Daily Digest January 18, 2008

The DAILY DIGEST: INFORMATION and OPINION from ST. JOHN'S to VICTORIA.
ARCHIVED at http://cdndailydigest.blogspot.com/

EDITORIAL PAGEs

HALIFAX CHRONICLE HERALD -
Condemn anti-Semitism
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Editorial/1101439.html

MONTREAL GAZETTE -
What Obama means to us is still a mystery
http://www.montrealgazette.com/opinion/editorials/What+Obama+means+still+mystery/1190600/story.html

OTTAWA SUN -
Our seniors deserve better
http://www.ottawasun.com/Comment/Editorial/2009/01/17/8060241-sun.html

TORONTO STAR -
Obama embodies America's hopes
http://www.thestar.com/Opinion/article/572639

TORONTO SUN -
A fresh start for our neighbour
http://www.torontosun.com/comment/editorial/2009/01/18/8060506-sun.html

LONDON FREE PRESS -
Big spending needs to go to right places
http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/Opinion/Editorials/2009/01/17/8054036-sun.html

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS -
War crimes -- easier said than done
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/westview/war_crimes_--_easier_said_than_done.html

Recipe for vigilantism
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/westview/recipe_for_vigilantism.html

'Misunderestimated'
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/westview/misunderestimated.html

Sustainability plan
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/westview/sustainability_plan.html

CALGARY HERALD -
Does the palestinian authority want hamas dead?
http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/theeditorialpage/story.html?id=7f722e8c-f812-4da3-94a6-3d5cf1312c6b

Put cork in laws that blame others for drunkenness
  http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/theeditorialpage/story.html?id=4dc28acb-3457-42c9-a5c6-f6c8ca345ca7

Sperm isn't everything
http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/theeditorialpage/story.html?id=0763ee92-039a-423f-928d-983580c40a20

CALGARY SUN -
Clock ticking for health care
http://calsun.canoe.ca/Comment/POV/2009/01/18/8062506-sun.html

EDMONTON JOURNAL -
News to savour with strong coffee
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/opinion/editorials/News+savour+with+strong+coffee/1190967/story.html


ISSUES

ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS -          
One in five students suffered sexual abuse at residential schools, figures indicate
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090117.wresidential0117/BNStory/National/home


AFGHANISTAN -
NATO leader turns tables on Afghan government
NATO chief Jaap de Hoop Scheffer yesterday denounced Afghanistan's "ineffective" government and said the authorities there were almost as much to blame for the country's plight as the resurgent Taliban.
http://www.theage.com.au/world/nato-leader-turns-tables-on-afghan-government-20090118-7jwj.html

Nato chief faults Afghan leaders
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7836422.stm


CANUSA/USACAN -
OBAMA AND CANADA
Part 1: Tories feel climate heat
Part 2: U.S. key to our economy
Part 3: 'Personal relationships do matter'
Part 4: No light at end of Afghan tunnel

Canada should strut its stuff

Will Harper and Obama get along?

Cannon, Clinton to discuss Obama's visit to Ottawa


ECONOMIC AFFAIRS -
Banking industry outlook darkens    
http://www.thestar.com/Business/article/572655

Speedy spending not always smart
http://www.ottawasun.com/News/Columnists/Weston_Greg/2009/01/17/8059971-sun.html

Tax credits to jumble Nortel auction
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1187176


FOREIGN AFFAIRS -
No reason to choose sides
You can support Israel and still be outraged over Palestinian deaths -- if you understand the history
http://www.torontosun.com/comment/columnists/lorrie_goldstein/2009/01/18/8060521-sun.html

Hamas agrees to ceasefire
http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2009/01/18/gaza.html

Rockets threaten Gaza ceasefire
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7835981.stm

After second rocket volley, Israel warns of war against Lebanon
June 2008 Israeli wargame simulated two-front war with Palestine, Lebanon
http://rawstory.com/news/2008/After_new_rocket_volley_Israel_warns_0117.html

Olmert's Poodle
Posted on January 17th, 2009 by Patrick J. Buchanan
http://www.amconmag.com/blog/2009/01/17/olmerts-poodle/

Israeli FM confronted at National Press Club
Journalists' microphones turned off when Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni challenged in Washington view

The war and Israeli opinion Pts 1&2
David Newman: Most Israelis support the attacks on Gaza but public opinion is starting to change view

Gaza lives in ruins
Guardian: Gazans from Khoza'a near Khan Younis were fired upon and forced to flee their homes view

Kyrgyzstan to close US airbase 'in a matter of days'
* Gen Petraeus says no plans to close military base
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009\01\18\story_18-1-2009_pg20_8


POLITICS IN THE PROVINCES -
B.C. approves loan to ensure Olympic village stays on track
http://www.thestar.com/Olympics/article/573059


FEDERAL POLITICS -
Harper minister called 'egghead'
http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2009/01/18/8060691-sun.html

Finley muddled gov't position in Caledonia by signing petition: critics
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Politics/2009/01/18/8063776-cp.html

Ignatieff says Harper to blame for budget deficit all 33 news articles »
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090118/ignatieff_caucus_090118/20090118?hub=Canada

Ignatieff keeps budget vote threat alive
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090118.wignatieffcaucus0118/BNStory/politics/home

Ignatieff lays down conditions for Liberal budget support
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/090118/national/20090118_liberals_ignatieff

Ignatieff leadership gives Liberal spirits a boost
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/573151

Libera; caucus opens two-day meeting in Ottawa
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2009/01/18/8063936.htmlLiberal

Ignatieff blows smoke on tax threat
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/01/18/kelly-mcparland-ignatieff-is-blowing-smoke-on-tax-threat.aspx


PROGRAMMES -
Visa rules costing Canada billions, study says
http://www.thestar.com/Business/article/572662

Federal leak investigations lack independence: critics
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/090118/national/20090118_secret_leak_probe


PRESSURE POINTS -
Will the Green agenda fade?
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1187177

Cutting emissions could sidetrack carbon storage
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1187190

Directions of Obama green policies 'bode well for Canada'
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1187192


OPINION AND INFORMATION -
If you touch it, you will buy it
http://www.paperarticles.com/2009/01/if-you-touch-it-you-will-buy-it.html


INFOS -
Budget: les libéraux pourraient faire tomber le gouvernement
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/politique-canadienne/200901/18/01-818673-budget-les-liberaux-pourraient-faire-tomber-le-gouvernement.php

Le Hamas annonce un cessez-le-feu d'une semaine
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/international/moyen-orient/200901/18/01-818639-le-hamas-annonce-un-cessez-le-feu-dune-semaine.php

Le PLC nomme quatre présidents nationaux
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/politique-canadienne/200901/18/01-818664-le-plc-nomme-quatre-presidents-nationaux.php

Vote sur le budget : les libéraux se gardent toutes les portes ouvertes
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/090118/N011808AU.html

La Banque du Canada devrait faire passer son taux directeur à un pour cent
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/090118/N011812AU.html

BELOW(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)

An article to be passed on to all you know following events in the Holy Land:

No reason to choose sides
You can support Israel and still be outraged over Palestinian deaths -- if you understand the history
http://www.torontosun.com/comment/columnists/lorrie_goldstein/2009/01/18/8060521-sun.html
By LORRIE GOLDSTEIN, TORONTO SUN

_________________________________
"I look forward to you tuning me in.".

An invitation from Ron making sense upon reading his post and our exchange immediately following.

         Joe

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From: Ron Thornton

Hi Joe:

Just a quick comment in regards to Bob Taubman's reply to my earlier comments in regards to the American Civil War. He is correct when he mentioned that slavery was the issue that flamed the passions that resulted in the succession of the southern states to form the Confederacy. However, it was not the abolishment of slavery that caused the actual armed conflict, but rather the went to war to preserve the nation, while the south fired the first shots as an indication that it was in fact gone, and US troops should be gone as well.

Lincoln himself said, "If I could save the Union without freeing any slave, I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves, I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone, I would also do that. What I do about slavery and the colored race I do because I believe it helps to save this Union." Again, while the issue of slavery had a lot to do with the events that led to the Civil War, the reason for the armed conflict itself was in order to preserve the union.

What I said in my earlier comments had little to do with the cause of the war, but simply to point out that the US Senate provided a political forum and balance that delayed for decades such an event. It is just unfortunate the sides failed to take advantage of that time to discover a resolution to their differences.

Bob is right when he points out the fatal flaw of the foundation of the United States was its recognition of the sovereignty of each state, as it originally did under its Articles of Confederation. We do not have that fatal flaw in Canada, though a balance between our constitutionally recognized and protected provincial rights, our national ambitions, and a parliament that recognizes and reflects this balance in its institutions would be something I would think we would want to embrace rather than fear.

As a side bar, my understanding is that Sir John A would have preferred to have a nation only with a central government. His problem was that four (five with PEI) already had provincial governments, and probably were not terribly enamored with the idea of giving them up. So, Sir John made do. Of course, at the time those provinces represented a land mass not much bigger than the United Kingdom. I doubt British Columbia or Manitoba would have been overjoyed to be part of this new enterprise if its closest government was to be found only in far off Ottawa.

Meanwhile, Joe, I notice that you still figure that Harper's greatest wish is to decentralize the nation's governance. Where in hell do you come up with that? Respecting provincial powers is too much to ask for? When Harper put out his "firewall" paper, just what was he advocating that is not already enjoyed by Ontario and Quebec? Hey, I like good fiction as much as the next guy, but don't dress it up as fact.

Ron Thornton

=====
. . . damnation I'm gonna have ta do some work.

=====
Hey, it you can't take shots at guys you like, just who can you take shots at?

I look forward to you tuning me in.

Ron.

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Subject: Yes, Becky, There Are "Good Politics"
From: John Harris

Dear Joe,

Commenter Rebecca Gingrich (political sister of Newt, no doubt) asks "is there a difference between STV and STD?".  Then proceeds to prattle cynically about the hopelessness of politics. Which begs a number of questions, beginning with "why bother?", since she obviously feels voting and other democratic endeavours are hopeless exercises that won't do any one of us any good. As for picking on poor little STV, the voting system that turns itself upside down in order to be fair to everyone (how very Canadian!), again...why bother, if you don't believe in politics in the first place?

What Becky Vote Grinch does not say is, what does she believe in? She touts the need for a 'total cleanse' of the system in order to start with 'something meaningful'. Such as? Perhaps she's of the Robert Mugabe school of politics; since politics is nothing but a game of greed and power, let's just get on with it and hoard as much G&P as we can stuff in our Swiss account. Or she may wish us to appoint a Royal Decider on whose compassion and vision we will rely to wiggle free of this tangle of evil called democracy.

Well, enough; you get the idea. Not to pick on poor Becky, she's perhaps just more vocal than the rest of the so-called 'silent majority' who long for the 'good old days' when people who 'know what they are doing' made our decisions based on 'our best interests'.  But let's get real; those good old days did exist and look where it got us. Those people who 'knew what they were doing' turned out to have names like Bush, Rove, Chretien and Mulroney. They were backed and applauded by men with names like Conrad Black, Michael 'Brownie' Brown, Mark 'Spitzer' and 'Bernie' Madoff.

Becky laments that 'our input has no impact' and yet lambasts a voting system that would solve the very problem she pleads against. She compares STV with STD. The irony is, STV is a great prophylactic designed to protect us against the act she's complaining about most of all - getting screwed by the political system.

So let's get real. Quit hyperventilating and think about the political result you want; responsive representation based on the indicated wishes of the voting public. The responsive part comes well after the voting, so let's put that aside for now. But for reflecting the wishes of the voter, STV is by far the best system available.

--
Regards,

John

Sir John Mortimer 1924 - 2009
"Liberty is allowing people to do things you disapprove of."
===================================
From:Ray Strachan
Subject: Re Wpg FP Article Jan 17 DD

Regarding Mr Olesons article in Jan 17 DD. 
 

If the atheists can't speak freely, who can?

 I only disagree with part of the last paragraph where the
statement was, to the affect, "If you profess to be an athiest then be an
athiest not a lukewarm agnostic."   I disagress with this unless it is taken
for granted that one who does not belong to an organized religion is an
athiest. I kicked organized religion out of my life many decades ago.   I have
never killed anyone.I have never beaten up anyone,I have paid every bill that
I have owed,always. I have been a human being in many human weaknesses but not
a hipocrit about it. I have donated my time to organizations, no compensation.
I have donated to charity etc.But I have nothing to do with organized
religion.   Now I will give you a reason to have me committed to a mental
institution.  I tell you sincerely that I believe that I Met God in a wheat
stubble field . What was conveyed to me was His Nature, which was pure Love. 
I did not get the idea that He would pick me up and carry me around like a
baby all my life. I did not get the feeling that I had to, for the lack of a
better word "suckhole" to Him every minute of every day or even for an hour on
whatever sabbath.What feeling that sticks with me today is,to be totally
against War, the product of which, is a combination of Death an Moneymaking. I
am also totally against Starving people to death. Please dont say "well
everyone is". Who even thinks of it, and Im not saying nobody does,but I will
wager that the majority in our midst may think of it fleetingly at best.Their
belly is full, their kids bellies are full, whats to worry.Back to the
subject,    is there Freedom of Speech today, for anyone? or Has it been
stolen from all of us?. So am I an athiest?   I really dont care.

Ray Strachan

===================================
From: "Suan H.Booiman"
Subject: Quebec

Joe,
 
Like the song by Iggy "he will not bow to Quebec pressure".
Have we not heard that for generations, while the country
was blackmailed by Quebec "we want or leave". Unfortunate
no politicians has had the courage to gave those people
a bus pass, so they can leave without whining "have no
money to go". Quebec will go no where ask Charest about
his crying not getting more equalization, it never ends.
Iggy if he becomes power, heaven forbid, the first thing
will be visiting  Charest, as Obama, not Osama, is going to
Ottawa, bringing the left ideas. Iggy will likely be at the
airport as an elite from Harvard. More elite than understanding
leadership. Waiting for Harper to show his card in the poker
game of budget as Iggy does not know, no agenda, what to do.
While the members of the cradle to grave association, NDP and
Bloc, hopefully sit on the sideline waiting for the liberal troops
to call for help, the only road to survival, with taxpayers money.
 
Suan
 
===================================
From: Larry Kazdan
To: letters@tc.canwest.com
Subject: Letter to Editor re: The cost of cuts to legal aid plan, January 16

Re:  The cost of cuts to legal aid plan, January 16   
http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/comment/story.html?id=4260ec35-b9eb-43a3-afb5-d17db990cc8a                

We can bail out the banks, we can bail out the auto industry, and we can bail out the Olympics.   But when it comes to low-income people having trouble with an increasingly costly and complex justice system, as far as the B.C. Liberal Government is concerned, they can just go bail themselves.

Larry Kazdan,
Vancouver, B.C.

===================================
From: "Rebecca Gingrich"
Subject: DD

Joe--am tired tonight so may not speak coherently.  First off, Robert Fisk
often does 'selective' reporting.  Of course what israel is doing in
Palestine is genocide and a holocaust, but because it is done by jews we do
not call it by it's real name.
The fact that we do not call the Armenian actions genocide and a holocaust
is because it was done by jews.  That is the same reason we don't call the
Ukrainian genocide a holocaust  because it was also done by jews.
http://www.realjewnews.com/?p=77 is a site that exactly explains the
genocide in Armenia and the perpetrators of same.  You may not like the name
of the site but this man was a jew who has converted to Christianity.

As for the Ukrainian holocaust(Holodomor)
http://www.radicalpress.com/?p=374 an excerpt below--

"Britain, the U.S. and Canada were fully aware of the Ukrainian genocide and
Stalin's other monstrous crimes. (Soviet Leader Josef Stalin committed
genocide in the '30s, then became an ally against Hitler in the '40s"

So Canada voting the way it did at this UN meeting was not surprising.  I
read an interesting comment today--"Canada's capitol is in Washington, and
the US capitol is in Tel Aviv"!  Many a truth is spoken in jest.

As each day goes by I am more ashamed to call myself a Canadian.  I realize
over the years I have believed that Canada was something that it was not
really.  As they say, history bites.

becky

Subject: [On-Guard] White Phosphorous  DD

As per usual we are supposed to believe israel not our own eyes. Sadly, our
politicians are easily led. When do we say enough?
Becky
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article21776.htm

Subject: This is what Canada defends

Gaza Is Burning
Jim Kirwan
1-17-9
http://www.rense.com/general84/gazss.htm
Jim Kirwa"Israel continues its heavy bombardment of the Gaza Strip despite
talk of a looming ceasefire. A barrage of Israeli shelling hit Gaza
overnight, (1-16-09) with Israel claiming it struck forty targets.
Twenty-one days into the Israeli attack, more than 1,100 Palestinians have
been killed and more than 5,200 wounded. At least 700 civilians are among
the dead, including more than 350 children. Much of Gaza is without food,
water and electricity."

kirwanstudios@sbcglobal.net

1) The Humiliation of America
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article21755.htm

2) Israel turns Gaza into a Weapons testing lab?
http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=82047&sectionid=351021701

3) Wipe them all out - video
http://www.heyokamagazine.com/heyokamagazine.24.wipethemallout.htm

Holocaust Now: The Niggers of Gaza and here
http://www.heyokamagazine.com/heyoka_magazine.24.niggersofgaza.htm

4) Amy Goodman Interview with Rashid Khalidi
http://www.democracynow.org/2009/1/16/ bloody_israeli_assault_on_gaza_enters

===================================
From: "Suan H.Booiman"
Subject: demise of dignity


The demise of dignity
 By RICHARD FOOT, Canwest News ServiceJanuary 13, 2009

One of the great ironies of the coming year is that Canadians will spend large amounts of money and energy trying to make sure Afghans vote in their upcoming presidential election, expected in August.

Canada has shed much blood and treasure over the past eight years bringing democracy to a foreign people - yet we now shun the same process at home, in ever increasing numbers. http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/demise+dignity/1170931/story.html

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