Saturday, February 28, 2009

Daily Digest February 28, 2009


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

EDITORIAL PAGEs

BELLEVILLE INTELLIGENCER -
Improving ER times hinges on variety of factors

TORONTO STAR -
Harper's unkept pledge

GLOBE & MAIL -

How to be too fast and too slow

NATIONAL POST -

Quick on the trigger

HAMILTON SPECTATOR -
Poverty: Don't lose focus

SUDBURY STAR -
Volunteerism needs a national policy

Where do Canadians stand?

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS -

Steer federal cattle cash here

WINNIPEG SUN -

Ottawa still fun and games

SASKATOON STARPHOENIX -
Obama revamp of U.S. requires Canada to react
http://www.thestarphoenix.com/opinion/Obama+revamp+requires+Canada+react/1339023/story.html

REGINA LEADER-POST -
Needling, but necessary: dealing with a drug problem
http://www.leaderpost.com/opinion/Needling+necessary+dealing+with+drug+problem/1329756/story.html

VANCOUVER SUN -
Social housing should be affordable: Isn't that the whole idea?

Join the real Darwin debate

VICTORIA TIMES-COLONIST -
Forestry crisis demands action

Aboriginal rights were established long ago

$900 million, and still not safe and secure


ISSUES

ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS -          

Enablers enabled by others

Sentencing circles: What are they and how do they work?

Jonathan Kay: The folly of native sentencing circles

Sentencing circles for aboriginals: Good justice?


AF-PAK PROBLEM -
Karzai 'orders Afghan elections'


Afghan president says polls to be held by May
Afghan president urges April poll

We will not take British orders, say US marines in Helmand

Ghost States: 'Inconvenient' Reality

Altogether four classified or restricted NATO documents on the Pentagon Central Command (CENTCOM) site were discovered to share the 'progress' password. Wikileaks has decrypted the documents and released them in full:

CANADIAN FORCES -
Coast Guard gets massive boost with new 75-tonne hovercraft


ECONOMIC AFFAIRS -

Automakers may get more time: Clement

FOREIGN AFFAIRS -

Message sent by air mail

Russia, Norad complicate bomber tale with conflicting reports

PIMPINTURTLE.COM/2009/02/27/ us-military-might-be-sent-to-usmexico-border-as-drug-cartel-chaos-spirals .aspx


JUSTICE SYSTEM -
Minister rejects calls for moratorium on stun guns

Canada takes back deported gangster


MIGRATION -
Minister backs refugee status for gay Iranians


POLITICS IN THE PROVINCES -
More onerous legislation by Ontario's Libs


FEDERAL POLITICS -



Grits dis PM's 'Tarzan' threat

Rae slams Tories over CBC


PROGRAMMES -

American programming risky business for CBC

PRESSURE POINTS -
Canadians won't quit on the environment


The art of the green disinvite

 Bison now roam on rehabilitated oil sands

OPINION AND INFORMATION -
Harper's $3 billion fund needs oversight

Whatever happened to 'strong and free'?

Homegrown Security in Post-Modern America

Will the recession end Canada's consumer society?
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090227/consumer_society_090228/20090228?hub=Canada


INFOS -
Un bombardier russe intercepté la veille de la visite d'Obama
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/dossiers/obama-a-ottawa/200902/28/01-832056-un-bombardier-russe-intercepte-la-veille-de-la-visite-dobama.php

Les conservateurs s'attirent les foudres des universitaires
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/education/200902/28/01-832090-les-conservateurs-sattirent-les-foudres-des-universitaires.php

Affaire Wajsman: Paradis persiste et signe
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/politique-canadienne/200902/28/01-832093-affaire-wajsman-paradis-persiste-et-signe.php

Un autre Québécois dans le cénacle d'Ignatieff
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/politique-canadienne/200902/28/01-832094-un-autre-quebecois-dans-le-cenacle-dignatieff.php

Trois milliards pour relancer l'économie
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/politique-canadienne/200902/27/01-831638-trois-milliards-pour-relancer-leconomie.php

Ottawa veut imposer des peines plus sévères aux membres de gangs
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/politique-canadienne/200902/27/01-831644-ottawa-veut-imposer-des-peines-plus-severes-aux-membres-de-gangs.php

Accès à l'information: le système est en crise, estime le commissaire
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/politique-canadienne/200902/27/01-831640-acces-a-linformation-le-systeme-est-en-crise-estime-le-commissaire.php


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)

I had thought to comment here to-day and to include several articles.  Rather than this I will very probably construct and send out
a separate post related to this article.

         Joe .



________________________
Grits dis PM's 'Tarzan' threat

 It was Back to the Future this week as a tough-talking Prime Minister Stephen Harper bluntly threatened an election unless his opponents agree to quickly push a special $3-billion stimulus package through Parliament.

But while the Liberals are unhappy with what they label a "blank cheque," some experts doubt they'll topple the Tory government anytime soon. http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2009/02/28/8565146-sun.html
 


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From: Caspar Davis <prana4@telus.net>
Subject: [NS2/CNS2] RKM: Why The US Economy Was Lost

Call me Pollyanna, but I haven't given up on Obama yet.

Thanks to Richard Moore, who writes:


How The US Economy Was Lost
By Paul Craig Roberts
http://countercurrents.org/roberts250209.htm

Paul Craig Roberts presents in his article a very good critique of Obama's bailout agenda. These two paragraphs summarize his conclusions, which are supported by his analysis:

The Bush and Obama plans total 1.6 trillion dollars, every one of which will have to be borrowed, and no one knows from where. This huge sum will compromise the value of the US dollar, its role as reserve currency, the ability of the US government to service its debt, and the price level. These staggering costs are pointless and are to no avail, as not one step has been taken that would alleviate the crisis.

How long will Americans permit "their" government to rip them off for the sake of the financial interests that caused the problem? Obama's cabinet and National Economic Council are filled with representatives of the interest groups that caused the problem. The Obama administration is not a government capable of preventing a catastrophe.

===================================
From: "Jacob Rempel"
Subject: 1929 -vs--2009

Great Depression Quotes 1929 vs 2008: Have We Learned Anything?
http://www.chartingstocks.net/2009/02/great-depression-quotes-1929-vs-2008-have-we-learned-anything/#more-489

===================================
From: Joseph
Subject: Common Ground - NEW FEB edition on line NOW  - Serving Peace and  Justice for 26 Years

This is the link for our new March edition
http://www.commonground.ca/

Please enjoy and forward to others.

Physical copies will be avaiable Feb 28.

Cheers,
Joseph

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

Joe--thanks for the warning.  But isn't this sort of like the pot calling
the kettle black?  To me CRA IS a scam.  Guess it takes one to know one? 
One question--where did the 'scam artists' get the list of taxpayer names? 
Does CRA have a leak, or did they put a computer that had not been cleared
of info into the garbage bin?
Becky

Tax Alert
The Canada Revenue Agency warns Canadians of mail scam
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/nwsrm/lrts/2008/l080818-eng.html

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is warning taxpayers to beware of a recent
scam where some Canadians are receiving a letter fraudulently identified as
coming from the CRA and asking for personal information. The letter is not
from the CRA. A PDF version of the letter is available on the CRA Web site
at www.cra.gc.ca/alert.

The letter claims that there is "insufficient information" for the
individual's tax return and that in order to receive any "claims," they will
have to update their records. The letter attaches a form specifically
requesting the individual's personal information in writing, via fax or
email, including information on bank accounts and passports. This letter is
not from the CRA and Canadians should not provide their personal information
to the sender.

All taxpayers should be vigilant when divulging any confidential information
to third parties. The CRA has well established practices to protect the
confidentiality of taxpayers' information.

The CRA has notified the proper law enforcement authorities of this scam.

For information about this and other similar scams, or to report deceptive
telemarketing activity, visit www.phonebusters.com, send an email to
info@phonebusters.com, or call 1-888-495-8501.

===================================
From: Ray Strachan
Subject: Steve aand Pete get Media Help

Joe

Our National News Media gave plenty of authenticity to Steve and Petes
assertions that Russia is getting ready to unleash WW3 Oh yes the media. And
we havent even gotten the Morning Papers yet. Oh yes the media. The WHOLE
WORLD IS UNEASY OVER THIS, YOU CAN BE SURE.Now,actually the Russian planes
were not in our airspace,  but pretty close and President Obama, was going to
be in Ottawa,Oh My, what a scoop  The WHOLE WORLD IS UNEASY about The Russian
mischief,  The whole world, Yes the whole world.   Reminds me of listening to
The News Media in regards to The David Ahenekew Trial, depending on which
broadcast or newspaper you heard or read "The Whole World was OUTRAGED at what
Ahenekew had said, or All Canadians were Outraged at what he said. Just keep
telling we stupid people this crap long enough and we take it as Gospel. That
is just a mirror image of two lies. Thats why it is said , if you are told a
lie often enough, you eventually believe it. I believe that is absolutely true
in too dam many cases. Its a dangerous path that we are set on.The problem is,
we cant get off,the di is cast.The politicians are muted.

Ray Strachan

===================================
From: "Phyllis Wagg"
Subject: Testing for Substance Abuse

There is another side to this issue that Rubie and her Fort MacMurray friend ignores.  There are two reasons that it is in the interests of the company to test its workers:  the prevalence of drug abuse in places like Fort MacMurray and the danger that drug impairment presents on a construction site.  I take it that both the construction worker and Ms Britton both know precisely how much of their taxes go to welfare recipients (as opposed to heath care, education, defense spending, law enforcement, subsidies for companies developing the oil sands, etc.) and would have no problem in paying higher taxes to pay for the urine testing for welfare recipients.   In fact, there might be better ways to save tax dollars through testing everyone for substance abuse rather than basing the testing on the stereotyping of one group.  I am sure that companies providing the testing would welcome the business.

===================================
From: The Natroses

To Ruby: Your remark, "

What I do have a problem with is the distribution of my taxes to people who don't have to pass a urine test."  The trouble is, you targeted only one group of people who are receiving welfare payments. What you are advocating is discrimination , but if you include all groups and yes that means the CEOs and politicians - than you are advocating that government has the right to oversee the activites of their citizens. Government has the right to control what people do with their lives. Your job requires oversight from your employer.  It is a matter of safety and costs that a employer must bear if a drunk or a drug user causes an accident on the work site. However you neglected to say, if upper management such as your CEO are required to take a regular urine test. Before you move on to welfare folks, make sure all management are taking the urine test even though upper management do not posed a safety issue working at a desk. Have you thought  how many people who happened to work at desks especially the top guys, happened to be addicted to drugs or alcohol? These guys first line of defence when being arrested for their white-collared misdeeds are I could not help myself. Its the drugs. Its the drinking. Its the gambling.  Or all three.

What your are advocating is not only discrimination of a whole group of people, but adding to the perception that welfare people are on welfare due to their own fault. Leaving government to continue on not being accountable or have the responsibility to have programs or strategies that are effective to meet the basic needs of all Canadians. Unless you think, that everyone makes the same wages as a employee working in Alberta oil fields, you should change it to our top CEOs, politicians, banks, economists and anyone that has great influence over our economy. Go up the ladder, and there is plenty of groups to targeted on the financial crisis that the world finds themselves in. Welfare people are victims, but blame lies fully on our financial gurus, our bankers, our politicians and the economic model that so many thought it was the saviour of many good

===================================
From: "Rebecca Gingrich"
Subject: Russians

Joe--this email from Ray Strachan has it so right. I almost chocked when I
saw the great pretender McKay, with a very sincere expression on his face,
state that we had 'scared the Russians off'!!! What a hoot. I can't
believe the games these idiot politicians play. Does he honestly think
anyone will believe this garbage? Steve and Pete on the Gong Show? If
McKay really wanted to scare the Russians he should have sent Sea Kings
after them(not that I believe for one minute the Russians were a threat to
our new best friend Obama). The Sea Kings could have fallen out of the sky
on any perceived threat from anyone. They are our own WMDs?
Becky

===================================

Posted by at No comments:

Friday, February 27, 2009

Daily Digest February 27, 2009


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

EDITORIAL PAGEs

CAPE BRETON POST -
Consumers rap excess wrapping
http://www.capebretonpost.com/index.cfm?sid=226459&sc=151

HALIFAX CHRONICLE HERALD -
Playing politics with aboriginal schools?
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Editorial/1108581.html

Patients pay when there's a surgical slowdown
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Editorial/1108650.html

MONTREAL GAZETTE -
A sensible approach to foreign aid
http://www.montrealgazette.com/opinion/editorials/sensible+approach+foreign/1334148/story.html
 
A great and dangerous injustice in Pakistan
http://www.montrealgazette.com/opinion/editorials/great+dangerous+injustice+Pakistan/1334149/story.html

OTTAWA CITIZEN -
Justice is coming
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/opinion/Justice+coming/1333760/story.html
 
Collective punishment
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/opinion/Collective+punishment/1333759/story.html
 
Don't lose the chance for change
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/opinion/lose+chance+change/1333791/story.html

OTTAWA SUN -
Face-to-face messages are crucial
http://www.ottawasun.com/Comment/Editorial/2009/02/27/8549861.html

KINGSTON WHIG STANDARD-
Not very stimulating
http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1454394

BELLEVILLE INTELLIGENCER -
Does anyone in Afghanistan care about our soldiers?
http://www.intelligencer.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1454091

TORONTO STAR -
Get stimulus cash in play
http://www.thestar.com/comment/article/593770

Don't skip Africa in our foreign aid
http://www.thestar.com/Opinion/article/593774

Rethink energy audits
http://www.thestar.com/Opinion/article/593772

Carbon capture no silver bullet for tar sands
http://www.thestar.com/Opinion/article/593781

Crisis holds hope for health care 
http://www.thestar.com/Opinion/article/593780

Get used to hearing about the jobless
http://www.thestar.com/Opinion/article/593779

GLOBE & MAIL -
The first degree is oversold
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090226.weGangs27/BNStory/specialComment/home

NATIONAL POST -
Tough on crime (in theory)
http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/story.html?id=1333538

HAMILTON SPECTATOR -
It's called scalping
http://www.thespec.com/Opinions/article/521462

ST. CATHARINES STANDARD -
 All Olympic wines should be VQA wines
http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1455007

WINDSOR STAR -
High speed: Moving the project forward
http://www.windsorstar.com/opinion/editorials/High+speed/1334808/story.html

THUNDER BAY CHRONICLE JOURNAL -
A cause for their time
http://www.chroniclejournal.com/stories.php?id=167976

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS -
Chiefs should butt out of social agencies
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/westview/chiefs_should_butt_out_of_social_agencies-40411072.html

CALGARY HERALD -
Anti-Israel protests show ignorance
http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/theeditorialpage/story.html?id=787933c9-794b-4422-87d9-6be3bbdb99a9

Knife ban won't cut crime
http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/theeditorialpage/story.html?id=579ba1b9-096a-4cb9-b31b-77fcddf6eaf7

Planning for less would be alberta's advantage
http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/theeditorialpage/story.html?id=54ad5dc5-d9e0-4c8d-b2da-665e98183f8e

What are we fighting for? The right stuff
http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/theeditorialpage/story.html?id=54ad5dc5-d9e0-4c8d-b2da-665e98183f8e

GRANDE PRAIRIE DAILY HERALD TRIBUNE -
Speaking out against poverty
How would you like to be living on 52 per cent less income than you received in 1986?
http://www.dailyheraldtribune.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1455903

EDMONTON JOURNAL -
Update deficit: first squall of storm
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/opinion/editorials/Update+deficit+first+squall+storm/1335033/story.html

RED DEER ADVOCATE -
Courts will never convince society to embrace political correctness 
http://www.albertalocalnews.com/reddeeradvocate/opinion/Courts_will_never_convince_society_to_embrace_political_correctness.html

VANCOUVER SUN -
Evergreen Line illustrates both value and pitfalls of stimulus spending
  http://www2.canada.com/vancouversun/news/editorial/story.html?id=7b77d104-6e60-4d1d-8317-5d190b88fe27

Danger in a pill bottle
http://www2.canada.com/vancouversun/news/editorial/story.html?id=32337814-bd16-4531-8c01-587556cec3b1

Going after gangs
http://www2.canada.com/vancouversun/news/editorial/story.html?id=a7615a2e-d3dd-49db-89a0-2ab299abcbe4

VICTORIA TIMES-COLONIST -
No time to expand Taser use
  http://www2.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/comment/story.html?id=f4864b5f-81d6-4693-be1f-a0863e3ca638

Detox unit fine, but not for street addicts
  http://www2.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/comment/story.html?id=af9fd31a-29cc-4e2b-9974-30a079b4eefe

Gang laws good politics, ineffective policy
http://www2.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/comment/story.html?id=e7612f9b-31c8-47aa-94fc-37a8f0d9196b

ISSUES

ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS -          
Chief of his own Alberta oil patch
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1333492


AF-PAK PROBLEM -
Protests over Afghan 'mosque raid'
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2009/02/2009227165944958848.html

Secret talks with Taliban under way 
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2009/02/2009226183226955390.html

Afghan War Should Last Until 2025: Ex-Commander
http://blog.wired.com/defense/agony_of_astan/index.html

Amnesty urges prosecution of troops for Afghan abuses
http://in.reuters.com/article/southAsiaNews/idINIndia-38251820090227


CANADIAN FORCES -
Canadian military screens Afghan soldiers receiving donated rifles: officers
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/090227/national/afghan_cda_rifles


CANUSA/USACAN -
U.S. says Canada the top source for ecstasy
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/594356

Don't sweat border review, says U.S., despite incendiary military report
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/090227/national/cda_us_border

CBC considers more U.S. TV programs
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1333517


ECONOMIC AFFAIRS -
EI waits reaching 'crisis,' federal workers say
Wait times for the processing of Employment Insurance claims are already at the crisis point, says the Public Service Alliance of Canada, and are only expected to get worse.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/prince-edward-island/story/2009/02/27/pe-ei-crisis.html

Current account balance hits deficit for first time in nine years
http://business.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090227.wcurrentaccount0227/BNStory/Business/home

Investors win say on top bank pay
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1333494


FOREIGN AFFAIRS -
Canada issues Mexican travel warning
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/090227/national/20090227_mexico_travel_warning

Is Mexico disintegrating?
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090226.wcomexico27/BNStory/specialComment/home

Harper concerned by "aggressive" Russia
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/090227/canada/canada_us_obama_canada_russia_harper Russia hits back at Canada about bomber flights
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090227/Russia_planes_090227/20090227?hub=TopStories


JUSTICE SYSTEM -
Throwing the book misses the target
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1333520

Ontario gang fighters
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1333671

Drop the political pacifier
Garry Breitkreuz, National Post  Published: Friday, February 27, 2009
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1333539


POLITICS IN THE PROVINCES -
We're still friends, Saskatchewan Premier says of Ottawa
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090227.wsaskhighway0227/BNStory/National/home


FEDERAL POLITICS -
Canadians do not want new election: Harper
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/090227/canada/canada_us_election

Flaherty pushes special $3B fund to stimulate economy
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/594374

The media and the message
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090227.wtv27/BNStory/politics/home

Supporting oilsands a national unity issue: Ignatieff
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/594359

Feds wait for stadium request
http://www.ottawasun.com/News/OttawaAndRegion/2009/02/27/8550456-sun.html

Elizabeth May denies dropping off radar since election
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/594352

CAPITAL READ - BLOGS
http://blog.macleans.ca/category/blog-central/canada-blog/capital-read/


PROGRAMMES -
Conservatives get tough on drug offences
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/594384

Tories re-table bill to reform serious drug crime penalties
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090227.wdrug0227/BNStory/politics/home

Looming cuts would shake CBC to its core   
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/593930

Watchdog blasts Tories for secrecy obsession
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/593921

Enhanced measures focus on early detection of Listeria
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/594358

Harper announces $62M for Saskatchewan highway twinning
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/posted/archive/2009/02/27/harper-announces-62m-for-sask-highway-twinning.aspx

Canada shuns aid to media, warns on bank stakes
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/090227/canada/canada_us_flaherty

Small businesses squeezed out of federal deals: association
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Business/Small+businesses+squeezed+federal+deals+association/1333712/story.html


PRESSURE POINTS -
Coming soon: Biometric visitor's visa
http://www.ottawasun.com/News/National/2009/02/27/8550501-sun.html


OPINION AND INFORMATION -
There's still gold in them thar Golden Horseshoe hills
http://business.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090226.wcomanning27/BNStory/Business/home

What about accountability?
The financial geniuses responsible for this mess should suffer with the rest of us
http://www2.canada.com/vancouversun/news/editorial/story.html?id=b9e96807-1ca8-452a-962c-9a4ecc929750

Tick, tick, tick goes the debt
National debt clock makes a reappearance in Vancouver, with each tick representing $1,068.62 more in the red
http://www2.canada.com/vancouversun/news/editorial/story.html?id=1ac72fe4-a84a-41d4-b13d-b9f3a7a46510

Marrying social and fiscal conservatism
Our Tories should look to England for an example of a strong, workable social justice message
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/opinion/Marrying+social+fiscal+conservatism/1333763/story.html

Inside the echo chamber
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/opinion/Inside+echo+chamber/1333758/story.html


INFOS -
L'économie est en déroute, affirme Flaherty
http://lapresseaffaires.cyberpresse.ca/economie/canada/200902/27/01-831967-leconomie-est-en-deroute-affirme-flaherty.php

Trafic de drogue: les Conservateurs veulent des peines plus sévères
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/politique-canadienne/200902/27/01-831952-trafic-de-drogue-les-conservateurs-veulent-des-peines-plus-severes.php

Trois milliards pour relancer l'économie
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/politique-canadienne/200902/27/01-831638-trois-milliards-pour-relancer-leconomie.php

Propos sur Wajsman: Paradis n'a pas de regrets
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/politique-canadienne/200902/27/01-831817-propos-sur-wajsman-paradis-na-pas-de-regrets.php

Accès à l'information: le système est en crise, estime le commissaire
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/politique-canadienne/200902/27/01-831640-acces-a-linformation-le-systeme-est-en-crise-estime-le-commissaire.php

Le ministre Nicholson veut sévir
http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/National/2009/02/27/003-loi-drogues-nicholson.shtml

Un autre coup dur pour le Canada
http://www.radio-canada.ca/regions/est-quebec/2009/02/27/007-tribunal-bois-doeuvre.asp

Afghanistan: Une facture de 11,3 G$, selon Ottawa
http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/National/2009/02/26/004-couts-afghanistan.shtml

Ottawa mise sur les sanctions
http://www.ledevoir.com/2009/02/27/236272.html

Le Canada se défend d'avoir fourni malencontreusement des armes aux talibans
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/090227/N022745AU.html

Le gouvernement alerte les Canadiens sur la violence au Mexique
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/090227/N0227129AU.html

Ottawa affiche un excédent budgétaire de 241 millions $ pour le mois de décembre
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/090227/N022741AU.html

Accès à l'information: trop d'organismes trop lents, selon le commissaire
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/090226/N022661AU.html

Des politiciens canadiens craignent le spectre du protectionnisme américain
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/090227/N022759AU.html

Les mesures de détection de la bactérie Listeria seront élargies
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/090227/N022797AU.html

Le Parti vert est là pour rester selon la chef Elizabeth May
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/090227/N0227149AU.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)

house of credit cards Pt.2
Low wages, weak unions and consumer culture led to an economy built on a house of credit cards view

«¤»¥«¤»«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»

Tax Alert
The Canada Revenue Agency warns Canadians of mail scam
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/nwsrm/lrts/2008/l080818-eng.html

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is warning taxpayers to beware of a recent scam where some Canadians are receiving a letter fraudulently identified as coming from the CRA and asking for personal information. The letter is not from the CRA. A PDF version of the letter is available on the CRA Web site at www.cra.gc.ca/alert.

The letter claims that there is "insufficient information" for the individual's tax return and that in order to receive any "claims," they will have to update their records. The letter attaches a form specifically requesting the individual's personal information in writing, via fax or email, including information on bank accounts and passports. This letter is not from the CRA and Canadians should not provide their personal information to the sender.

All taxpayers should be vigilant when divulging any confidential information to third parties. The CRA has well established practices to protect the confidentiality of taxpayers' information.

The CRA has notified the proper law enforcement authorities of this scam.

For information about this and other similar scams, or to report deceptive telemarketing activity, visit www.phonebusters.com, send an email to info@phonebusters.com, or call 1-888-495-8501.

===================================
From: Ray Strachan
Subject: The Gods are on our side,Both of Them

Joe

I was so relieved when I watched the 6pm news out here in Alberta. I had no
idea how close we came to ,(all of us in Canada) to being compelled against
our free will to have a crash course in RUSSIAN.   If we wouldnt have had
those F-18s and Steve and Pete, I ask you where would we be?  I have a stupid
neighbor who says it was a diversion speech to get our minds off the economy ?
Jeese, and I have to live next door to this jerk. Anyway my Grandchildren are
safe tonight, thanks to Steve and Pete, we can all sleep soundly,  knowing
that we are fully protected. So lets all back them, by showing our collective
defiance , look towards Russia, shake our fists, and yell ("BRING IT ON")    
They learned that from geo w .

Ray Strachan

===================================
From: Caspar Davis
Subject: [NS2/CNS2] **UBS bank tax cheating in both Canada and the   United States

Thanks to Mel Hurtig. Emphasis added by me:

Have any of you been following the details of the UBS bank tax cheating in both Canada and the United States? I hope so.

Many of you will know that I have been researching and writing about tax fraud, tax havens and transfer pricing for many years. Note, please, the chapters on personal income tax and corporate income tax in my last book _The Truth About Canada.

Now we learn that the giant Swiss bank UBS has agreed to pay the United States $780 million in fines for a secret tax evasion scheme that mirrors a similar campaign that the bank operates in Canada. Wealthy Canadian and American bank clients are encourage to hide their fortunes from tax collectors.
Several years ago I estimated that this type of tax fraud costs at least
$15 billion a year. And, of course it's YOU that has to make up the lost tax revenue.

I now realize that the $15 billion estimate was far too low. In the U.S. court documents indicate 17,000 Americans were cheating on their taxes via UBS. Bear in mind this is only one Swiss Bank operation. The same bank operates a "Canada Desk" and regularly sends their agents to Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal to help arrange tax fraud in Canada. Billions of dollars every year are involved.

While officials from the Canada Revenue Agency refuse to comment, in the United States the names of UBS clients will be made available and the bank faces even larger fines in the future.

Now, hear this. Michael Wilson, Canada's Ambassador to the United States and Brian Mulroney's former Minister of Finance, has worked for UBS, and has turned down "repeated" requests for interviews on this subject because "it wouldn't be appropriate for him to comment." Meanwhile, a UBS banker has been arrested in the U.S. and will be sentenced this spring.

Only Greg McArthur of the _Globe_ has raised the subject of Mr.
Wilson, while the rest of Canada's media has ignored it. And why the _Globe_ hasn't come out with a strong editorial about all of this is quite beyond me. And where are our members in the House of Commons????
Why aren't they going after Revenue Minister Blackburn???

More to come. Keep all of this in mind when you go to pay your income tax in April.

Mel Hurtig

===================================
Subject: Animation - The Crisis of Credit
From: "Efstratios Psarianos"

Animation - The Crisis of Credit
 
Must-see stuff ...
 
http://news.thomasnet.com/IMT/archives/2009/02/light-friday-top-3-rants-of-the-financial-crisis-so-far-credit-crisis-visualization.html?WT.mc_t=blg&WT.mc_n=blg0209&channel=email
 
===================================
From:    Raymond Denson
Subject: 9/11 once more.

On February 24th an alliance of doctors, dentists, nurses, therapists, researchers, and other medical professionals, announced the formation of Medical Professionals for 9/11 Truth and the launching of a petition which calls for a new investigation into the events of 9/11. The group's website is at http://MP911Truth.org                       Raymond Denson

===================================
From: Tom Brewer
Subject: My letter

Why are our famed Mounties on the firing line? It seems we have entered the days of "shoot-first" ask questions later the Amerikan way of doing things! In many instances the shooting is of Mounties but the worst instance the death of an individual who wondered the Vancouver airport.

The individual was upset as I'm sure you would be. In a country not able to speak English or French. Imagine having four or five officers approach you… I'm sure you would be a little upset. Imagine not being able to speak and then be struck with the infamous Taser.

The "brass" in my opinion need to explain officers handling of the matter. It is not enough to suggest they feared for their well being. The airport authority too owes an explanation along with bureaucrats from Border Protection and Immigration Canada.

We did not welcome this visitor to Canada with open arms in fact we sent him home in a body bag. "I'm sorry…", does not cut the buck here in my opinion.

Look at the two men now serving time for manslaughter the result of four Mounties deaths. In my opinion the RCMP created a diversion to stem bad press the result of the failure of "brass" Mounties to do their job in my opinion.

The failure of the Mounties to know the killer was a problem boggles my mind. This individual was a known problem to area residents… in fact according to a documentary this individual stalked a member's son! Like DUH… it seems that nothing was on file… whose problem is that?

It would seem all of us are part of this problem too. We are suppose to advise the Mounties of anything that raises a concern yet it seems we are left to suffer retribution should we err. What happened requires in my opinion an in depth study why four Mounties lost their lives!

Mounties came out of the woodwork when they effected the arrest of the men initially charged with murder because they were accessories. Where were the Mounties when the bailiffs arrived at the killers farm? When was a warrant issued to search and seize? Did a lookee-see prompt the search warrant?

The blame has been laid at the hands of two young men. In my opinion what the RCMP did or did not do triggered this man's mind to seek revenge. The Mounties should have known they had a loose cannon on deck and taken more action to ensure protection of the officers left at the "killers" farm and area residents.

Ultimately the brass in my opinion should be taken to task for what took place… not the two men now serving time for manslaughter. The RCMP rest on their fame given the "killer" can't confirm what the two young men stated.
 
Fair? Not in my mind

===================================
From:Charles Tupper
Subject: Shrivelled Liberty ::: Read the comments


Britain, bastion of freedom, has become a database depot
http://www.thefirstpost.co.uk/46614,opinion,land-of-the-cctv-camera-home-of-the-identity-database

The fightback against the surveillance state begins at a conference this weekend Lawyers, judges, politicians, human rights activists, musicians and the Countryside Alliance are gathering in the name of freedom

===================================
Subject: Fiscal Monitor Confederal Gov't to Dec 31/08
From: Robert Ede

Fiscal Monitor
Highlights of financial results for December 2008
http://www.fin.gc.ca/fiscmon-revfin/2008-12-eng.asp

Table 6
Under Liabilities Section
Total Interest-bearing debt up $77,691 Billion since Mar31/08  - and that's long before all the Jan Budget expenses
 
?Good Thing? they boosted up the "value" of Loans, investments and Advances under Financial Assets so that the NET Debt didn't change too much
 
PS if this is the "National Balance Sheet"  and non-financial assets only total $58.9Billion .... where DO THEY record the value of the Crown's assets, land etc??


Robert Ede,
commentary - http://robertede.blogspot.com/

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

Joe--Brad Thomson has hit the nail on the head. Without consumers there is
no need for the product. The bailout tells us more about our government
than it does about the car companies. It shows that they think the taxpayer
is a never-ending source of money for governments to steal. They have
relieved us of our hard earned money for so long that they believe it is an
endless font for filling their trough.
Our economy is built on waste. We are so used to buying on credit instead
of conserving. Our goods are built so that it is cheaper to buy new than
repair an item. But now the horrible truth is becoming too obvious. We
cannot afford to buy new and we cannot afford to fix the old. It is the
consumer who is caught between a rock and a hard place.
Much as I believe that this current depression is engineered, we will pay
the heavy price for our over-consumption. Our healthcare is already
rationed. Our food products are controlled by corporations like Monsanto,
with the blessing of our government(read about Percy Schmeiser) in the US
municipal water systems are being sold to private corporations, our media is
controlled by one group, and nowwe are expected to bail out companies who
have proven they are incapable of running a profitable business.
As for giving the taxpayer back some of their money to buy a car!!! That
would be the final kick in the gut for taxpayers. It is not bad enough that
we have to pay for the CBC, that would mean that our government has total
control of our life. Would that a government would just leave the money in
our pockets to do with as we see fit. We must know the history of
transportation. Our governments bought up mass transit (read Jane Jacobs)
and closed them so people would have to buy cars. Will they do the same
thing again?
The only thing we can be assured of is that if our governments are involved
it is social engineering and will fail abysmally. And we will get to pay
billions with no positive outcome.
becky

===================================
From: "Cal MacKinnon"
Subject: On your hands too Mrs. Davidson
To: davidson.p@parl.gc.ca

When I asked you about this issue you told me "education wasn't a priority" but making sure your image is safe is a priority that is politics and you should be ashamed.  What happened to the Pat Davidson I used to believe was a women of honour?
 
Tories wanted PR help on native schools: documents
Tue Feb 24, 7:13 PM
By Sue Bailey, The Canadian Press
ADVERTISEMENT

OTTAWA - Internal documents suggest the Harper government downplayed health risks and wanted pricey PR advice after halting plans for new schools on native reserves.

The papers obtained by the New Democrats discuss hiring public relations giant Hill and Knowlton to help the government finesse what one official described as a tough subject to shine. http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/090224/national/tories_native_spin

===================================
From: Rubie Britton
Subject: A Good Point

THIS GUY MAKES A GOOD POINT This was written by a construction worker in Fort MacMurray- he sure makes a lot of sense.
I work, they pay me. I pay my taxes and the government distributes my taxes as it sees fit. In order to earn that pay cheque, I work on a rig site for a Fort Mac construction project. I am required to pass a random urine test, with which I have no problem. What I do have a problem with is the distribution of my taxes to people who don't have to pass a urine test. Shouldn't one have to pass a urine test to get a welfare cheque because I have to pass one to earn it for them? Please understand that I have no problem with helping people get back on their feet. I do on the other hand have a problem with helping someone sit on their ass drinking beer and smoking dope. Could you imagine how much money the provinces would save if people had to pass a urine test to get a public assistance cheque? Please pass this along if you agree or simply delete if you don't. Hope you will pass it along though, because something has to change in this country, and soon!!!

===================================
Posted by at No comments:

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Daily Digest February 26, 2009


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

EDITORIAL PAGEs

HALIFAX CHRONICLE HERALD -
Agencies reeling over threat to the Great Lakes
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Opinion/1108415.html

Canada-U.S. relations get a shot in the arm
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Opinion/1108470.html

SAINT JOHN TELEGRAPH-JOURNAL -
Auto bailouts are bad news
http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/opinion/article/585054

MONTREAL GAZETTE -
A Caisse of wild expectations
http://www.montrealgazette.com/opinion/editorials/Caisse+wild+expectations/1329892/story.html

OTTAWA CITIZEN -
Danger in a bottle
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/opinion/Danger+bottle/1330020/story.html
 
Creating conspiracies
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/opinion/Creating+conspiracies/1330021/story.html

KINGSTON WHIG STANDARD-
Clean Energy Act pushes province toward sustainability
http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1452377

BELLEVILLE INTELLIGENCER -
Keep politicans away from Taser guidelines
http://www.intelligencer.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1452215

TORONTO STAR -
Obama's stirring call to think big
http://www.thestar.com/Opinion/article/593129

High-speed rail, again
http://www.thestar.com/Opinion/article/593126

GLOBE & MAIL -
A necessary dose of optimismComment9
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090225.weObama26/BNStory/specialComment/home

Spending wisely
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090225.weAid26/BNStory/specialComment/home

NATIONAL POST -
Canada needs the oil sands
http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/story.html?id=1329508

HAMILTON SPECTATOR -
CBC bailout has bad optics 
http://www.thespec.com/Opinions/article/520735

ST. CATHARINES STANDARD -
CBC goes into damage control
http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1452957

NIAGARA FALLS REVIEW -
Get angry about health system
http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1452453

K-W RECORD -
 Tighten rules on stun gun use
http://news.therecord.com/Opinions/article/494422

Helmets can save lives
http://news.therecord.com/Opinions/article/494424

WINDSOR STAR -
Energy audit
http://www.windsorstar.com/opinion/editorials/Energy+audit/1330782/story.html

SUDBURY STAR -
What happened to McGuinty the nanny?
http://www.thesudburystar.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1453080

THUNDER BAY CHRONICLE JOURNAL -
The whole story please
http://www.chroniclejournal.com/stories.php?id=167716

CALGARY HERALD -
Doctors have constitutional rights too
T he constitutional right of freedom of religion is akin to freedom of conscience.
  http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/theeditorialpage/story.html?id=b4358fff-377a-43f9-9ab3-3d18ad100c8a
 
Matching U. S. rhetoric with the Canadian interest
http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/theeditorialpage/story.html?id=5ce51212-7800-425c-8d4c-afa336c08105

GRANDE PRAIRIE DAILY HERALD TRIBUNE -
What happened to fiscal sanity? Provincial Tories have changed dramatically
http://www.dailyheraldtribune.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1453379

EDMONTON JOURNAL -
Oilsands spread a turning point?
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/opinion/editorials/Oilsands+spread+turning+point/1330967/story.html

RED DEER ADVOCATE -
Oilsands could clean up tailings ponds 
http://www.albertalocalnews.com/reddeeradvocate/opinion/Oilsands_could_clean_up_tailings_ponds.html

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN -
Criminology instructor critical of gang legislation
http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/20090226178348/local/news/criminology-instructor-critical-of-gang-legislation.html

VANCOUVER SUN -
Forensic science not as reliable as generally believed
http://www2.canada.com/vancouversun/news/editorial/story.html?id=b1fca25e-e03f-47c3-a5b5-7d6efa6e2fc3

Age of technology
http://www2.canada.com/vancouversun/news/editorial/story.html?id=4f97e19a-6c66-449d-aef0-5be86fe8e52b

VICTORIA TIMES-COLONIST -
Pols happy with posturing on gangs
http://www2.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/comment/story.html?id=4265e860-3724-46bb-8b6f-0f71f6389532

Failing children, failing the public
http://www2.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/comment/story.html?id=c18a54eb-fa2b-470d-9825-5b8e86aad4b2


ISSUES

ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS -          
Funding on-reserve schools political, note suggests
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090226.wschools26/BNStory/National/home

Panel tab tough to reconcile
http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2009/02/26/8536886-sun.html


AF-PAK PROBLEM -
Taliban call for peace with Afghans
http://www.nationalpost.com/most_popular/story.html?id=1331330

Backstage at the theater of 'terror'
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/KB27Df03.html

Pakistan's turmoil echoes in Afghanistan
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/KB27Df01.html

Afghan National Police Update: February 2009
http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2009/02/afghan_police_update.php

4,000 Muslim Brits Join Taliban: 
THOUSANDS of British-born Muslims have joined the Taliban in Afghanistan. UK troops say they are facing a mini civil war as more Brits head out to fight for the enemy. http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/view/70883/4-000-Muslim-Brits-join-Taliban/


CANADIAN FORCES -
Cost of Afghan mission jumps to $11.3-billion
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090226.wafghan0226/BNStory/National/home


CANUSA/USACAN -
U.S. claims victory in lumber case against Canada
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/090227/canada/politics_us_usa_canada_lumber

Foreign Affairs ready to buy American
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/News/Foreign+Affairs+ready+American/1329968/story.html

U.S. meat packing 'guidelines' will chill trade: cattle group
http://www.thestarphoenix.com/Business/meat+packing+guidelines+will+chill+trade+cattle+group/1330333/story.html

Canada holds fire on new U.S. meat labeling rules
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/090225/canada/canada_us_trade_usa

Tories in sprint to match Obama on climate change
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/593246

Mexico could be template for Canada, Obama suggests
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/593245

Labatt deal may violate NAFTA
http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/News/Local/2009/02/26/8539061-sun.html


ECONOMIC AFFAIRS -
25% tuition hike touted
http://www.parentcentral.ca/parent/article/593304

Bank shareholders demand say on pay
http://www.financialpost.com/story.html?id=1332446

Harper warns of long-term inflation risk
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/090226/canada/canada_us_economy_harper


FOREIGN AFFAIRS -
No Oscar for Ottawa's policy on emerging Asian powers
In 'Pacific Century' Canada remains fixated on continental and internal issues
http://www.thestar.com/comment/article/592578

RIGHTS: Britain Admits Complicity in U.S. Rendition
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=45901


HEALTH CARE RELATED -
Candidate eyes new approach for CMA
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/593266

Health council takes a long look at how we spend on care
http://www.vancouversun.com/Health/Health+council+takes+long+look+spend+care/1330581/story.html


POLITICS IN THE PROVINCES -
B.C. to lead Canada in training experts to deal with human trafficking cases
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/090226/national/human_trafficking

You want to know what the Alberta Disadvantage looks like? It looks a lot like a province that spends $25M on mindless navel gazing http://calsun.canoe.ca/News/Columnists/Bell_Rick/2009/02/26/8538021-sun.php

Whatever happened to fiscal sanity?
http://www.edmontonsun.com/News/Columnists/Waugh_Neil/2009/02/25/8535666-sun.html

Creativity report falls short on strategy for new jobs 
http://www.thestar.com/Opinion/article/593154

Saskatchewan keen to partner with AECL
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090226.waecl26/BNStory/National/home


FEDERAL POLITICS -
Prime Minister Stephen Harper says public supports tough new crime bills
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/090226/national/justice_gangs

Opposition MPs support 'modest' Tory crime bill
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=1331895

Opposition turns tables, demands Tories get tougher on crime
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/090226/national/justice_gangs_politics

Need a school? Better go Tory blue: NDP
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/090226/national/tories_native_schools

MP blasts Tories over cash for natives
Memos suggest schools in opposition ridings had money withheld
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/593303

Experts say Greens need a revival as they meet in Nova Scotia
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/090226/national/greens_vanish

MP proposes access-to-information law reform
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/593267

Access-to-information throttled from top: Commissioner
http://www.canada.com/Business/Access+information+throttled+from+Commissioner/1331788/story.html Michael Ignatieff's risky play in the oilsands
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/02/26/kelly-mcparland-michael-ignatieff-s-risky-play-in-the-oilsands.aspx

Crime issue offers reprieve for economy-weary Tories
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/02/26/don-martin-crime-issue-offers-reprieve-for-economy-weary-tories.aspx

Canada farm minister calls for wheat board audit
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/090226/canada/canada_us_wheatboard_audit_canada

Ottawa Politics and News from the Hill http://blog.macleans.ca/category/blog-central/canada-blog/capital-read/
PROGRAMMES -
Feds unveil $3-billion stimulus stash
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/090226/national/stimulus_stash

Health Canada orders quarantine of drugs from Indian plant under investigation
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/090226/national/indian_drugs_quarantined

Watchdog paints 'grim picture' of federal info handling
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090226/Information_Access_090226/20090226?hub=Canada

CBC must consider selling assets to cope with economic downturn: Lacroix
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/090226/national/cbc_funding

Funding shortfall would force CBC to consider more U.S. shows
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090226.wcbc0226/BNStory/Front/home

CBC says may cut services
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/090226/canada/canada_us_cbc

PM pledges $350M for Evergreen rapid transit line
http://news.aol.ca/article/bc-evergreen-line-federal-funding/542865/


PRESSURE POINTS -
Lawyer for alleged Quebec terrorist mounts constitutional challenge defence
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/090226/national/crime_suspected_terrorist

How green was my wind turbine
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090225.wcowent26/BNStory/specialComment/home


OPINION AND INFORMATION -
How green was my wind turbine
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090225.wcowent26/BNStory/specialComment/home

Dalton wants the 'green' in your wallet
http://www.torontosun.com/comment/editorial/2009/02/26/8535946-sun.html

Canada must lead on rights
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/business/fp/Canada+must+lead+rights/1330024/story.html

Where, oh where, is Canada's State of the Union address?
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090225.wcomartin26/BNStory/specialComment/home

Teflon Ottawa doesn't feel your pain
http://www.thestar.com/Canada/Columnist/article/593247

Time to put 250-year-old battle to rest
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1329495

Oilsands will never get a fair shake
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/Business/Oilsands+will+never+fair+shake/1330900/story.html

Oilsands spread a turning point?
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/Business/Oilsands+spread+turning+point/1330967/story.html


INFOS -
Crise de l'accès à l'information à Ottawa
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/politique-canadienne/200902/26/01-831359-crise-de-lacces-a-linformation-a-ottawa.php

Ignatieff prend ses distances de Beryl Wajsman
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/politique-canadienne/200902/26/01-831243-ignatieff-prend-ses-distances-de-beryl-wajsman.php

Crise économique: des craintes pour les minorités linguistiques
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/politique-canadienne/200902/26/01-831384-crise-economique-des-craintes-pour-les-minorites-linguistiques.php

L'urgence d'agir
http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/Politique/2009/02/26/003-fonds-relance.shtml

Gangs de rue: Ottawa hausse le ton
http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/National/2009/02/26/001-conservateur-crime-gang.shtml

Sables bitumineux: Ottawa et Edmonton secoués
http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/environnement/2009/02/25/001-national-geo-bitumineux.shtml


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)

Well worth your time. 
Will Obama's stimulus solve the crisis?
Stimulus won't succeed if the structural changes that lowered wages are not addressed view


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From: Larry Kazdan
To: letters@canadafreepress.com
Subject: Letter to Editor re: The Right-Left Political Matrix, Charles Adler, February 25

Re: The Right-Left Political Matrix, Charles Adler, February 25
 http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/8791

Many thanks for setting me straight on the Left-Right Political Matrix.  I've always considered myself part of the Canadian Left, and here I thought that meant working to protect Canadian Medicare, advocating for better student loans, asserting civil liberties, demanding a more principled Canadian foreign policy, and working my butt off delivering pamphlets during Canadian parliamentary elections.  Now I discover 60 years of my life have been wasted.   I hope I'm not too old, but I appreciate your re-education and will do my best to procure a Che Guevara T-Shirt, a Kalishnakoff rifle, and apply for any openings in the KGB.      

Larry Kazdan C.G.A,
Vancouver, B.C.

===================================
From: Ray Strachan
Subject: Dam,  one more thot

Joe

Had intended to include this thot in last email.    We live in the age of
instant gratification.  What describes that better than the "Tazer" 
especially if we adopt the idea that it is actually harmless.   People just
die from other causes after being hit (Acts of God I guess). Its a great
shortcut.

Ray

===================================
From: "Brad Thomson"
Subject: BELOW30

Brad Thomson

Joe,

I do not understand the bailout of the auto industries. Perhaps someone could help me.

What is the point in giving these companies so much money to keep going? What are they going to do other than build cars that no one is going to buy? Will they just pile them up in the parking lot? Or will they simply pay the workers to do nothing?

Would it not make more sense to give every eligible citizen enough money to buy a car so long as they actually buy one?

Pumping money into an industry that builds products people cannot afford to buy cannot be rational on the surface. What is the true motive? Give them enough money to move their entire operations to China? India?

Makes sense to me. All the international gang of banking hoodlems needs to do is print more money out of thin air and loan the governments of China and India lots of it and then their people will be able to buy cars. Soon their debt will be like that of the Western world and the complete takeover of the world by the new world order will be complete.

Mankind is being hijacked by psychopathic thugs. And Obama is their front man. May God help us.

Brad Thomson
Gatineau
===================================
Posted by at No comments:

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Daily Digest February 25, 2009


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

EDITORIAL PAGEs

ST.JOHN'S TELEGRAM -
Western warning
http://www.thetelegram.com/index.cfm?sid=225737&sc=80

CHARLOTTETOWN GUARDIAN -
Debating an idea that's going nowhere View comments1
The notion of tax-included pricing seems to be a non-starter.
http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=225817&sc=103

CAPE BRETON POST -
Like Canadians, hate moves on
http://www.capebretonpost.com/index.cfm?sid=226015&sc=151

HALIFAX CHRONICLE HERALD -
Infrastructure spending: A little less talk, a lot more action
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Editorial/1108207.html

MONTREAL GAZETTE -
Goodbye, Mr. Dumont, we hardly knew you
http://www.montrealgazette.com/opinion/editorials/Goodbye+Dumont+hardly+knew/1326142/story.html

OTTAWA CITIZEN -
A list to work from
 When Canada tries to make its foreign aid more effective, it's like the proverbial dog walking on hind legs
-- it might not be done perfectly, but it's impressive to see it done at all. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/opinion/list+work+from/1325647/story.html
 
Age of technology
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/opinion/technology/1325648/story.html

Economics and politics collide
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/opinion/Economics+politics+collide/1320929/story.html

KINGSTON WHIG STANDARD-
Dollars-and-cents medicine
http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1450325

Harper wants to snuggle up to Obama
http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1450350

ONE SMALL STEP FOR DENTAL CARE
http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1450362

BELLEVILLE INTELLIGENCER -
Technology can't solve every problem
http://www.intelligencer.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1450137

TORONTO STAR -
Police stun guns need a high bar
http://www.thestar.com/Opinion/article/592565

Revolting, but no crime
http://www.thestar.com/Opinion/article/592568

GLOBE & MAIL -
Dangerously blank slates
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090224.wetaser25/BNStory/specialComment/home

NATIONAL POST -
An energy plan that won't help
http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/story.html?id=1325462

HAMILTON SPECTATOR -
Green audits won't work 
http://www.thespec.com/Opinions/article/519940

ST. CATHARINES STANDARD -
A cold, dark place without our nukes
http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1450946


K-W RECORD -
 Finally, a plan for renewable power
http://news.therecord.com/Opinions/article/493779

Another view: Stimulus plan is weak
http://news.therecord.com/Opinions/article/493734

 Governor-general could help cross-border dialogue
http://news.therecord.com/Opinions/article/492534

THUNDER BAY CHRONICLE JOURNAL -
Real danger and restraint
http://www.chroniclejournal.com/stories.php?id=167417

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS -
Privacy nightmare
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/westview/privacy_nightmare-40273827.html

SASKATOON STARPHOENIX -
Ahenakew case tests boundaries of charter rights
http://www2.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/forum/story.html?id=47a3f8ce-782d-440e-9854-215fd960ca7f

CALGARY HERALD -
Canadian officials need to grow some vertebrae
http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/theeditorialpage/story.html?id=30fcf445-5a84-4a93-9ea3-31d70c3438cc

No advantage to re-brand
http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/theeditorialpage/story.html?id=9a5e5c13-b2d8-444c-8b16-842455f1276a

Policing speech is rightly tough
http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/theeditorialpage/story.html?id=b51c7c3f-d952-475d-91d6-cd56114a07f0

The nanny state to outlaw natural health products
http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/theeditorialpage/story.html?id=dcc3187a-5993-4cac-856a-ba29a119dd6c

GRANDE PRAIRIE DAILY HERALD TRIBUNE -
Health care placed on critical list - Health Care Council of Canada  seeks input in 'how to get the biggest bang for the buck' http://www.dailyheraldtribune.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1451430

EDMONTON SUN -
Health care placed on critical list
http://www.edmontonsun.com/Comment/Commentary/2009/02/25/8520461-sun.html
 
VANCOUVER SUN -
Police agencies wrong to shoot the messenger over Taser policies
http://www2.canada.com/vancouversun/news/editorial/story.html?id=830e1d22-29a4-49aa-b74d-4f4778b36faf

Stress and success
http://www2.canada.com/vancouversun/news/editorial/story.html?id=68f037d7-2418-4361-8502-24a8244c0ffb

VANCOUVER PROVINCE -
Hearts of stone under red serge
http://www.theprovince.com/opinion/editorials/Hearts+stone+under+serge/1326282/story.html

VICTORIA TIMES-COLONIST -
Public betrayed on 2010 security
Taxpayers have been badly abused by the Olympic security cost con game.
  http://www2.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/comment/story.html?id=508027ae-d2e7-4f7f-baf9-4b87b11bd385

Support for children in care lags, again
http://www2.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/comment/story.html?id=36d76957-2964-4d59-b71b-51fea8b36d32
 
Picking winners and losers in international aid
http://www2.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/comment/story.html?id=c3ecbd13-3c10-4e0a-898b-aa2da94aaf32


ISSUES

AF-PAK PROBLEM -
President Karzai expected to call snap election
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article5805118.ece

Afghan leader floats proposal for April election
http://www.aopnews.com/today.html

Pakistan urges rethinking of U.S. drone attacks
http://in.reuters.com/article/southAsiaNews/idINIndia-38216720090226

Taleban reconciliation 'possible'
Reconciliation with the Taleban is possible, says Gulab Mangal, the governor of Afghanistan's troubled Helmand province. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7911498.stm

U.S. will boost supplies for Afghan force - general
http://in.reuters.com/article/southAsiaNews/idINIndia-38216220090225?sp=true


CANADIAN FORCES -
Canada's navy may soon be left with one supply ship -- for East, West coasts
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Canada+navy+soon+left+with+supply+ship+East+West+coasts/1325585/story.html


CANUSA/USACAN -
Canada holds fire on new U.S. meat labeling rules
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/090225/canada/canada_us_trade_usa

Canada cheers Obama remarks on U.S. farm subsidies
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/090225/canada/canada_us_trade

Canada joins U. S. call for help in Afghanistan
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1326897

Khadr's lawyer barred from seeing him
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1325433

Ottawa refuses to move on Khadr case
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090224.wcannon25/BNStory/International/home


ECONOMIC AFFAIRS -
How the West undermines the system that made us rich
http://www2.canada.com/vancouversun/news/editorial/story.html?id=3c029707-14f8-4956-a2ab-02f44c85cc61

Canadian taxpayers face double pension peril
http://www.financialpost.com/story.html?id=1328935

Canadians have the most to fear from fear itself
http://www.financialpost.com/story.html?id=1328949

Federal reforms have corporate community fuming
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Business/Federal+reforms+have+corporate+community+fuming/1325652/story.html


FOREIGN AFFAIRS -
A planet at the brink?
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Global_Economy/KB26Dj02.html

The ICC may soon take on Israel
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/02/25/leo-adler-the-icc-may-soon-take-on-israel.aspx


HEALTH CARE RELATED -
Drug development raises ethical issues
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090224.wbrain25/BNStory/National/home


JUSTICE SYSTEM -
Tory gang approach too little too late: critics
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/593111

Expert doubts mandatory sentences effective
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090225/gangs_ottawa_090225/20090225?hub=Canada

SARS outbreak shows nurses must be better protected for next pandemic: lawsuits
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/090225/national/sars_appeal

'War' mentality eroding human rights, report says
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090224.wterror25/BNStory/National/home

Canada's prison farm system being phased out
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2009/02/25/prison-farms.html

Mulroney will face 'closest possible scrutiny,' inquiry chair says
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090225.wmulroney0226/BNStory/Front/home


POLITICS IN THE PROVINCES -
Green energy proposal has critics seeing red
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Business/Green+energy+proposal+critics+seeing/1325583/story.html

Grits grow green and mean
http://www.torontosun.com/comment/columnists/christina_blizzard/2009/02/25/8521396-sun.html

250 years later, Abraham battle spreads to Parliament Hill
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/02/25/don-martin-250-years-later-abraham-battle-spreads-to-parliament-hill.aspx

Provincial NDP obtain files related to sale of BC Rail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090225.wbasi26/BNStory/National/home

McGuinty says he hasn't given up fight for better EI
http://www.thestar.com/news/ontario/article/593112

Ranks of Ontario EI recipients swell by 30%
http://www.thestar.com/Business/article/592604

Power proposal sparking friction
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20090225.MORNE25//TPStory/National


FEDERAL POLITICS -
Ethics committee to resume investigation into In and Out scheme
http://blog.macleans.ca/2009/02/25/breaking-news-its-back-ethics-committee-votes-to-resume-its-investigation-into-the-in-and-out-scandal/

Is this the end of the New New New Spirit of Nonpartisan Cooperation?
http://blog.macleans.ca/2009/02/25/is-this-the-end-of-the-new-new-new-spirit-of-nonpartisan-cooperation-liveblogging-the-ethics-committee/

Your Fall 2009 Election preview
http://blog.macleans.ca/2009/02/25/your-fall-2009-election-preview/

Tory wanted a PR spin after halting projects
http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/News/CanadaWorld/2009/02/25/8522866-sun.html

Flaherty warns of stimulus stumbles
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090225.wflahert0225/BNStory/politics/home

Tories, Liberals defend oil sands
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/593063

Ignatieff defends Canada's 'world leader' oil sands
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=1329069

Ignatieff seeks to bridge rural-urban divide
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090225.wPOLignatieff0225/BNStory/politics/home

Supporting our scientists
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1325461


PROGRAMMES -
New anti-secrecy plan surfaces on eve of damning report
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/090225/national/feds_secrecy

Last year's humongous stimulus package
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fpcomment/archive/2009/02/25/last-year-s-humongous-stimulus-package.aspx
 http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/090225/dq090225-eng.pdf

No emergency loan for CBC: Tories
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=1328491

Canada says expects broadcaster CBC to cut costs
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/090225/canada/canada_us_cbc

'Transparent communication' key to nuclear industry success: minister
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/090225/national/raitt_nuclear

 Taxpayers to foot bill for candidates' daycare, mileage
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Life/Taxpayers+foot+bill+candidates+daycare+mileage/1325608/story.html

PS must take risks in stimulus spending: expert
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Business/must+take+risks+stimulus+spending+expert/1325586/story.html

Democracy agency must be arm's length: expert
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Democracy+agency+must+length+expert/1325610/story.html


PRESSURE POINTS -
Life doomed by climate woes: Top British scientist
http://www.montrealgazette.com/Technology/Life+doomed+climate+woes+British+scientist/1328177/story.html


OPINION AND INFORMATION -
The speech with the hole in the middle
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/02/25/david-frum-the-void-at-the-centre-of-obama-s-speech.aspx

Let's trade on our G20 status to help the poor
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090224.wcoclark25/BNStory/specialComment/home

Oil's not well in Canada
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/westview/oils_not_well_in_canada-40273877.html

'Baby-seal moment' for the oilsands
http://www.calgaryherald.com/columnists/Baby+seal+moment+oilsands/1326646/story.html

Canadian firm may have cure for oil sands headache
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/090224/canada/canada_us_oilsands_tailings

The Right-Left Political Matrix
http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/8791


INFOS -
Le National Geographic publie un reportage peu flatteur sur le pétrole albertain
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/national/200902/25/01-831110-le-national-geographic-publie-un-reportage-peu-flatteur-sur-le-petrole-albertain.php

Violence des gangs de rue: l'approche conservatrice est éreintée
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/politique-canadienne/200902/25/01-831125-violence-des-gangs-de-rue-lapproche-conservatrice-est-ereintee.php

Un éditorial du National Post demande à Harper de tourner le dos au Québec
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/politique-canadienne/200902/25/01-830852-un-editorial-du-national-post-demande-a-harper-de-tourner-le-dos-au-quebec.php

Le Canada ne réclamera pas le rapatriement d'Omar Khadr
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/politique-canadienne/200902/25/01-830857-le-canada-ne-reclamera-pas-le-rapatriement-domar-khadr.php

Le rôle du Canada après 2011 demeure flou
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/politique-canadienne/200902/25/01-830854-le-role-du-canada-apres-2011-demeure-flou.php

Les policiers défendent l'utilisation du Taser
http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/National/2009/02/24/002-teaser-police-canadienne.shtml

Jim Flaherty admet que des erreurs seront commises avec son plan de relance
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/090225/N0225232AU.html


La Teoria Conspiratoria
Kill The Messenger
http://informationclearinghouse.info/article22071.htm

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)

COMMENT AND QUESTIONS

You read it here first, massive change with no debate.  Glad to see others expressing concern as well.

The fact that the Competition Bureau and Investment Canada bills are even before the finance committee also reflects the strangeness of the situation: both pieces of legislation fall under the purview of Industry Canada and minister Tony Clement, who reportedly did not support including them in the budget.
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Business/Federal+reforms+have+corporate+community+fuming/1325652/story.html

How would you rate the odds of the 10 000 extra coming from Europe?

Nato commanders are looking for European nations to provide 10,000 extra soldiers for the vote. No leading political figures have put themselves forward for the presidency. A private phone poll of 6,500 voters indicates that Mr Karzai is the most popular figure likely to run, with about 15 per cent support. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article5805118.ece

And what are the percentages we seek to regain our status or follow the U.S. lead?

If Canada wants to be a major player on the world stage, and we are to regain our status as an independent middle power, we need to focus on retaining the moral high ground. That will not be achieved if we continue to blindly follow the U.S. lead. http://www.espritdecorps.ca/Ontarget%20090225.htm

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Hi All,  this is from a really reliable source - not exclusive in the US    Sally
 

'WARNING FROM POLICE

THIS APPLIES TO BOTH WOMEN AND MEN

BEWARE OF PAPER ON THE BACK WINDOW OF YOUR VEHICLE--

NEW WAY TO DO CARJACKINGS (NOT A JOKE)'

Heads up everyone! Please, keep this circulating... You walk
across the parking lot, unlock your car and get inside. You
start the engine and shift into Reverse.

When you look into the rearview mirror to back out of your
parking space, you notice a piece of paper stuck to the middle
of the rear window. So, you shift into Park, unlock your
doors, and jump out of your car to remove that paper (or
whatever it is) that is obstructing your view. When you reach
the back of your car, that is when the carjackers appear out
of nowhere, jump into your car and take off. They practically
mow you down as they speed off in your car.

And guess what, ladies? I bet your purse is still in the car.

So now the carjacker has your car, your home address, your
money, and your keys. Your home and your whole identity are
now compromised!

BEWARE OF THIS NEW SCHEME THAT IS NOW BEING USED.

If you see a piece of paper stuck to your back window, just
drive away. Remove the paper later. And be thankful that you
read this e-mail. I hope you will forward this to friends and
family, especially to women. A purse contains all kinds of
personal information and identification documents, and you
certainly do NOT want this to fall into the wrong hands.

Please keep this going and tell all your friends

===================================
From: Ron Thornton

Hi Joe:

As I was going through the Feb. 24 Digest, imagine my surprise as a few thoughts popped into my head. It was quite the experience, as you might imagine. You might also see a bit of a theme running through this.

I read that "Green energy" now includes nuclear power. Each such plant produces more than 20 tons of radio-active material annually that will take 240,000 years before it decays enough to be rendered harmless. We have nearly 440 such plants currently in operation world wide, with another 40 under construction, so you can do the math. Yet, this is considered a green form of energy. I have tried to analyze why such a conclusion could be reached, and I can only come up with only one possible answer. Those who advocate that nuclear power is a form of green energy must simply be f*cking retarded.

Which brings me to David Ahenakew. His comments in regards to Jews that got him in hot water were retarded but thankfully he was judged not guilty of a criminal offense. Some may think Ahenakew a stupid, dirty little Indian and they should be able to state that, as long as those who think otherwise may have the opportunity to indicate that such people are wrong and why they are wrong. They should be able to use their own arguments to humble and humiliate those who are retarded enough to spew such vile nonsense in a public forum by using facts and rational argument. It can't be that hard to do.

Recently, a Catholic priest made headlines when he questioned the validity of the holocaust. One argument he had was that the gas used could not have been contained in the killing facilities and would have not only killed the victims, but made victims of the guards and other prisoners anywhere in the vicinity. It was an interesting argument, but instead of addressing it, or using facts to discredit it, all we heard was the condemnation of the priest for even bringing up his theory. Again, it shouldn't have been hard to discredit him, but I heard of no one who did. Why? If the man is wrong, and I'm sure he is, then prove him wrong instead of censoring him. Don't we have the ability for reasoned, informed debate anymore or are we just f*cking retarded?

Then again, how many times have we heard that some industry or business sector has been given the power to police itself? No oversight, no scrutiny, no wonder we find ourselves in the current world wide economic mess. If self-policing worked, it would be left up to us to drive the speed limit and not run red lights instead of having speed traps and cameras installed at intersections. I wouldn't give the Pope himself the power to police himself. Every time I hear that an industry or profession will be so empowered to follow certain guidelines, I simply tell myself that there is no use seeking out what possible logic might be behind such a decision. I just remind myself that some folks are just f*cking retarded.

Finally, as we cough up billions to the auto industry, and others, what is the first thing our government should say as it hands over our tax dollars to those who have pissed away their own?

"Hello, partner."

Thanks, Joe. I feel better.

Ron Thornton

===================================
From: Ray Strachan
Subject: Technological advances

dd

When I was a lad ,technology  somehow didnt include the internetPeople went
from oxen to tractors,horse and buggy to trains,airplanes etc etc. Now we have
the greatest destroyer of manhood that there ever was.    THE TAZER   First I
will tell you a little store. Im Old, Ive lived, I seen and experienced quite
a lot. Now the Tazer, Well it does away with both Phbysicalo and Mental
requirements. I am a graduate of a twelve step program. Years ago I was call
to go see an ex RCMP Officer who had a drinking problem. He was then in
Business on main street of my town.I answered the call ,walked into his store
and met a man with the most wild expression in his eyes,glassy,vacant.  He
asked,what do you want. I said I came to see if I can help you. He had a
hatchet in his hand which he used to open boxes under different circumstances,
He said "Im going to kill you" I didnt panic, I should have I guess, but I
didnt. I just stood in fron of him and said, "Well if you want to kill me I
guess thats what you want to do, but before you do, I want you to tell
me , "One Thing, That I have Ever Done To You". That was all. He stared at me
for some-time?, turned and threw the hatchet against the wall at the back of
the store. No ,no RCMP Academy training for me,No psycology,no Psychiatry.
Just common sense and a bit of courage. Of course now, its like when I worked
on the Railroad and 110 lb girls demanded to be SWITCHMEN.  Pardon me,
SWITCHPERSONS. When it snowed, they didnt have the physical strength to turn
the switches. A stronger male would have to walk back half the train length to
do it. It was not at all that the women were stupid, it was simply that they
were not strong enough physically. Now we has 110 lb RCMP. The 210 lb males
have brought themselves down to that level with the advent of PROGRESS, "THE
TAZER".   "No, No, Finish your coffee, it wont take long, we will just use the
Tazer." Im not saying there is no legitimate use of this Progressive Tool. But
its use sure as hell can over-ride ,having to pretend to be able to defend
ones self, Even with 4 ones-selfsyou know what I mean?And dispenses with
having to have any human logic or common sense.    Sooo lets cut expenses by
doing away with the Musical Ride and The RCMP POLICE ACADEMY.

Ray Strachan

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

Ray--I have nothing but the greatest respect for our RCMP. They are great
human beings. The episode in the Vancouver airport 'security' area is being
blamed on the RCMP, when the real responsibility rests solely with the
airport authority. A 'stranger' in a 'secure' area for 9 hours and no one
did anything??? How secure is this? Then, after the poor man goes bonkers
the RCMP are expected to fix the problem? Yes, he didn't speak English, but
it was the responsibility of the airport to have a translator present. The
taser the RCMP used was legal and much safer than a bullet. Also it kept
the RCMP from close contact with a deranged man. Would it have been better
if they had tried to subdue him and an officer get hurt or killed? Can you
imagine the howling if they had used brute force to subdue him? No, they
did the only thing possible. That the man died from the taser is
unfortunate. But pointing fingers of blame at the RCMP absolves the real
problem--the airport did not exercise due diligence and were part of the
problem, not part of the solution.

As for Ahenakew--I am so relieved that he was not convicted for stating what
he knew to be the truth. He was right in what he stated. Why is this group
so afraid to have any of their claims investigated? Do they have something
to hide? We are supposed to treat the holocaust as a religion rather than
allow investigation which would put to rest the angst that occurs every time
someone speaks against the matter. If it is the truth it will stand up
under any light shone on it. Therefore I can only conclude that we are
being lied to. We have Jewish 'archeologists' finding the body of Christ
and 'proving that he was not our Messiah' but we dare not question the
holocaust? We are such fools.

I would like to add my support for Mr. Ryan for his stand on Israel's
genocidal attacks on Gaza. Ryan is a brave man. He has stated the truth
and the truth dare not be spoken in Canada.
I hear Jason Kenney on the radio ranting against Mr. Ryan and his statement.
Me thinks Kenney doth protest too much. When was the last time you heard
any of our politicians defending our rights? NEVER! But let someone speak
the truth about this special interest group and all hell breaks loose. I
stupidly thought our governments were for Canadians, but the more I read and
hear the more I come to the conclusion that our government works for Israel.
"Canada stands with Israel" and "Canada defends the Jewish faith" are the
two latest statements that come to mind.
Becky

===================================
From: "Serge Crespy"
Subject: RECESSION'S  "wee - ME"

Dear Joe:
 
Socialism enhances the "WE"; Capitalism promotes the "ME".  I get it ! ..... We have to muddle through a "wee - ME" period; a recalibrating process until early 2011 (Canada) / 2010 (U.S.)
 
Best Wishes,
Serge Crespy
Collingwood, Ontario

===================================
From: "Brian D. Marlatt"
Subject: News Analysis -
In Climate Debate, Hype Is a Pitfall - NYTimes.com
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/25/science/earth/25hype.html?_r=1&hp

===================================
From: The Natroses

Hi Joe,  Just read the article "There will be Blood" on the G/M site, where an economist was interview. Niall Ferguson, has some very interesting comments on the economic crisis. I heard him on TV, but the CTV reporter did a poor job (or maybe it was done on purpose) in presenting his ideas. What I did not hear, I read in the interview. The fact he presented, as I have argued in the past - that figures used to calculated growth, inflation and other items related to a country's growth are missing key parts that would present a rosier picture. If key parts are returned to the calculations, the economic picture for the last 10 years would show little growth, high inflation and market bubbles ready to burst, such as the real estate market.

At the end of the article he states, "One of the facts is if you subtract mortgage equity withdrawal from the Bush years, the real underlying rate of growth of the U.S. economy was 1 per cent. So much of the consumption has been fuelled by mortgage equity withdrawal. So that seems like a reasonable growth rate for 10 years. … We just don't have an improvement of standard of living of the sort we're grown used to. And indeed if you have a more equitable redistribution through the tax system, which Obama is committed to, it might actually be no discernible downside for middle America and lower-class Americans. So many of the benefits of the boom went to the elites. If you have a lost decade plus redistribution, it may not be that dramatic a change for many, many people. People just have to get over the fact that their wealth wasn't worth what they thought it was in 2006. Whether it's their stock market portfolio or their housing. If we simply go back to where we were, in 2005, that's surely not the worst thing that could happen to us."

I really do think the above is the solution is a redistribution of wealth from the elite to the middle and lower classes. Much like the speech of the President that I heard last night.  too bad the Harper government is not moving in the same direction as United States. Read the article, it is very revealing and interesting, because it may tell you why the Harper government has done or has not done in the last 2 years. I really do think that the Harper government has their blinders on, and are intent to do nothing - praying for a miracle that Canada will  not be touched especially with real estate prices dropping like a lead balloon. LOL - It is going to happen, but the question is when will it happen. http://tinyurl.com/cgfm2p

From the Natroses

===================================
Subject: Is PST/GST Harmonization more like a "Same-Tax Union" or a "Single Payer, One Tier System"?
From: Robert Ede
To: Von Palmer <vpalmer@trebnet.com>, trebpres <trebpres@trebnet.com>
Cc: torstar <lettertoed@thestar.ca>, Mauro Ritacca <mritacca@trebnet.com>, Jim Flood -OREA- <djflood@orea.com>, Bob Linney -CREA- <info@crea.ca>, Rt Hon Stephen Harper <pm@pm.gc.ca>, dmcguinty.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org

Dear Von & Maureen,
(& a few cc's)
 
I read the OREA letter re: Ontario's possible PST/GST Harmonization and it got me thinking ... should we examine this choice of tax methods as we did the Same-Sex Marriage issue or the debate over private vs public Healthcare provision? -i.e. one size fits all, has economies of scale, but has real-world problems that befuddle the best intentions of any legislation.
 
It's hard to assess all the ramifications of a PST/GST "Same-Tax Union" without knowing the exact details (although looking to other "harmonized" jurisdictions IS a pretty good predictor of how the gnomes & publicans in gov.on.ca will proceed).
 
In principle, I support harmonization for two reasons - it's simpler to have one rate and logic dictates that on a "broader base" that single rate can be lower than the former combined two and still produce the same revenue.
 
The real tricky aspects are 1) the Value-Added element of the GST that the PST does not have and 2) the politics of what goods/services are "exempted" and/or "zero-rated".
 
If this Value-Added concept is still "vital to keep our exports competitive" (as we were told when the Manufacturer's Sales Tax was phased out), then perhaps the harmonized tax will have to be a Value-Added Tax (VAT) too. To me the fact that another province as harmonized as a VAT makes no difference - until now Ontario (and others) are not full-VAT
and Alberta (currently) has no PST - we should have the BEST system, whether it "matches" or not.
 
It is a shame if we must have a Same-Tax Union as a VAT ... because the GST with its "grossed-up" cash register rate (that contributes to "sticker shock" at the checkout) and its added-but-not-compensated expenses/aggravation for goods/service providers in calculating their Input Tax Credit claims (averaging about 50% of the grossed-up amount Canada-wide) means that the ultimate consumer pays a much higher cash register rate higher than it need be (while everyone down the supply chain collects Input Tax Credits offsetting the Grossed-up tax they have paid.
 
If we think as we do re: Healthcare and in this case consider that the Single Payer within a One Tier tax system is the consumer ... then lowering the real cost "to the single payer" (at the cash register AND at the Personal Income Tax wicket) should be the paramount objective of the harmonization.
 
If absolutely every good & service had that harmonized tax applied AND the input credit system was eliminated, logic says that on both counts (broader base, no inputs) the rate could be reduced - perhaps by as much as one-half ... and if this IS the case the harmonization would be very easy for consumers to adjust to.
 
While they might be paying the Harmonized tax on somethings that were formerly exempted/zero-rated, they'll be paying a far lower rate at the cash register on a wide variety of products/services.
 
Yours truly,
 
Robert (Rob) Ede,

===================================
From: "Edward C. Corrigan"
Subject: "Another War, Another Defeat: The Gaza offensive has succeeded in  punishing the Palestinians but not in making Israel more secure.," By John  J. Mearsheimer, The American Conservative, January 26, 2009 issue

Interesting article from one of the US's most prominent political scientists and experts on the Middle East. Published in a leading American Conservative publication.

Ed Corrigan

Another War, Another Defeat
http://www.amconmag.com/article/2009/jan/26/00006/

=====
In same publication
Captive Nation
http://www.amconmag.com/article/2009/jan/26/00009/

===================================
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