Daily Digest February 5, 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 -
Much ado about nothing
http://www.thetelegram.com/index.cfm?sid=219006&sc=80

CORNER BROOK WESTERN STAR -
Where to from here?
http://www.thewesternstar.com/index.cfm?sid=218852&sc=30

HALIFAX CHRONICLE HERALD -
Sneaky isn't a principle
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Editorial/1104831.html

'Free pass' wise move
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Editorial/1104735.html

OTTAWA CITIZEN -
The myth of the crack baby
  http://www.ottawacitizen.com/opinion/myth+crack+baby/1254512/story.html

Stop Taser creep
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/opinion/Stop+Taser+creep/1254513/story.html

OTTAWA SUN -
Winnings should be fraud free
http://www.ottawasun.com/Comment/Editorial/2009/02/05/8270861-sun.html

KINGSTON WHIG STANDARD-
Growing Obama cult a disturbing development
http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1420808

TORONTO STAR -
Ignatieff faces regional dilemma
http://www.thestar.com/Opinion/article/582533

Aiding Obama on Gitmo
http://www.thestar.com/Opinion/article/582531

Free speech, for some
http://www.thestar.com/Opinion/article/582534

GLOBE & MAIL -
Don't scrimp on creativity
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090205.weculture0205/BNStory/specialComment/home

NATIONAL POST -
Vive Nicolas Sarkozy!
http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/story.html?id=1250625

The Bloc Newfoundlandois
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/02/05/editorial-the-bloc-newfoundlandois.aspx

Take off the veil
http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/story.html?id=1254720

HAMILTON SPECTATOR -
'Dalton Days' on the table 
http://www.thespec.com/Opinions/article/507687

ST. CATHARINES STANDARD -
Niagara's nuclear opportunity
http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1421346

K-W RECORD -
Vive Sarkozy, friend of Canada  
http://news.therecord.com/Opinions/article/482588

SUDBURY STAR -
31 sick days cannot be accepted as normal
http://www.thesudburystar.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1421383

If they build it, you'll pay for it -
http://www.thesudburystar.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1421424

Messing with Mother Nature never works
http://www.thesudburystar.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1421449

THUNDER BAY CHRONICLE JOURNAL -
The future of Ontario
http://www.chroniclejournal.com/stories.php?id=162804

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS -

Buy American won't work -- just ask Canada
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/westview/buy_american_wont_work_--_just_ask_canada39131437.html

 Keynesian principles have been misapplied for 3,000 years
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/westview/keynesian_principles_have_been_misapplied_for_3000_years39131292.html

Boosting Employment Insurance a powerful stimulus
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/westview/boosting_employment_insurance_a_powerful_stimulus38992287.html

SASKATOON STARPHOENIX -
End of Canada hardly at hand
http://www2.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/forum/story.html?id=26ec329f-5d63-42c1-9a16-a07873953960

Booster shot poorly considered
http://www2.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/forum/story.html?id=0d6d906b-8f9e-40d9-a910-b9110dee38a5

Steering science into the abyss
http://www2.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/forum/story.html?id=61cf8fdf-b2a0-4e93-a6f9-907a1d249c14

REGINA LEADER-POST -
Tories fail science test
http://www2.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/viewpoints/story.html?id=9a8cd8a5-b880-4784-85e1-6df4258e1dc3

CALGARY HERALD -
Gadhafi's selection to head African Union proof of rot
http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/theeditorialpage/story.html?id=6270d14d-29d6-499d-a243-2791c1df088f

One aboriginal, one vote
http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/theeditorialpage/story.html?id=c16e2657-fc10-4e5a-95b8-6e50bd86a0c0

The sin of Holocaust denial
http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/theeditorialpage/story.html?id=c7cd4868-e965-46aa-a4c2-328e2c09716b

GRANDE PRAIRIE DAILY HERALD TRIBUNE -
Auto industry protectionism could do more harm than good: Analysts
http://www.dailyheraldtribune.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1421631

VANCOUVER SUN -
Getting a grip on gang violence
http://www2.canada.com/vancouversun/news/editorial/story.html?id=d243def7-9d9c-4576-9db6-85b42f845350


ISSUES

AFGHANISTAN -
Analysis: Democracy fades from Obama's Afghan agenda
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090204.wObama_afghan05/BNStory/International/home

U.S.: More Troops, More Worries, Less Consensus on Afghanistan
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=45663

War expert gives warning on Afghanistan
http://www.southasianmedia.net/index_story.cfm?id=558374&category=Frontend&Country=AFGHANISTAN

Air Base Loss Could Hobble Afghan War Effort
http://blog.wired.com/defense/2009/02/losing-manas-a.html

Why US-Afghan relations are at an all-time low
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7870340.stm

NATO commander tones down drug lord orders
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jcp62syneH-4qpA57lPwPVYf6UQQ


CANUSA/USACAN -
Harper calls Calderon about U.S. protectionism
http://www.ottawasun.com/News/National/2009/02/05/8280791.html

Obama wants Canadian trip to be 'all business'
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/583149

Canada making headway in battle against Buy American plan: Day
http://business.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090205.wstockwellday0205/BNStory/Business/home

'Buy American' battle not over, leaders warn
http://business.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090205.wimfecon0205/BNStory/Business/home


FOREIGN AFFAIRS -
Taming the Russian bear
Let's be clear: This is Europe's business. And Europe's central power is Germany
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090205.wcoash05/BNStory/specialComment/home

Moscow, Tehran force the US's hand
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Central_Asia/KB06Ag02.html


HEALTH CARE RELATED -
People Need To Wake-up To The Dangers of CO
http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/8226


MIGRATION -
Canada-U.S. refugee deal upheld
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/582804


POLITICS IN THE PROVINCES -
Sovereigntists condemn Sarkozy's comments on unity
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Politics/2009/02/05/8277961-cp.html

Insider lottery ban eyed
http://www.thestar.com/news/ontario/article/582834

Ontario plans to invest in "smart" power grid
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/090205/canada/canada_us_ontario_electricity


FEDERAL POLITICS -
Tories mum on Casey complaint
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/1104835.html

Heavy job losses puts pressure on Flaherty to retool budget
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090205.wPOLpage0205/BNStory/politics/home

Harper's election architect returning to private sector
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/582663

Departure of Tory strategist leaves 'massive hole'
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/090205/national/tory_strategist_gone

Iggy, how great thou art
http://www.torontosun.com/comment/columnists/lorrie_goldstein/2009/02/05/8269476-sun.html

The three-line wimp
http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/three+line+wimp/1254408/story.html

Bowing to Williams will come back to haunt Ignatieff
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Bowing+Williams+will+come+back+haunt+Ignatieff/1255510/story.html

Newfoundland Dilemma
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Editorial/1104735.html

Ignatieff's kitchen cabinet signals a new way
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090205.wcomartin05/BNStory/specialComment/home

Tory ridings get most money: Kennedy
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/582950

Liberals back independent MP against accusation of embezzlement
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Liberals+back+independent+against+accusation+embezzlement/1254476/story.html

Opposition tries to outpanic each other on recession
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/02/05/don-martin-opposition-parties-compete-for-most-panicked-by-recession-prize.aspx

Ottawa could impose a salary cap for senior managers
http://translate.google.com/translate?prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Flapresseaffaires.cyberpresse.ca%2Feconomie%2Fcanada%2F200902%2F05%2F01-824626-ottawa-pourrait-imposer-un-plafond-salarial-a-des-hauts-dirigeants.php&sl=fr&tl=en&history_state0 =

Share of votes on the Internet: legal or not?
http://translate.google.com/translate?prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fmatin.branchez-vous.com%2Fnouvelles%2F2009%2F02%2Fechanger_des_votes_sur_interne.html&sl=fr&tl=en&history_state0 =


PROGRAMMES -
Feds can't track green spending, says watchdog
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090205/ag_report_090205/20090205?hub=TopStories

• 2008 December Report of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development
• Auditor-General slams food inspections
• Canada vulnerable to harmful pests, diseases: AG
• Federal prisons need better budgeting: AG

Plane and simple
http://www.ottawasun.com/News/Columnists/Weston_Greg/2009/02/05/8273716-sun.html

Pests, disease threaten crops, audit says
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/582934

Weather warnings lacking, auditor's report says 
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/582927

Equalization changes mishandled: experts
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1254714

Ottawa abandons fight against tax havens Google Translation
http://lapresseaffaires.cyberpresse.ca/economie/canada/200902/05/01-824304-ottawa-abandonne-la-lutte-aux-paradis-fiscaux.php

Gov't halts probe into military handling of Afghan detainees
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/halts+probe+into+military+handling+Afghan+detainees/1255871/story.html


PRESSURE POINTS -
Alleged 'Toronto 18' ringleader named in U.S. terror case
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/story.html?id=1257827


OPINION AND INFORMATION -
The New Bad Deal
http://www.anxietycenter.com/warning/main.htm

Press Censorship
Top Censored Press Stories of 2008
http://www.wanttoknow.info/mass_media/media_news/2008_press_censorship

The War on Terror is a Hoax
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article21906.htm

Ontario's prosperity hinges on harnessing creativity
http://www.thestar.com/Opinion/article/582556

Media duped by anonymous sources
http://www.thestar.com/Opinion/article/582558

The deeper damage of this clause
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090205.wcotrade05/BNStory/specialComment/home

Harper, McGuinty follow Rae's(!) playbook
http://www.torontosun.com/comment/2009/02/05/8269456-sun.html

Harper budget not green enough for Obama's U.S.
http://www.calgaryherald.com/columnists/Martin+Harper+budget+green+enough+Obama/1251651/story.html

The Bloc's slide toward irrelevance
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/02/05/darcy-meyers-the-bloc-s-slide-toward-irrelevance.aspx

If "Jew" is a bad word, what about "gentile" and "goy"?
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/02/05/michael-taube-if-quot-jew-quot-is-a-bad-word-what-about-quot-gentile-quot-or-quot-goy-quot.aspx

A double-barrelled tax credit
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/02/05/mike-harris-a-double-barrelled-tax-credit.aspx

Storm clouds gather over PM's Arctic oil plans
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/story.html?id=1258047


INFOS -
Obama veut une visite brève et sans faste au Canada
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/international/etats-unis/200902/05/01-824624-obama-veut-une-visite-breve-et-sans-faste-au-canada.php

Harper reproche à Duceppe d'insulter Sarkozy
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/politique-canadienne/200902/05/01-824618-harper-reproche-a-duceppe-dinsulter-sarkozy.php

Ottawa pourrait imposer un plafond salarial à des hauts dirigeants
http://lapresseaffaires.cyberpresse.ca/economie/canada/200902/05/01-824626-ottawa-pourrait-imposer-un-plafond-salarial-a-des-hauts-dirigeants.php

Les députés fédéraux continuent de voyager gratuitement
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/politique-canadienne/200902/05/01-824418-les-deputes-federaux-continuent-de-voyager-gratuitement.php

Stockwell Day se dit encouragé
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/politique-canadienne/200902/05/01-824325-stockwell-day-se-dit-encourage.php

Duceppe appelle sa députée à plus de rigueur
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/politique-canadienne/200902/05/01-824328-duceppe-appelle-sa-deputee-a-plus-de-rigueur.php

Le Canada sous la loupe de l'ONU
http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/National/2009/02/05/002-rapport-onu-canada.shtml

Gouvernement fédéral: Deux rapports critiques
http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/National/2009/02/05/003-Vaughan-Fraser.shtml

Ottawa est incapable de prouver l'efficacité de ses mesures environnementales
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/090205/N0205119AU.html

Échanger des votes sur Internet: légal ou pas?
http://matin.branchez-vous.com/nouvelles/2009/02/echanger_des_votes_sur_interne.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)

BELOW(30) catch up.February 5th

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)

Receiving a change of address is always a plus., please do as Sandy did should you change yours.

The remainder of the day so far was going back in the IN BOX to locate, copy and post POSTS OF OPINIONS received over the last two days.

Rather than wait until to-day's Digest they're being sent now.

Some may be of such a nature as to stimulate responses.

         Joe
_________________________________
From: "Sandy" <abcd_s@sympatico.ca>
To: "'Joe Hueglin'" <joe.hueglin@bellnet.ca>
Subject: new e-mail abcd_s@cogeco.ca has been changed to abcd_s@sympatico.ca
_________
. . . thanks.

You just started my day
on a positive note!

   Best regards,

      Joe
      905-356-3901

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

From: "Derrall Bellaire"
Subject: Help Get the Ball Rolling

A Change of Shoes Can Change a Life

Joe Hueglin,

I'm bowling in the 2009 Bowl for Kids Sake for Big Brothers Big Sisters of London and Area. You can support me now and help at-risk children in our community reach their potential through Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs!

Follow This Link to visit my personal web page and help me in my efforts to support Big Sisters of London

******************************************************************************
Some email systems do not support the use of links and therefore this link may not appear to work. If so, copy and paste the following into your browser:
http://london.kintera.org/faf/r.asp?t=4&i=298856&u=298856-246375349&e=2215828302
******************************************************************************
Derrall Bellaire

===================================
From: "Elections Canada / Élections Canada" <info@elections.ca>
Subject: New on the Elections Canada Web Site

Dear Subscriber:

Please note that we have added a news release to Elections Canada's Web
site entitled: Chief Electoral Officer's Report on 40th General Election
and Official Voting Results Are Now Available.

The news release can be found at:
http://www.elections.ca/content.asp?section=med&document=feb0309&dir=pre&lang=e#maincontent
(English)

http://www.elections.ca/content.asp?section=med&document=feb0309&dir=pre&lang=f#maincontent
(French)

These documents can also be found under what's New on the home page.

Cordially,

The Web team
Elections Canada
www.elections.ca

===================================
From: "Paul Downie" <broker@ontario.net>
Subject: TFSAs and estate planning

A very good article on TFSAs and estate planning by Wilmot George:
http://www.advisor.ca/advisors/tax/estateplanning/article.jsp?content=20090119_154126_43788

 A  clear and succinct summary of TFSA issues.

===================================
From: Caspar Davis
Subject: [WFC-L] Afghanistan 1: Moyers & Guests

As he does so often last week Bill Moyers had wise guests talking seriously about an important issue. Last week it was Afghanistan,and the guests were Marilyn Young, professor of history at New York University and author, inter alia, of BOMBING CIVILIANS: A TWENTIETH-CENTURY HISTORY and Pierre Sprey, a former Pentagon official, one of Defense Secretary Robert McNamara's famous "whiz kids" who helped design and develop two of the military's most successful airplanes. But in the late 1970s, with a handful of Pentagon and congressional insiders, Sprey helped found the military reform movement. They risked their careers taking issue with a defense bureaucracy spending more and more money for fewer and fewer, often ineffective weapons.
 
Please take 30 minutes to watch this extremely important discussion at http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/01302009/watch.html

Subject: [WFC-L] Afghanistan 2: Helping Afghan Women and Girls

For me, much the most persuasive reason for being ion Afghanistan is to help the women and girls who live lives of terrible abuse. Why then do effective Afghan women like Malalai Joya and the women in this article want western troops out?

http://www.truthout.org/020409WA

===================================
From: "Mahmood Elahi" <omega51@sympatico.ca>
To: <letters@nationalpost.com>
Subject: With most US manufacturing outsourced, "Buy Amercan" will be a futile gesture

The Editor
National Post
 
With most US manufacturing outsourced,"Buy American" is a futile gesture
Re "Saving Free Trade," by Derek Burney and Fen Osler Hampson (Feb. 3).
  http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/story.html?id=1247259

In this current debate about US policy of "Buy American" steel for infrastructure projects, it is forgotten that by outsourcing most of America's steel manufacturing to China, India and other so-called low-cost countries, there is hardly any American capacity left to meet its needs. The American steel manufacturing region is now a rust belt with cluttered factories and laid off workers.

Recently, I bought a laptop computer from Hewlett-Packard -- an American corporation -- marked "Product of China." How can a product desgined by an American company end up as a "Product of China?" I was willing to pay higher for a computer marked "Made in USA," but even the most expensive ones were marked "Manufactured in China."

China, with a billion-plus impoverished people, has become a magnate for corporations like Hewlett-Packard because of its huge pool of cheap labour. These profit-hungry corporations are setting up factories in China where they can manufacture even the most high-tech products cheaply to be sold dearly in America. In the process, they are exporting well-paid American high-tech jobs to China and creating low-paid service jobs in America. But they fail to realize that by replacing high-paid manufacturing jobs with low-paid service jobs, they are eventually undermining their own client base in America. With more and more Americans facing falling incomes, they can no longer afford to buy computers and cameras. The companies eventually pile up products they cannot sell. Ultimately, these companies go bankrupt, laying off workers in China. All become victims of short-term corporate greed.

Revaluing the Chinese currency will not solve the problem. If China becomes more expensive, Hewlett-Packard will simply move on to Indonesia and Vietnam where labour is even cheaper. With American industries sent overseas, "Buy American" will be a meaningless gesture as the United States will be obliged to buy steel from abroad. This is not free trade, but phony trade in which the manufacturing capacity of what was once the world's most productive nation has been decimated so much so that it has become a market for cheap Chinese goods which it cannot pay as evidenced by the massive $256 billion trade deficit the United States is running vis a vis China. Canada will only be engaging in a pointless criticism of American protectionism when there is hardly any American steel industry to protect.

Mahmood Elahi
2240 Iris Street, Ottawa.

=====
 . . . and how much of many things is left in Canada either?
===================================
From: Larry Kazdan
Subject: Letter to Editor re: The tides have turned, Lawrence Martin,  Feb. 3

Re:  The tides have turned, Lawrence Martin,  Feb. 3
http://www.metronews.ca/vancouver/Comment/article/175938                   

Stephen Harper's days may be numbered but what happens if the Liberals and Conservatives evenly split their seats in a new election?  Will the Lib-Tory alliance endure, or will the Liberals have a real leadership contest in search of a more coalition-friendly leader?  Maybe a Rae of hope for the progressives?

Larry Kazdan,
620 E. 23 Ave,
Vancouver, B.C.

===================================
From: "Grenville Rogers"
To: "PM Stephen HARPER" <Harper.S@parl.gc.ca>
Subject: Freedom of Expresssion

Dear PM Harper  - 
 
Being "Politically Correct" has become a weapon to prohibit expression of views at variance with those claimed , by some, to be held by 'the vast majority' of Canadians.
 
Freedom of Expression FOR ALL, is fundamental to democracy, and is the right of every Canadian.
 
This right is under attack in Canada, and the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC), funded by Canadian taxpayers, is leading the attack.
 
CHRC has declared that "Truth is no defence".
 
For the sake of democracy, the CHRC should be abolished.
 
There is Freedom of Expression FOR ALL, or There is NO Freedom of Expression AT ALL.
 
Yours truly
 
Grenville Rogers

===================================
From: "Suan H.Booiman"
Subject: spring is coming

stepped outside for a moment to get some fresh
air between all the reading and taking care of my wife.
 
The first snowflakes are out and crocuses are showing.
 
In the political darkness there is hope, spring is coming.
 
Suan

===================================
From: "Brian D. Marlatt"
Subject: PR-STV referenduum -again.

Joe,
 
Recently, I was asked to provide some questions to ask at meeting regarding the little understood proposal to replace our electoral system in BC with the complex mix of preferential balloting and proportional representation known as the Proportional Representation Single Transferable Vote (PR-STV) - again.  It's a complex system involving quotas, choosing candidates according to any number of scenarios, and other obscurities.  Incidently, there are at least two forms of STV. At the end of the day it is really all about partisan party support - which is perhaps the real problem which needs to be addressed - rather than empowering the people.
 
At any rate, I didn't and don't have the time, so I sent a "short" list written stream-of-consciousness.  The bottom line is that you will never please those who believe "whatever is, is wrong".  Here is what I wrote:
 
Why "BC" STV?  Isn't this just marketing, and chauvinistic marketing at that?
 
The "BC disease" in politics reduces elections to "us vs them", left vs right or right vs left, party vs party.  Party vs party is the real wasted vote.  We elect MLAs not political parties.  STV and PR are all about party.  Doesn't STV make the BC disease worse?   Doesn't STV and PR disenfranchise the voter by empowering the party and make the candidate secondary to the party?
 
Isn't "electoral reform" really about appealing to those who will always say "whatever is, is wrong"?  "Anything is better than what we have now?"  Regardless of what we have now (Is mud better than chocolate, just because what we have now  is chocolate?  After all, they're both brown and sticky?).  Doesn't a call for electoral reform appeal mainly to those who always oppose whatever they believe is the status quo?
 
Many in the last referendum on STV did not understand what they were voting for or against.  Many are reported to have arrived at the polls without knowing there was to be a referendum on changing how we elect MLAs or knowing anything about what they were voting for or against.   Why should we believe the vote was close because BC wanted change if so many didn't really know what they were voting for?
 
Terms like "electoral reform" imply positive change, yet the result is often far from positive.  Fixed date elections, for example, have made the governing party less accountable to the legislature, increased the power of the premier, and inclined the government side not to have the legislature sit except very briefly in two fall sessions?  Why?  Because the government side did not have legislation to bring forward.  But we elect all members of the legislature to serve, not just the government.  Don't sweeping changes like STV and fixed date elections have unforeseen consequences which distort democracy?  This is revolution not evolution.  Isn't this kind of radical change like crossing the street with your eyes closed?
 
This was supposed to be decided by the last referenduum, why are we going through this again?  Isn't this like the Bloc Quebecois saying the last referendum was close, maybe we can force through what we want next time?
 
PR-STV allows "hidden candidates" chosen by the party to be appointed by parties according to the proportion of the vote received by the party vote.  How can we be certain we are electing the candidate(s) we voted for? [This depends on the model.]
 
How would you prevent candidates running in multiple ridings? (Northern Ireland assembly: the leader of one party ran in several ridings.  Fortunately, if I recall correctly, he lost in all of them.)
 
How would you prevent multiple same-party candidates running in individual ridings?
 
Won't five same party candidates elected in one riding outweigh one candidate each of different parties elected in another riding of five candidates?  Doesn't this make some ridings more important than others?  How will it effect rural/urban splits?
 
Election financing: Same party candidates in individual ridings allows more spending per riding per party, according to the number of party candidates running in that riding.  For example, party A has 10 candidates with spending limits of $20,000 each in one riding.  Therefore party A has effectively a $200,000 spending limit in that riding.  But, party B, with 1 candidate has a spending limit of $20,000 for its 1 candidate campaign.  How is this fair?
 
STV is a complex system, difficult to explain and difficult to understand.  Won't this discourage voters?  FPTP is simple, you know who you are voting for.  Doesn't STV's complex party vote mean many won't vote at all and many won't know what they are voting for?  Isn't STV the really wasted vote?
 
Declining voter participation is tied to the belief that politics is all about parties and not the people.  Many, especially the young therefore ask "what difference does it make, what's it got to do with me?"  STV, like other forms of proportional representation, is a vote by party only, won't STV decrease voter participation?
 
Constituencey based single member pluralities, often referred to as first-past-the-post allows voters to vote party, candidate, leadership, policy, or by issue if they choose; doesn't STV prevent voters from making these choices?
 
This was settled.  Why are we going through this again?  Isn't this the pr lobby just forcing the issue on us?
 
I hope this helps.
 
Brian
===================================
Subject: RE: Daily Digest February 4, 2009
From: "Efstratios Psarianos"

Liberals raised $700,000 in three weeks under Iggy
http://www.ledevoir.com/2009/02/04/231464.html Google Translation
Which should suffice to pay off the campaign debts of the four candidates for the Liberal leadership in 2007. (*Funereal silence*)
 
CANUSA/USACAN -
U.S. Senate agrees to soften 'Buy American' plan
http://business.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090204.wbuyamerican0204/BNStory/Business/home

•  Executive pay: Obama targets Wall Street excess Y'know, there are some things that I find funny because they're absurd. (That's the kind of humour I favour, along with irony). A couple of years ago, I had a good laugh when I read in Wikipedia that Jello Biafra (!), the singer/leader of a US punk band called The Dead Kennedys (!!!) had run for an elected position (the US Presidency, I think) back in 1996-2000 or thenabouts. One of his campaign planks: while his antagonists were campaigning on raising the minimum wage (the Dems, of course) or maintaining it (guess who?), he campaigned on 'The others talk minimum wage ... I say ley's set a Maximum Wage'. Hahahahaha ... hey, he could've had MY humour-sympathy vote.
•  
• And now here I find myself laughing at the fact that he was prescient, hahahaha. 'Always something new out of America', to paraphrase what some guy said some time ago.
•  
• Cheers!
• Stratos
•  
• P.S. To my chagrin, that Maximum Wage thing seems to be gone from Jello's Wikipedia page. Another bit of our culture faded away ... :-(
•  
• P.P.S. And I've just seen that Jello's real family name is Boucher. Tabarnaque, another Spawn of Quebec, hahahaha. What with Alice Cooper and Madonna (through her Mama), who knows HOW many of us Quebecers are pulling strings? For all we know, the current President of the US could be a descendant of the Quebec-Irish (O'Bama) or Acadians (Cajuns in the Southern US ... 'A la Bama').
•  
• P.P.(and final)P.S. Talking about Quebec-Irish .. I recently learned that the MicMacs of the Lower St,. Lawrence aren't a First Nation after all: they're a band of Irish-Scots who settled there three hundred years ago. No, REALLY!!!! Hahahaha ...
  
  
  =================================== Bill Casey related posts. ===================================
  
  
  From: "Diane Duttle" Subject: Re: Black Operatives must be found and expelled.
  
  Joe, Thank you for getting this out. I am appalled. Diane
  
  =================================== From: "Edward C. Corrigan" Subject: Conservative Dirty trick? "Tories" and Black Ops Blackout on Independent MP Bill Casey
  
  Here is an interesting item that received on a Progressive Conservative list that I am on. It is "alleged" that a "Black Op" or "dirty trick" was employed against Former Conservative M.P. Bill Casey now Independent MP in a failed attempt to discredit him. Casey was the nominated Conservative MP and his Campaign team was required to transfer the money from the Riding Association account to a special account for the election. This is Elections Canada's rules. All of this was legal and required by law. However when Stephen Harper kicked Bill Casey out of the Conservative Party a question arose who had the right to the money. Casey did the politically and probably legally correct thing and returned the money to the Conservative Riding Association. In my view there is an argument that Casey's Executive and campaign team had a claim on the money as they raised it and it was raised for the express purpose of re-electing Bill Casey, but that is an argument that would have given Casey's Campaign team at least a "colour of right" to the money which at minimum could be considered disputed. Casey consulted Elections Canada and returned the money his team raised to fund the campaign of his Conservative Opponent. This would have made an interesting legal case. In my opinion this smear tactic says more about Stephen Harper and his Conservative cronies then it does about Bill Casey the independent Member of Parliament who has a lot more integrity then most M.P.'s in the House of Commons. Bill Casey was elected with, if memory serves me correctly,  69% of voter support in his riding running as an Independent. Ed Corrigan
  
  =================================== From: "Rebecca Gingrich" Subject: RE: Black Operatives must be found and expelled.
  
  Joe--I missed this today.  I have a hard time watching QP or anything else to do with 'politics'.  I would rather watch kids in a sandbox--they make more sense. Odd that this comes out today.  I have noticed a trend of reports against RCMP operations lately and just wondered to myself if the CPC is trying to justify getting rid of the RCMP.  The thought just crossed my mind but I didn't give it any credence.  Now with this report today I can see the RCMP taking the fall for this too. I am sad for Bill Casey.  Have always thought he was one of the few honest politicians.  That the CPC would sink this low is not surprising. The only reason I can think of for the CPC doing this is they are afraid that other MPs may have the backbone of Mr. Casey and stand up for their constituents rather than toe the party line?  No matter their 'reason,' this is despicable, but not surprising.  They say the CPC was showing it's Liberal stripes when they presented this budget.  I think that all Parties would do something similar.  As I have stated many times before, politics is not about Canada and Canadians, it is about power.  And the despicable people we have 'representing' us would do anything in their power to retain control.  Even to defaming an honourable person like Mr. Casey. Welcome to Canada--where anything goes, the end justifies the means, and honesty is a hindrance to advancement.  How low can we go? Becky
  
  =================================== From: Zeb Landon Subject: Independent MP accuses Tories of campaign to discredit
  
  Dear Joe, I read the forwarded text of independent MP Bill Casey's "question of privilege" that he raised in the House of Commons.  It is truly grievous what has been done to him.  Mr Harper (and anyone in the Conservative Party of Canada who believes in integrity--and there are some) must try to undo as much of this terrible damage as quickly as possible, surely.  (I first met and was impressed by Mr Casey some years ago when he was a PC and chaired a meeting in Toronto.)
  
  Zeb Landon, Simcoe, Ontario.
  
  =================================== From: "Roger Christianson" Subject: Black operatives
  
  Joe: I have remained quiet these past months after one of your grammatically challenged correspondents opined that my use of the word "hate" should not have been used to describe certain apparent motives of those who organized the old reform/alliance/wing ding party. Of course I have no personal knowledge of Bill Casey's situation, however he used the words vindictive, malicious, and hurtful in his motion in the house. He has more personal knowledge of the operations of the new wing ding party than I have, since I only personally observed how they infiltrated my local riding association (with the help of a few Quislings) and destroyed the old PC party. More power to Mr. Casey. Perhaps the truth, or what passes for it these days will come out. Include in the digest if you wish. Best wishes. Roger Christianson. Vernon, BC
  
  ===== I wish. And hopefully your "remained quiet" period has ended. =================================== From: Ray Strachan Subject: Re: Black Operatives must be found and expelled.
  
  Joe.....I just hope that Mr Casey can and will sue every one of the Fascist, Neocon CPC Party Leaders Personally, for as much as possible.  They are the lowest form of life that I have ever seen in Canada. Bar NON....They must be awakened to some semblance of civility. They don't possess it by nature.... Ray Strachan
  
  =================================== From: "Anne Dickinson" Subject: Re: Black Operatives must be found and expelled.
  
  Hi Joe-   Stephen Harper is despicable and base.   This sort of thing reflects his character perfectly.   This is all of a piece with Harper and his shenanigans  with Cadman and the Dion attack ads etc. New lows all round with this bunch.   This is not politics as usual, this is borderline criminal and completely unethical behaviour.   Thankfully the La Press  reporter did have ethics.   Bill Casey is a brave and  honourable man, a concept that is alien to Harper and his gang except as a meaningless sound bite. . .   Anne Dickinson
  
  =================================== From: Reid Chittick Subject: Re: Black Operatives must be found and expelled.
  
  Dear Bill: Re: Bill Casey's question of privilege. I'm not sure if this is the correct response procedure but include this in your news net if you like. Are some Conservatives waking up to the fact that the present incarnation of your party is an Orwellian nightmare? This party was formed through a lie. Peter McKay became the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party through the backing of David Orchard on the condition that no merger would be entertained with  the Alliance cum Reform Party. As his first official act Mr. McKay set in motion the discussions which led to the amalgamation of the two parties. The next thing that happened was that the Alliance Party closed it's membership while membership to the Progressive Conservative Party remained open. The PC Party was flooded by Alliance members and the vote to amalgamate was a overwhelming. Now most PC party members stood by and let this happen and so it was a democratic process. I guess. I attended my riding associations meetings to speak and vote against this take-over, primarily on the basis that there was no honour in the process and that this was exactly the kind of behaviour we could anticipate from the new party in the future. It does my heart no good to know that I have been proven right in this prediction. How many candidates has the national party parachuted in against the will of the riding associations? I've lost count. The disgracefull  treatment of Belinda Stronach. The attempted bribery of Chuck Cadman. Now an attempt to disgrace someone who likely deserves the title 'Honerable Member'. The pork barrel antics which brought the Liberals down and which both major parties have participated in with delight in the past pale in comparison to these misdeeds. I fear that no deed is beyond people who can perpetrate such actions. Members take control of your party. Reid Chittick
  
  =================================== From: Ron Thornton Subject: Re: Black Operatives must be found and expelled.
  
  Joe: In regards to your subject of "Tories and Black Ops Blackout" on Tuesday, let me just say this.  I left the Progressive Conservative Party nearly 20 years ago to support the Reform Party. One of the promises was that Reformers would do things differently. By the end of Reform's run, I discovered that they did a lot of things that would make a good Liberal proud. The Conservatives of today are the same animal, which makes them no better and no worse than the Liberals in that regard. If the law in this country actually operates to ensure that justice is done, then this entire issue regarding Mr. Casey would be given a full hearing with full disclosure. However, we both know that this probably won't happen. Just as the present economic crises was the spawn of sleazy, greedy, corrupt sons-of-bitches, I am equally confident that many of the roles within government (and the opposition) are being played by the same type of people. I have come to the realization, sadly, that this is just the way things are.
  Ron.
  
  ==== The probability increases the more he rank and file demand it. =================================== From: "Brad Thomson" Subject: BELOW 30
  
  Brad Thomson
  
  Open Letter to Bill Casey: Mr. Casey, What did you expect? You supported Peter MacKay in the most disgusting lie and swindle in the history of Canadian politics. You went along with his outrageous power grab without concern for morality and decency. You helped to destroy the Party of Confederation. It should come as no surprize that if you turn against these liars they will turn against you. Say all you want about your integrity and honesty, but it is all absurd. You made a deal with the devil and now you complain about being burned? If you want true vindication, true redemption, then admit what a terrible mistake you made by supporting Peter MacKay after he broke his promise not to unite the Progressive Conservatives with the Alliance. Then maybe you will be worthy of some sympathy. But for now, what goes around comes around sir. You were complicit in MacKay's stabbing of thousands of us in the back. But you only speak out when he does it to you? I am sorry Mr. Casey, but this is what you deserved and should have expected. Brad Thomson Gatineau
  
  =================================== From: "Ross McLean" Subject: Re: Black Operatives must be found and expelled.
  
  Joe:       You may remember me from working on the Policy Conferences in the 1990's.  I was Riding President here then.  I remained P.C. until we all became Conservative.  I am back as Riding President in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound again.  I completely agree with you, although I am open to accepting that involving the RCMP was more lame-brained than malicious, if that is the case.      If someone in the party thought that the funds in the riding association should be turned over to the party, why not pick up the phone and make the appropriate arrangements with Mr. Casey or his riding association executive?  Reporting the funds as stolen was 'way over the top and Mr. Casey deserves an apology.      Provincially, in this riding, Bill Murdoch quit the P.C. caucus.  The Ontario party and John Tory, as leader, have been most gracious - in touch with the association, but not demanding or threatening.  Our Association checked with Elections Ontario, and as I understand it, was told that the riding association could retain the funds and continue to assist Bill with his expenses, if they wished.  At Christmas, Bill helped with fundraising for the association, even though he knows that some of the money will likely be used on the campaign of the next P.C. candidate in this riding.  That sort of open-mindedness and generosity between the Ontario Party, the riding association, John Tory, and Bill Murdoch reflects the standards I expect as a Conservative.   Ross McLean Chesley, Ontario
  
  =================================== From: "John Dowson" Subject: Re: Black Operatives must be found and expelled.
  
  This is not the Conservative party and anyone who has been a member for 40 years knows this is a top down dictator who will not allow anyone to "dis" him and as those who are MP's and staff have said. They don't respect him , they fear him. The attitude of the party dictator and PMO reminds me of Henry II and Archbishop Becket, ( most of those red necks from the west wouldn't even know who the Archbishop was) Nixon had the same fixation it borders on Paranoia and vengeance. John Dowson 
  
  =================================== From: Joseph Subject: Re: Black Operatives must be found and expelled.
  
  Hi Joe This one caught my attention. Is there more to it than it all being an unskilful blunder , .. or is it as Bill implies that it is a smear on him/ What would be the motive to do this, and who would benefit from such an act? Joseph
  
  ===== It's that the report was obtained from the RCMP, blacked in parts and given to a reporter last week that's the concern. Why? No national political purpose I can think of. An example of cost for not following? Who knows at this point. =================================== From: Douglas Schroeder-Tabah, financial agent, Chicoutimi-Le Fjord Subject: RE: Black Operatives must be found and expelled.
  
  Ouch ... so hurtful I feel hurt in reading the transcript. I can feel Casey's hurt. I'm a member of the same party that allegedly has black operatives. It will hurt us all if they are not outed and expelled. Nobody is perfect but in this case Casey seems perfectly right and the others imperfectly wrong. Douglas Schroeder-Tabah, financial agent, Chicoutimi-Le Fjord
  
  
  ===================================
  
  
  

Daily Digest February 4, 2009

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

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)

A limited edition due to our usual Wednesday spent with three and one year old grandchildren compounded when their parents returned from their daily labours by the battery being dead due to lights having been left on.

There are three fewer e-mail addresses this post is being sent to than there were before Subject: Black Operatives must be found and expelled was sent out yesterday. The posts received regarding it will be posted tomorrow BELOW (30) so if the thought of doing so had crossed your mind, please do so.

Should you wish to review the post it's at the bottom of http://cdndailydigest.blogspot.com/2009_02_03_archive.html

         Joe

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

PMO needs to set record straight

Whether or not the Speaker moves to clear his name is one thing, but the long-term impact on the party is quite another. Besides Casey's romp last fall as an Independent, and the four years Liberal Dianne Brushett held the seat, this riding has been a Conservative stronghold for more than a half century.

It will be interesting to see if this latest controversy does more damage to the party in the riding and whether the next Tory candidate discovers the electorate is not as forgiving or forgetful

FEDERAL POLITICS -
Tories may have overstated stimulus benefits: watchdog
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=1253791

Big federal deficit may be bigger
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090204/deficit_federal_090204/20090204?hub=QPeriod

In defence of Harper's budget
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1250623

We're brimming with little ideas
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/brimming+with+little+ideas/1250287/story.html

The Bloc is the abolition of the waiting period priority
http://translate.google.com/translate?prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cyberpresse.ca%2Factualites%2Fquebec-canada%2Fpolitique-canadienne%2F200902%2F04%2F01-824137-le-bloc-fait-de-labolition-du-delai-de-carence-sa-priorite.php&sl=fr&tl=en&history_state0 =

Williams Would Consider Court Action Over Atlantic Accord
http://www.vocm.com/news-info.asp?id=34060

Boosting Employment Insurance a powerful stimulus
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/columnists/boosting_employment_insurance_a_powerful_stimulus38992287.html

Fallout from Commons crisis felt across country
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/581978

Tory green shift good for economy
http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/columnists/story.html?id=5d6c88cf-3449-43d5-bd7b-02872e26160c

Et tu, Stephen?
Fiscal Conservatives feel betrayed by the man they thought was their champion
http://www.montrealgazette.com/opinion/op-ed/Stephen/1250933/story.html

Federal budget has no focus:
http://www.qciobserver.com/Article.aspx?Id=3697

Job losses seen matching 1991-92 levels
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/090204/canada/canada_us_economy_employment

Canada is failing science
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/opinion/Canada+failing+science/1250281/story.html

Ignatieff orders Nfld Liberals to support budget implementation
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/582483

• Ignatieff takes heat for allowing rebellion
• Budget 'all-out assault' on N.L., Byrne says
• Canadians agree with budget compromise ­poll
• Leader's free pass loosens discipline
• Ignatieff wounded by friendly fire
• Just watch him --or not
• Ignatieff must avoid 'flag wars' in Quebec

The Commons: Michael Ignatieff and the herd
http://blog.macleans.ca/2009/02/04/the-commons-michael-ignatieff-and-the-herd/

Liberals raised $700,000 in three weeks under Iggy
http://www.ledevoir.com/2009/02/04/231464.html Google Translation


CANUSA/USACAN -
U.S. Senate agrees to soften 'Buy American' plan
http://business.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090204.wbuyamerican0204/BNStory/Business/home

• Stimulus: Obama warns of 'catastrophe' but bill isn't sure to pass
• Executive pay: Obama targets Wall Street excess
• Video: Obama's pay limits
• Video: Day cautiously optimistic

Obama won't address Parliament during visit
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/582658

As Obama bestrides the world stage, Canada has nothing to say http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090203.wcoibbi04/BNStory/specialComment/home


FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Canada urged to forge energy ties with Russia, China
http://www.financialpost.com/story.html?id=1253585


INFO
Ignatieff ordonne aux députés de T.-N.-L. d'appuyer l'exécution du budget
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/politique-canadienne/200902/04/01-824238-ignatieff-ordonne-aux-deputes-de-t-n-l-dappuyer-lexecution-du-budget.php

Le Bloc fait de l'abolition du délai de carence sa priorité
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/politique-canadienne/200902/04/01-824137-le-bloc-fait-de-labolition-du-delai-de-carence-sa-priorite.php

Des députés croient que le déficit fédéral sera plus élevé que prévu
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/090204/N0204174AU.html

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

Daily Digest February 3, 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 -
The reactor factor
http://www.thetelegram.com/index.cfm?sid=218127&sc=80

CORNER BROOK WESTERN STAR -
For whom the bell tolls
http://www.thewesternstar.com/index.cfm?sid=218069&sc=30

CHARLOTTETOWN GUARDIAN -
Opening up EI to the self-employed
Ottawa should look at ways of improving EI, and consider whether the self-employed should have access to it.
http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=218226&sc=103

CAPE BRETON POST -
Premier finds missing millions
http://www.capebretonpost.com/index.cfm?sid=217921&sc=151

HALIFAX CHRONICLE HERALD -
'Buy American' policy has dire consequences for Canadian economy
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Editorial/1104344.html

OTTAWA CITIZEN -
The 'desperate times' excuse
There's nothing like a recession to revive the cliché that bearers of bad news so enjoy repeating: desperate times call for desperate measures. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/opinion/desperate+times+excuse/1246481/story.html

Left to rot
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/opinion/Left/1246482/story.html

GLOBE & MAIL -
No national party votes by province
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090202.weLiberals03/BNStory/specialComment/home

The killer's helpers
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090202.weRoszko03/BNStory/specialComment/home

Common sense, balance
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090202.weCitizenship03/BNStory/specialComment/home

TORONTO SUN -
If you build it, you must fix it
http://www.torontosun.com/comment/editorial/2009/02/03/8242736-sun.html

ST. CATHARINES STANDARD -
Go back to the 3 Rs in our classrooms
http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1417157

NIAGARA FALLS REVIEW -
Municipalities face tough decisions
http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1416784

K-W RECORD -
O Canada belongs in nation's schools
http://news.therecord.com/Opinions/article/481274

WINDSOR STAR -
Buy American
http://www.windsorstar.com/opinion/editorials/American/1246793/story.html

THUNDER BAY CHRONICLE JOURNAL -
Devils are in budget details
http://www.chroniclejournal.com/stories.php?id=162276

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS -
From empire to umpire
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/westview/from_empire_to_umpire38848377.html

SASKATOON STARPHOENIX -
Time to rethink expensive, futile War on Drugs
http://www2.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/forum/story.html?id=9a76fb03-8449-4203-b3b8-78fb9a8e101e

Get up, speak up
http://www2.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/forum/story.html?id=bb9350cb-fc51-41ff-9ed1-d2fc2032c59c

REGINA LEADER-POST -
Robots replacing soldiers in the front lines of war
http://www2.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/viewpoints/story.html?id=22546c18-7c65-4799-a2c9-74fd120a8690

CALGARY HERALD -
Criticism actually strengthens our freedoms
http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/theeditorialpage/story.html?id=b40fda80-09ea-4a5a-8d40-e862f7e9a88b

The president of protectionism
http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/theeditorialpage/story.html?id=40fc5290-3420-41a5-a9b5-ad323f93fba3

GRANDE PRAIRIE DAILY HERALD TRIBUNE -
Budget missed the mark on science - 'Brain drain' could get worse after researchers left out
http://www.dailyheraldtribune.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1417774

Microcredit a secure, noble option
http://www.dailyheraldtribune.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1417773

EDMONTON JOURNAL -
Rodents say winter, Prentice says thaw
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/opinion/editorials/Rodents+winter+Prentice+says+thaw/1247153/story.html

EDMONTON SUN -
LEGACY WON'T HELP IGNATIEFF IN THE WEST
http://www.edmontonsun.com/Comment/Commentary/2009/02/03/8241891-sun.html
 
RED DEER ADVOCATE -
Increasing wages is the answer to our economic woes 
http://www.albertalocalnews.com/reddeeradvocate/opinion/Increasing_wages_is_the_answer_to_our_economic_woes.html

VICTORIA TIMES-COLONIST -
Harper has learned a hard economic lesson
http://www2.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/comment/story.html?id=3102a612-2e09-4677-bd42-9bc98f92b7cc

Deficit is better than deep cuts
http://www2.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/comment/story.html?id=0ecd33dd-ecbc-47e1-aba0-4a7acd3c9ee9

Broken health promises
http://www2.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/comment/story.html?id=7d8e925b-5df9-46f8-a74c-a00d0ac333fd

B.C. Liberals learning to love red ink
http://www2.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/comment/story.html?id=0035b246-e47c-40af-b372-75d6329abcf8


ISSUES

ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS -          
The left's aboriginal blind spot
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1246092


AFGHANISTAN -
MPs Call the UN-NATO Agreement Useless
http://quqnoos.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2511&Itemid=48

U.S. to Get the Boot from Central Asia Base?
http://blog.wired.com/defense/agony_of_astan/index.html

With attacks on Afghan supply lines in Pakistan, US turns to Uzbekistan
http://axcessnews.com/index.php/articles/show?id=17502

Khyber Pass bridge destroyed, key Afghan supply link severed
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=1248285

U.S. to emphasize military goals in Afghanistan
http://in.reuters.com/article/southAsiaNews/idINIndia-37822220090203?sp=true

Pentagon study: US should pare Afghanistan goals
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/feb/03/pentagon-study-us-should-pare-afghanistan-goals/

Lewis MacKenzie
Has Uncle Sam run out of patience in Afghanistan?
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090202.wcoafghan03/BNStory/specialComment/home

Top UN official to Afghanistan calls for push to end opium production
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=29736&Cr=Afghani&Cr1=Eide

Is the West losing the Pashtuns?
http://www.e-ariana.com/ariana/eariana.nsf/allDocs/9DE3AE8E9C14F0A987257552004BB780?OpenDocument

'Blackwater Under Review In Afghanistan'
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/feb/03/blackwater-under-review-in-afghanistan/


CANADIAN FORCES -
Canadian veterans launch lawsuit over alleged effects of atomic testing
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1246053


CANUSA/USACAN -
U.S. agency joins calls for international rules on Arctic shipping, resources
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/090203/national/arctic_rules_needed

"Buy American" plan could cost U.S. jobs: study
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/090203/canada/canada_us_usa_buyamerican

Saving Free Trade
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1247259

What's behind the 'trade war' talk
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/581342

'Buy North American' a better course
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/581340

Canada talks tough to U.S. on trade
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/581343

Canada takes battle over 'Buy American' to U.S. Senate
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20090203.AMERICA03//TPStory/Front

Canada can seek out other markets for exports: Wall
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090203/wall_trade_090203/20090203?hub=Canada

Protectionism makes no sense
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1246093

Protectionism for dummies
Canadians should be careful criticizing U.S. trade barriers - we have some of our own.
http://www.montrealgazette.com/Life/Protectionism+dummies/1246401/story.html

We should be worried - Americans are in a hurtin' mood
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090202.wcosimp03/BNStory/specialComment/home

FP Comment weighs in on protectionism
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/02/03/fp-comment-weighs-in-on-protectionism.aspx


ECONOMIC AFFAIRS -
CAW worried GM may pull out of Canada
http://business.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090203.wCAWbargaining0203/BNStory/Business/home

1) Rising food prices are likely to continue
There is a misguided notion that lower demand, lower commodity costs, and deflation will lead to lower prices. This is false: http://www.marketoracle.co.uk/Article8573.html

Some catch a break on mortgage
http://www.thestar.com/Business/article/581261

Canadian Tire tightens credit card rules
http://www.thestar.com/business/article/581267

GM seeks $150M in CAW concessions
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1246066

Companies choose wage freeze over layoffs: survey
http://www.financialpost.com/news/story.html?id=1248279

Canadian credit delinquencies rising
http://www.financialpost.com/story.html?id=1247949

The bad economy is no match for a good cause
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090203.wcharities03/BNStory/National/home


FOREIGN AFFAIRS -
Obama not bowing to top brass, yet 
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/KB04Ak02.html

Crisis looms at the Pentagon
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Front_Page/KB04Aa01.html

Security peddlers eye Afghan windfall 
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/KB04Df01.html

ICC may get to investigate Gaza war crimes
http://calsun.canoe.ca/News/World/2009/02/03/8246856.html

HUNT FOR JUSTICE IN US
http://www.brasschecktv.com/page/547.html

Canada has stake in Kashmir initiative 
http://www.thestar.com/Opinion/article/581199

Iraqis vote for secular parties
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1246134


HEALTH CARE RELATED -
Feeding on their own failure
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1246091


JUSTICE SYSTEM -
Court ruling causes 'collision of values'
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1246054

Foreign doctors, our values
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090202.wcowent03/BNStory/specialComment

University accused of denying rights
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1247227


MIGRATION -
Dozens dupe Indian airline, enter Canada
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/581362

Budget delivers for pizza guy
http://www.torontosun.com/comment/columnists/mindelle_jacobs/2009/02/03/8242756-sun.html

Detainees seeking refugee status
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1246010

Expats fear for children's fate under new rules
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090203.wcitizenship03/BNStory/National/home


POLITICS IN THE PROVINCES -
Red-tape cuts raise fears
Critics say Liberals are putting lives at risk by scrapping up to 35% of Ontario regulations
http://www.thestar.com/news/ontario/article/581363

McGuinty looking for way forward
http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2009/02/03/8242881-sun.html

Sarkozy plays down Quebec sovereignty
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1246011

Report urges Hydro-Québec sale
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090203.wrhydro03/BNStory/energy/home

Charest doesn't want to stir controversy over Sarkozy remarks
http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5i9NKj3IghqGtgZ7ConxSwtZC14HA

FEDERAL POLITICS -
Independent MP accuses Tories of campaign to discredit
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/090203/national/casey_rcmp

Ignatieff okays 'one-time' Newfoundland protestComment3
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090203.wPOLliberals0203/BNStory/politics/home

How proroguing Parliament saved the cash-starved Liberals
http://www.ottawasun.com/Comment/2009/02/03/8241651-sun.html

Senator Brazeau facing increased public scrutiny
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090202/brazeau_story_090202/20090202?hub=CTVNewsAt11

Patrick Brazeau should have stayed a 'senator-in-waiting'
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/02/03/don-martin-patrick-brazeau-should-have-stayed-a-senator-in-waiting.aspx

Finley under fire for jobless comment
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Business/Finley+under+fire+jobless+comment/1246450/story.html

Obama's no-frills visit called a 'travesty'
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/581341

Bloc attacks on Ignatieff welcomed by Grits
http://www.timescolonist.com/Bloc+attacks+Ignatieff+welcomed+Grits/1245447/story.html

Tories make meal of Kinsella quip
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Entertainment/Tories+make+meal+Kinsella+quip/1246441/story.html

Ignatieff faces first solidarity challenge
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=1246044

Ignatieff spot on with budget compromise: poll
http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2009/02/03/8251861.html

Protectionism permeates debate in Parliament
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090203/wall_trade_090203/20090203?hub=TopStories

Canada should pursue 'Buy Canadian' strategy: Layton
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2009/02/03/layton-trade.html


PROGRAMMES -
Ottawa boosts new AECL reactor development with $135 million
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/090203/national/200902m03_fedbudget_aecl

Effects of stimulus package overestimated, economist says
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090203.westimate03/BNStory/crashandrecovery/home

Atlantic economists raise worries about Ottawa package
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/581700

Equalization still shrouded in secrecy
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Canada/1104477.html

Feds open door for more RRSP cash to buy houses
http://www.ottawasun.com/News/National/2009/02/03/8241746-sun.html

Lack of action on Khadr riles Muslim community
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090203.wPOLkhadr0203/BNStory/politics/home


OPINION AND INFORMATION -
O Canada, what do we stand on guard for?
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Opinion/1104488.html

The budget — and government — we asked for - You are talking about the public good. That is the wrong way to look at a budget. It is about the government good a.k.a. the electoral interest of whoever happens to be in power at the moment. Any connection with the public good is accidental.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090202.wcobudget03/BNStory/specialComment/home

Don't laugh too hard about Danny's equalization dramas
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Opinion/1104404.html

Say it ain't so, Stephen
Prime Minister Harper was supposed to be the champion of Canadians who believe in things like small government and fiscal prudence -- they are now in shock http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Stephen/1246485/story.html

A Liberal budget in all but name
http://www.thestar.com/comment/article/581198

Conservatives take their eyes off importance of innovation
http://www.thestar.com/Opinion/article/581203

Distant PM leaves Alberta feeling tense
http://www.edmontonsun.com/News/Columnists/Waugh_Neil/2009/02/03/8243261-sun.html

Debate belongs in Parliament
http://www.ottawasun.com/Comment/2009/02/03/8241661-sun.html

Banker pay cuts:Why are they doing it?
http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/columnists/story.html?id=516660e6-73fa-48ec-8ecc-b7e7124e10a5


INFOS -
Industrie de l'acier: Ottawa plaide sa cause
http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/Economie-Affaires/2009/02/03/001-canada-us_fer-acier.shtml

Le Canada sur la sellette
http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/National/2009/02/03/002-canada-droits-homme.shtml

Une famille éprouvée
http://www.radio-canada.ca/regions/atlantique/2009/02/03/002-IPE-deportation-immigrant_n.shtml

Frontière canado-américaine:La sécurité en voie d'être resserrée
http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/National/2009/02/02/002-patrouille_frontiere.shtml

Budget conservateur: Amendement adopté
http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/Politique/2009/02/02/004-amendement-vote.shtml

Ignatieff sauve le gouvernement Harper
http://www.radio-canada.ca/emissions/les_coulisses_du_pouvoir/2008-2009/Entrevue.asp?idDoc=73474

Financement: les conservateurs bons premiers
http://www.ledevoir.com/2009/02/03/231143.html

C.-B.: déficits annoncés
http://www.ledevoir.com/2009/02/03/231159.html

Les conservateurs nagent dans l'argent
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/politique-canadienne/200902/03/01-823503-les-conservateurs-nagent-dans-largent.php

Blitz d'Ottawa auprès de Washington
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/politique-canadienne/200902/02/01-823472-blitz-dottawa-aupres-de-washington.php

Des soldats ayant pris part à des essais nucléaires poursuivent Ottawa
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/090202/N0202216AU.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)

Hmmm . . . any connection between articles ?

Flaherty made an interesting comment to the Whitby Chamber of Commerce the morning after his budget - he said the stimulus package was a "use it or lose it" proposition. Another term for it would be "ghost stimulus" - spending that looks big but doesn't quite materialize because the money is offered but isn't used. http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/20090202173040/opinion/editorials/radical-budget-conservative.html

HALIFAX – Four Atlantic Canadian economists say Ottawa's stimulus package will fall short on the East Coast as cash-strapped provinces are unable to fully participate in the spending spree and unemployed workers add to their welfare rolls. http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/581700

Cities across Canada have already approved their 2009 capital budgets. And it is hard for them to pump significant new money into new federal infrastructure initiatives because – unlike federal and provincial governments – they are forbidden, by law, from running a deficit. If Ottawa insists on paying only half the cost of work done through its infrastructure stimulus fund, and if provinces fail to pay the other half, many municipal projects will simply remain undone. Cities, quite simply, are in no position to cover a major share of this work. A "use it or lose it" requirement, dictating that federal infrastructure money be spent within two years, also seems to limit municipal participation. Many worthwhile projects don't fit within that time frame. http://www.chroniclejournal.com/stories.php?id=1 62276

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From: Ron Thornton
Subject: Re: Daily Digest February 2, 2009

Howdy Joe!

Just a few quick (hopefully) thoughts in regards to the February 2nd Digest. First, should there be a reduction in tailpipe emissions? Well, as cars cough pollution into the air primarily through their engine exhaust, especially when they are waiting for the damn light to change or the traffic to move, it actually makes sense to target this real source of real pollution. Much of the rest the enviromonkeys whine about is nonsense, but this is one area where some action could be taken.

On another issue, the Kingston paper wonders if polygamy should be considered legal. Well, if we decide to fully abandon having any standards what so ever, to just go with the flow, then sure. However, if a guy decides that he wants to marry his dad, grandpa, and an uncle or two, based on what you might consider his twisted beliefs, then they should also have that right. Sick? Nope, you just are not being tolerant.

I agree with Margo, that STV is the way to go, an idea whose time has indeed come. No losers, everyone is a winner. In fact, I think we should have a rep for every ten people to make it even fairer. 3 million MP's. Then again, there is something about having to elect a single person, even if it has to go to a runoff between the two leading vote getters, to elect a person, a human, an individual who can be held responsible by the voters instead of being just the puppet of a political organization. Moving closer to the ideal, instead of farther away, might also be worthy of consideration. Just a thought.

Cheers,
Ron Thornton

===================================
From: Ray Strachan
Subject: Re: Daily Digest February 2, 2009

Quoting Joe Hueglin <joe.hueglin@bellnet.ca>:
Joe.....Beautiful Opinion in todays DD from The National Post explaining to us
poor illiterate souls how Geo W Bush should get the credit for bringing this
wonderful Democracy to Iraq. No mention of the hundreds of thousands
slaughtered there including Babies made into Hamburger meat. I hope God in his
wisdom gives The Asper Family everything they rightfully deserve. I know if I
were God I certainly would. What is the chain of command here in our Canadian
democracy? Is it  B nai Brith, Canadian Jewish Congress,Asper Family or what
is the official order?     Ray Strachan

===================================
From: Larry Kazdan
To: sunletters@vancouversun.com
Subject: Letter to Editor re: Canadian human rights record blasted,  Louisa Taylor,  February 2

Re: Canadian human rights record blasted,  Louisa Taylor,  February 2
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Canadian+human+rights+record+blasted/1243664/story.html
          
How ironic to read your news item about Amnesty International Canada blasting the Conservative Government's human rights record, and then to see on the same page the headline "Soldier did not die in vain".  What kind of government sends its soldiers to Afghanistan to fight and die for noble purposes, and simultaneously demonstrates lukewarm support for human rights in its own declared policies?

Larry Kazdan,

Vancouver, B.C.

===================================
From: alan heisey <hize@earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: Daily Digest February 2, 2009

joe and margo, p.r. may be an idea whose time is coming to n.b. but it seems to have come and gone in ontario where 63% of us unwashed said nyet in a province sponsored referendum! cz

===================================
From: "Rebecca Gingrich"
Subject: Dozens dupe Indian airline, enter Canada
            http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/581362

Our economy is in the toilet and we allow this to happen? We practically
have to give a blood and urine sample and disclose everything about
ourselves when wanting to fly out and this is going on? Where is our famous
'security' act. Was it introduced and passed just to control us? That is
what it looks like to me. Criminals can enter Canada but us average
innocent Canadians are vetted as if we were criminals? Oops--I forgot.
Criminals have rights in Canada, innocent people don't.

becky

Subject: Made in America but hire foreign workers at banks?
             http://money.aol.com/news/articles/_a/bbdp/ap-investigation-banks-sought-foreign/324750?cid=5

===================================
From: Rubie Britton
Subject: Food for Thought

                               A carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee...You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.
 
                                A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up, She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
 
                                Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.
 
                                In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, ' Tell me what you see.'
 
                                'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.
 
                                Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg
 
                                Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'
 
                                Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.
 
                                'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
 
                                Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?
 
                                Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?
 
                                Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
 
                                May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.
 
                                The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes a long their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.
 
                                When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling.
 
                                Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.
 

May we all be COFFEE!!!!!

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