Saturday, March 14, 2009

Daily Digest March 14, 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 -
Studying ourselves
http://www.thetelegram.com/index.cfm?sid=231828&sc=80

CORNER BROOK WESTERN STAR -
Another loss offshore View
http://www.thewesternstar.com/index.cfm?sid=231717&sc=30

HALIFAX CHRONICLE HERALD -
Chopper crash brings home dangers of oil rig work
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Editorials

BELLEVILLE INTELLIGENCER -
Standardized school year crucial to Ontario's tourism
http://www.intelligencer.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1478163

TORONTO STAR -
Jobless numbers cry out for action
http://www.thestar.com/Opinion/article/602202

Criminalizing charity
http://www.thestar.com/Opinion/article/602200

GLOBE & MAIL -
The Speaker speaks out
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090313.weSpeaker14/BNStory/specialComment/home

NATIONAL POST -
Time to rein in the chaos
http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/story.html?id=1388001

Blaming 'the Israel Lobby'
http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/columnists/story.html?id=35a4ac89-f306-4bf0-be66-0f678528a79f

TORONTO SUN -
Liberals love their games
http://www.torontosun.com/comment/editorial/

HAMILTON SPECTATOR -
Not time for blended tax 
http://www.thespec.com/Opinions/article/530011

NIAGARA FALLS REVIEW -
Liberals love to play political games, too
http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1478451

SUDBURY STAR -
Beyond job loss
http://www.thesudburystar.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1479095

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS -
Ignatieff should rethink wheat board
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/westview/ignatieff-should-rethink-wheat-board-41251462.html

Farmer First CWB CEO initiates sharper focus on service
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/columnists/farmer-first-cwb-ceo-initiates-sharper-focus-on-service-41251977.html

VANCOUVER SUN -
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

VICTORIA TIMES-COLONIST -
Please, government, stay out of our kitchens
http://www2.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/comment/story.html?id=ef0c58b8-d750-4a1e-9754-a5c4cf68fe23


ISSUES

AF-PAK PROBLEM -
Police say foreign forces kill five Afghan civilians
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/259855,police-say-foreign-forces-kill-five-afghan-civilians.html

5 killed in Afghan operation targeting bomb-maker
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/feedarticle/8402683

 Perils Seen in Obama's Afghan Strategy
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=46108


CANADIAN FORCES -
The weapons of death
Improvised explosive devices a constant threat
http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1476375


ECONOMIC AFFAIRS -
Central bank ditches economic rebound prediction
http://business.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090314.wg20wrestle0314/BNStory/Business/home

Canada's dirty subprime secret
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090313.wsubprime14/EmailBNStory/Business/home

Should you break your mortgage to save big bucks?
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090313/mortgage_breaking_090314/20090314?hub=Canada

Global trade slump raises talk of 'deglobalization'
http://business.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090313.wrtrade14/BNStory/Business/home

Time to end secret accounts
http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/columnists/story.html?id=6be6f767-3d84-4d72-ba85-44a1de1c7577

Global crackdown on tax havens takes hold in Europe    
http://www.thestar.com/Business/article/602196


FOREIGN AFFAIRS -
Canada shrugs off British G20 brush-off
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Politics/2009/03/13/8742476-cp.html


HEALTH CARE RELATED -
Is now the time to debate medicare?
http://www.thestar.com/News/Insight/article/602192


POLITICS IN THE PROVINCES -
NS - Third party up: Ghost of '99 stalks land
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Columnists/1111318.html

Western politicians vow economic partnership
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090313.wpremiers0313/BNStory/National/home

Western premiers unite to combat violence
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090313.wbccabinet13/BNStory/National/home

ONT - Legislation carries some scary powers
http://www.yourhome.ca/homes/article/600663

Suncor environmental case prompts change in disclosure policy
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/calgary/story/2009/03/13/edm-policy-change.html

SASK - Benefits of enhanced driver's licences don't outweigh privacy risks: commissioner
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/090314/national/tab20090314_border_privacy

PQ - Has Sabia jumped from the frying pan into the fire?
http://business.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090313.wrsabia14/BNStory/Business/home


FEDERAL POLITICS -
Harper working a familiar formula: Look good, demonize the other guy
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Columnists/1111322.html

Support underwhelming as Liberals prepare fundraising bash
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/03/13/steve-janke-support-underwhelming-as-liberals-prepare-fundraising-bash.aspx

MacKay begins cross-country contract tour
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/MacKay+begins+cross+country+contract+tour/1388441/story.html

Ignatieff's strategy is to avoid partisan games with PM and fight him on the high ground
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/602286

Bad economic news calls for budget re-write: Critics
http://www.canada.com/business/fp/economic+news+calls+budget+write+Critics/1387110/story.html

Tories have 'polluted' economic plans, says Layton
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090314/Layton_Economy_090314/20090314?hub=Canada


PROGRAMMES -
Changes to law could affect navigation of Canadian waters, critics say
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2009/03/14/navigable-waters.html

Tories highlight job training initiatives
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2009/03/13/harper-training.html

Mayor says feds slowing down the infrastructure process
http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=231735&sc=98

Hearing on pension reform opens to contrasting views
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090313/pension_reform_090313/20090313?hub=Canada

Arab group risks funding, Immigration Minister says
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays-paper/story.html?id=1387992


PRESSURE POINTS -
World will agree new climate deal, says Al Gore
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/mar/14/al-gore-climate-change1

Scientists claim global warning 'can be controlled'
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article5904431.ece

'Accidental' Contamination Of Vaccine With Live Avian Flu Virus Virtually Impossible
http://www.prisonplanet.com/accidental-contamination-of-vaccine-with-live-avian-flu-virus-virtually-impossible.html/print


OPINION AND INFORMATION -
In Afghanistan, more than the mission that's failing
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090314.wblatch14/BNStory/Afghanistan/home

A beleaguered CBC should ask itself: Who cares?
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090313.wcosimp14/BNStory/specialComment/home

A Canadian tradition that brings out the best
Salute to fallen soldiers a ritual worth exporting
http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/columnists/story.html?id=251288c3-ad00-485b-bbb8-b60ec1d4c492

Out-of-sync PM can't seem to feel your pain
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/602319

Hasty budget filled with unpalatable amendments
http://www2.canada.com/vancouversun/news/editorial/story.html?id=7e9fd328-c9f0-4ed2-93ac-884184779953

An enemy within?
Powerful Islamic groups detest the countries they call home
http://www.torontosun.com/comment/columnists/michael_coren/2009/03/14/8744901-sun.html

Palestinians can learn from Jews
http://www.torontosun.com/comment/columnists/salim_mansur/2009/03/14/8744891-sun.html

A $10-billion bailout? Show us the rationale
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20090314.RDECLOET14/TPStory/Business/columnists


INFOS -
Ignatieff tendra la main aux francophones
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/politique-canadienne/200903/13/01-836439-ignatieff-tendra-la-main-aux-francophones.php

Quatre bloquistes partent en mission à Washington
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/politique-canadienne/200903/14/01-836496-quatre-bloquistes-partent-en-mission-a-washington.php

Harper s'en prend aux libéraux et à Obama
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/politique-canadienne/200903/13/01-836381-harper-sen-prend-aux-liberaux-et-a-obama.php

Chômage: Ignatieff reproche à Harper de «chanter des histoires»
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/politique-canadienne/200903/13/01-836376-chomage-ignatieff-reproche-a-harper-de-chanter-des-histoires.php

10 ans et demi pour Khawaja
http://www.radio-canada.ca/regions/ottawa/2009/03/12/002-Khawaja-sentence_n.shtml

 PLC et PC nez à nez
http://www.ledevoir.com/2009/03/14/239302.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)

GETTING RID OF RED TAPE . . .

Transport Minister John Baird said that no one wants to harm the environment. But he said some of the rules predate Confederation and were getting in the way of the government's infrastructure package.

"It is essential if we want to get shovels in the ground. There's a reason why it hasn't been going as quickly as many of us would like and this is one of the reasons," he said.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2009/03/14/navigable-waters.html

. . . BUT NOT PRACTICING WHAT YOU PREACH
(otherwise known as the left hand does one thing, the right another)

In the past, cities could carry out that pre-engineering work and include those costs as part of the infrastructure funding.
But now, if a city goes ahead with that pre-engineering work the city will have to foot the full costs on its own.
http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=231735&sc=98

Duh!

On the one hand "It is essential if we want to get shovels in the ground." - so do away with assessment of the effects of the infrastructure package on waterways, thereby changing rules in place since before Confederation .

On the other, however, put in a new rule that "if a city goes ahead with that pre-engineering work the city will have to foot the full costs ". Make it even more difficult for economically weaker municipalities to participate in the stimulation they need most.

What role did this downloading of engineering costs play in there being billions of unspent dollars from the 2008 Budget that could have beEn stimulus but will be unable to be spent with the end of the fiscal year on March 31 of this month?

Building Canada - Modern Infrastructure for a Strong Canada http://www.buildingcanada-chantierscanada.gc.ca/plandocs/booklet-livret/booklet-livret09-eng.html
while looking good just wasn't put into effect as it ought to have been.

         Joe

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From: Ron Thornton

Hi Joe:

In reference to the HALIFAX CHRONICLE HERALD -Benchmarking Studebaker story, it stated that "The CAW's deal with GM, which reduces wage and benefit costs from $70 to $63 an hour...". I'm not a rocket scientist, and I'm betting none of these fine laborers are either. However, basic math indicates that $70 x 40 hours x 52 weeks equals $145,600, and even by reducing this hourly rate to $63 we get $131,040. Now, can anybody tell me just what in hell do these folks do that is worth, by any measurement, over $130,000 per year, never mind not paying a penny of their own pensions? Anyone? Anyone? Until they get a clue, the feds should not be giving these overpaid folks a dime. I'm guessing that if the offer went out, we could find 9000 people willing to work for half the hourly rate, contribute to their own pensions, and even pay out of pocket for their damn Viagra. I mean, these are people earning more, much more, than airline pilots. We keep being told that this country has a brain drain. No kidding. It seems some segments of our economy went completely retarded years ago.

So, how do you explain the TORONTO STAR story -Why auto bailout needs to get done. I'm guessing because they also have gone retarded, and did so years ago. Compare that to the TORONTO SUN -What do taxpayers get for auto loans? They state that "...losing hundreds of thousands of jobs -- and billions of public dollars -- will be worse [than not coughing up the big bucks], if these investments turn into fiascoes. What evidence do our politicians have, exactly, that this won't happen?" I guess when you are not retarded you have the ability to ask questions that indicate that one possesses a real measure of clarity.

On another issue, the CALGARY HERALD -Pro-choicers deny doctors right to choose life, claims that the Alberta College of Physicians and Surgeons has a proposal that "essentially ask physicians to set aside their moral beliefs, conscience objections and medical opinions to ensure women have unfettered access to abortion.The proposed changes are being debated this week and, if accepted as drafted, doctors who oppose abortion (for whatever reason) will no longer have the option of refusing to assist a woman requesting abortion." To some, abortion is more than a medical procedure to remove a piece of meat, but it is murder. As long as there remains access to the procedure to those who think of it as taking a human life, then why force others to go against their beliefs? Of course, what the powers that be dictate is good and acceptable sometimes is not. That was a little something we should have learned from the actions of the Soviets and Nazi's back in the 1930's and 1940's where human life had a somewhat reduced value.

Meanwhile, unlike Real and Becky, I did not hear what Peter Goldring said on Rutherford recently. However, I do have a response to Real's question, "Whatever happened to Reform principles?" As my good friends well know, they and I and many other members of the former Reform Party had those principles, which were what got us involved in the first place. Sadly the leadership proved that they never did and with the aid of manipulated consent maintained the illusion, when in fact the power really flowed down to the peons, not up from them.

Thanks again for the opportunity to vent, Joe.

===================================
From: "Eduard Hiebert
Subject: A taboo's undoing... Freeman Affair Puts Israel Lobby in Spotlight

Joe,  an article worthy of review.
 
Eduard

Freeman Affair Puts Israel Lobby in Spotlight
by Daniel Luban and Jim Lobe


WASHINGTON - Although the successful campaign to keep Amb. Charles "Chas" Freeman out of a top intelligence post marked a surface victory for the pro-Israel hardliners who opposed him, the long-term political implications of the Freeman affair appear far more ambiguous. http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=46103

===================================
Brad Thomson
 
Joe,
 
The moment George Bush sets foot in Canada he should be arrested and charged with the murder of all of the Canadians who died on 911.
 
Brad Thomson
Gatineau

=====
St. Patrick's Day will be more interesting than usual, methinks
===================================
From: Peggy Merritt

Hi Joe Thank you for covering the speeches in the Senate and our Prime minister's speech at the Conservative meeting on Thursday.  I was most interested in hearing what was said and how it was covered.  Nothing much  any of the media about this meeting.  The wonder of the internet, thanks again.  Peggy

=====
Pleasure, Peggy. Thanks, Joe
===================================
Subject: FYI-- Obama Signs Law Banning Federal Embryo Research Two Days After Signing Executive Order to OK It
From: Robert Ede

Obama Signs Law Banning Federal Embryo Research Two Days After Signing Executive Order to OK It
 
so is USA cloning legal or not?
 
What do its supporters think? yes?
What do its opponents think? yes?

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

Joe--I believe the NWPA provision in C-10 has more to do with the NAU and the SPP than anything else. 

The Senators are concerned about the Government's contempt for the Senate--well, how about the Government's contempt for the people?  At least the Senators had a chance to turn this despicable Bill down--we are just the ones that are forced to abide by it and pay for it, with no input whatsoever.  So the Senate is going to study this more closely?  What will that accomplish?  And  43 of the Senators didn't even bother to show up for the vote.  This is indicative of contempt for the citizen also.  This is like the pot callling the kettle black.  These people are paid for by us but they serve their masters without a thought of the repercussions on the people of the Nation.  Just like our MPs.

As for the msm not paying attention--are you or anyone surprised?  They will not step out of line--they may become first in the line for a 'bailout' by the same people that they are supposed to serve.  Can we all say Pravda?

And then Harper spouts at 'Manning's gathering'.  What else is new.  Manning/Harper/Liberal/Tory--same old story.  Manning destroyed Reform through voter eligibility and other manipulations to try and grab power for himself.  Harper is cut from the same cloth.  We have no one we can trust in government.  Oh Canada!

Becky

===================================
From: Charles Tupper
Subject: Is the RCMP's credibility gone?

Is the RCMP's credibility gone?
http://www.canada.com/RCMP+credibility+gone/1383781/story.html
By Paul Willcocks, Courier-Islander March 13, 2009
 
I covered court in Alberta for a little while. RCMP officers often testified. Sometimes, they were a little evasive or obviously coached. But almost invariably, I assumed you could trust their version of events.

More importantly, so did judges and juries.

Now the Dziekanski inquiry evidence shows that is no longer true.

===================================
From: Caspar Davis
Subject: Can Marijuana Help Rescue California's Economy?

Can it be they're finally talking sense about pot? Pot prohibition has been about as effective as alcohol prohibition was, and has led to similar results.

Time Magazine
Can Marijuana Help Rescue California's Economy?
By Alison Stateman / Los Angeles Friday, Mar. 13, 2009

Could marijuana be the answer to the economic misery facing California? Democratic state assemblyman Tom Ammiano thinks so. Ammiano introduced legislation last month that would legalize pot and allow the state to regulate and tax its sale ­ a move that could mean billions of dollars for the cash-strapped state. Pot is, after all, California's biggest cash crop, responsible for $14 billion a year in sales, dwarfing the state's second largest agricultural commodity ­ milk and cream ­ which brings in $7.3 billion a year, according to the most recent USDA statistics. The state's tax collectors estimate the bill would bring in about $1.3 billion a year in much needed revenue, offsetting some of the billions of dollars in service cuts and spending reductions outlined in the recently approved state budget. http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1884956,00.html?cnn=yes

===================================
Subject: calgary demo
From: Rene Moreau

To all ------- FYI
From Rene Moreau (416-489-8347)
  Although many will not be able to be there, 'knowledge is power'.
Or, 'They also serve who only stand and watch'. Watch for media
coverage, I mean.
 _________________________________________________________________
I urge you to read the complete text of the MESSAGE FROM RAMSEY CLARK
to the protestors of the Bush visit.  He is a former United States Attorney
General: http://hawkeyi.blogspot.com/2009/03/we-dare-not-blink-at-magnitude.html

In difficult times when other countries are experiencing violence in the
streets we can set an example for how to have peaceful protest and, more
importantly, dialogue and working together to solve problems.

Best wishes,
Sandra Finley
Saskatoon
306-373-8078

_________________
The People vs. Bush

International War Criminal George W. Bush is Scheduled to Speak in Calgary on
Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Calgarians are organizing to put him on trial for the seemingly endless list of crimes for which his regime was responsible.
 
Schedule of Events 
 
UPDATE (Saturday, March 13th):
Join us for the People Vs. Bush Trial at The Uptown Theatre, 612 8th Avenue SW.  Doors open at 2:30pm, trial begins at 3:00pm.

Professor Anthony J. Hall to speak at Monday night forum
More information on Professor Hall's recent paper here
http://blog.peoplevbush.ca/2009/03/shoe-campaign-underway.html

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


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