; that shouldn't preclude him from running the UN World Food Bureaucracy. Myanmar could head up the Human Rights Tribunal. And finally, the massed troops of the UN could finally get their act together and defeat that one enemy of freedom, Israel. Well, unlike our ambassador, Sheriff Bolton will be there to whip out his badge and stop some of this nonsense.

© Bud Talkinghorn




Forget grow-ops, let's talk about the gun registry and weak sentencing

James Roszko didn't beat those four Mounties to death with a marijuana plant; he shot them with an illegal automatic rifle. That he was even out of prison to commit that heinous crime speaks to how we allow psychopathic criminals to rack up endless crimes and do little time.

According to the news, Roszko had a string of criminal offenses that dated back to his teens; yet the only time he served was for sexually molesting a boy. That jail time was less than two years, despite having been charged over the years with 17 other offenses--one of shooting a teenager.

Now let us examine the efficacy of the Liberals' gun registry in stopping Rozsko from obtaining his weapons. It is obvious that the man had criminal connections, as the Mounties were about to arrest him for stealing car parts, along with his grow-op. Criminals do not report their guns to the registry; just the law-abiding do. Toronto's ex-police chief, Julian Fantino has declared that the gun registry has not solved one violent gun crime in his city. The wasted tens of millions spent to top up this already billion dollar boondoggle could be spent in tracking down the "Saturday night specials", the Uzis and the Glocks that turn streets into shooting galleries. These are the weapons of choice amongst the gangsters, not shotguns or target pistols. However, for the Liberals to close down the gun registry now, would be to admit that it was a brain dead idea from the outset. Besides, the tiny, but powerful, coterie of "elites" that support it might be displeased. Thus the illusion of guarding our safety will continue; as will the future Rozskos and their deadly unregistered arsenal.

© Bud Talkinghorn -- One other thing that is apropos of this issue. Notice how CBC has edited out a crucial part of the interview with Mrs. Myrol, the mother of one of the slain RCMP officers? In the original version she stated that it is time that Parliament start making decisions on criminal justice, rather than letting the Supreme Court decide. We can't have any criticism of the Supremes now, can we?


Note that CBC complied by omitting her question to the Prime Minister -- The Liberal Propaganda Arm does the government's bidding for its share of the lucre. NJC

Hansard Mar.9/2005-QP: Justice, Terrorism, Border Security -- Apparently, It's Question Period -- Not Answer Period

Four dead Mounties deserve answers and making sure the problems are fixed -- staff shortages, lenient sentences and a useless gun registry that didn't protect them.

The government keeps drilling in the public's mind they have put $8 billion into security. They didn't -- it's just a promise -- like the military's $13 billion -- maybe down the road. Most of the money went into such things where there was deferred maintenance and functional obsolescence in communications and computer equipment. This should have been upgraded yearly like most companies do. The government let the RCMP starve for this equipment for years and then made an a big announcement for PR purposes. $8 billion sounds better than $1.5 billion/year for maximum PR effect. The question is: how many officers, above the attrition level, have been hired with that "$8 billion" -- 5000 officers or 200 officers? They keep reorganizing, reviewing, studying, producing reports -- evrything but acting and actually fixing the problems. When the funerals are over, they have a lot to answer for.


Hansard Mar.9/2005-QP

http://www.parl.gc.ca/38/1/parlbus/chambus/house/debates/068_2005-03-09/ques068-E.htm

Justice

Hon. Stephen Harper (Leader of the Opposition, CPC): Mr. Speaker, as the days pass, more information is coming to light about last week's shooting of four Mounties in Alberta.

This appears to be another example of an individual with a long history of criminal charges, complaints and convictions, but who rarely found himself in prison.

The justice minister has said that mandatory minimum sentencing is not an option for such individuals. I wonder if this opinion is shared by the Prime Minister.

Right Hon. Paul Martin (Prime Minister, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, what occurred is obviously a tremendous human tragedy. All of us, the Leader of the Opposition, many members here and I will have the opportunity in Edmonton tomorrow to say to the families just how deeply troubled and deeply sorrowful we feel.

As the hon. member knows, there is an investigation ongoing by the RCMP on this particular matter and we obviously should wait for the results of that.

That being said, it does raise a number of wider issues. Those wider issues are ones that are being addressed by the minister.

Hon. Stephen Harper (Leader of the Opposition, CPC): Mr. Speaker, all the information to this point certainly suggests that in this case the individual in question had a long history of dangerous and threatening behaviour.

He was viewed as dangerous not just by the authorities, but he was viewed as dangerous by anyone who came into contact with him, by the entire community and by his own family. At the same time, it appears no one ever considered registering him as a dangerous offender because of the difficulty in doing so.

Is the government prepared to look at dangerous offender legislation to see if it can be made somewhat more effective?

Hon. Irwin Cotler (Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, at the recent meeting of the federal, provincial and territorial ministers of justice, we referred the matter of dangerous offenders to a working group in that regard. They will be reporting back to us in June 2005.

Hon. Stephen Harper (Leader of the Opposition, CPC): Mr. Speaker, let me ask one final question.

It is self-evident that last week's multiple murder tragedy was not in any way prevented or impeded by the gun registry, although the gun registry was brought into effect primarily to deal with precisely this kind of tragedy.

After spending $1 billion, does the government have any evidence at all that the registry would prevent this kind of tragedy in the future?

Hon. Anne McLellan (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, first let me say that obviously this is a very tragic event and there is a criminal investigation ongoing. As well, the RCMP is looking internally at what happened.

It is incumbent upon all of us to await the outcome of those investigations and reviews before we start leaping to conclusions. It is unfortunate that the opposition has chosen at this time to leap to conclusions before we have all the facts.

[Asking the obvious questions is what Canadians expect our opposition to do Ms. MacLellan. NJC]

* * *

Terrorism

Mr. Peter MacKay (Central Nova, CPC): We have come to the conclusion, Mr. Speaker, that the gun registry is a colossal failure and does not save lives.

Last week the director of CSIS, Jim Judd, told a Senate committee that the agency was considering recommending outlawing the Tamil Tigers as a terrorist organization in Canada. The United States, Great Britain and Australia have all done so.

Judd says Canada is hesitating because the foreign affairs minister is concerned that listing the Tigers might upset a peace process in Sri Lanka. [my italics NJC]

Could the Minister of Public Safety tell us what is more important, shutting down a terrorist organization in Canada or offending somebody outside the country? Who makes the final decision, her or the foreign affairs minister?

Hon. Anne McLellan (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, first let me make it absolutely plain, if any organization in this country carries out any terrorist activity as defined in the Criminal Code, we will proceed against that organization. Let me be absolutely clear about that.

We review on a regular and ongoing basis the possibility of listing organizations. That review process continues.

I take very seriously the input I receive and the risk assessments I receive from organizations such as CSIS and the RCMP.

(1425)

Mr. Peter MacKay (Central Nova, CPC): Mr. Speaker, in some cases dithering causes death.

[Translation]

Yesterday the Minister of Transport did not want to explain why a computer system could not be set up in airports to monitor terrorists.

Would the Minister of Transport explain why police agencies have to rely on luck, when a computerized system could ensure the safety of Canadians?

Hon. Jean Lapierre (Minister of Transport, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I had a hard time understanding the question in French. I can tell you that airport security is assured with as many means as possible. However, we are also developing a special list to keep certain people off flights. If that is what the hon. member wanted to know, this is absolutely the case. We are currently working on a no fly list.

[How many years after 9/11 does it take to ask the RCMP and CSIS for their input and to use it? Or might that have repercussions on leaders and/or spokesmen for politically identifiable voting communities? NJC]

* * *

Border Security

Mr. Russ Hiebert (South Surrey—White Rock—Cloverdale, CPC): Mr. Speaker, a CBC report yesterday focused on illegal border crossings in my riding. People are just walking across the border at the Peace Arch crossing while the new border service is powerless to do anything. Officers cannot arrest suspects more than 100 feet away and so must call the police, who face the challenge of arriving before these illegals vanish.

The U.S. border service has doubled the enforcement on its side and the power to arrest people anywhere. How many more dangerous weapons and narcotics is the Deputy Prime Minister going to allow across the border before she acts?
(1505)

Hon. Anne McLellan (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, in fact we have acted. The amount of money that we have put into the newly created CBSA, Canada Border Services Agency, speaks to the government's commitment. In fact, the Minister of Finance provided significant additional resources in this budget to ensure that we can increase the number of officers on our borders.

[$$$ put into or promised? NJC]

I also want to reassure the hon. member that we do ongoing job safety and hazard analysis to ensure that our border agents have the tools they need to keep--

The Speaker: The time for question period has expired.


[How convenient -- no real answers will be given so the Speaker calls an end to inconvenient questions -- Question Period as it is. NJC]