Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Daily Digest September 23, 2008


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)30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)

From: alan heisey <hize@earthlink.net>
Subject: "earthworm" 08 9 21 sunday.pdf

I am losing interest in long time email scribbler Joe Hueglin wandered in his "daily digest" over all the fields of human endeavour, focusing on Afghanistan. Joe hustled for several years to help Canadians, (danceband to me) a formal political party registered of that. More recently he has cut those innocents dead.

hize is correct in that I've been focusing on Afghanistan.

500 Canadians or more have been bloodied.  Near a hundred are dead, we have no idea how many will be disabled for life nor how many while not physically injured have mental trauma.

This is certain, as long as Canadian Forces remain in Afghanistan there will be more of the same.

We have been told that it will not be cutting and running to leave the battlefield in 2011.  And there will still be a battlefield unless there are negotiations as the Afghan Foreign minister who says war is not the answer to the country's woes would have it http://quqnoos.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1632&Itemid=48

Such is not planned by the puppet master who calls the shots for all.  Expansion of Western Civilization forces into Pakistan's tribal provinces is underway and will continue.

Canadians have been told by the Prime Minister 2011 and we're out of combat.

The Prime Minister has been known to reverse his opinion. 

Frankly unless the question asked in the following post is answered in the affirmative his promise must be doubted.

Ask it of him should you meet with him and share the answer.

Ask candidates at All Candidate meetings.

Ask until you get an answer or get the sense you won't get one.

In either case, please let me know.

         Joe
__________________________________
To: "National Media"  <info@pcparty.org>
From: PC PARTY/parti PC <info@pcparty.org>
Subject: P.C. CRITICAL QUESTION - Is pipeline agreement abrogated?
Cc:


Emacs!


Quote:
Despite the government's silence on the issue, top Canadian officials agreed to "assist Afghanistan to become an energy bridge" at a November 2006 meeting in New Delhi, and to begin "accelerated" work on the U.S.-backed $7.6-billion natural gas pipeline through Afghanistan. http://www.thehilltimes.ca/html/cover_index.php?display=story&full_path=/2008/june/23/energy_bridge/&c=1

Questions:
Does the Prime Minister's promise that Canadian Forces will withdraw from Afghanistan abrogate the agreement made in November 2006?

Has this been formally stated?

If not, why not?

A Pipeline Through A Troubled Land
Afghanistan, Canada, and the New Great Energy Game
Download the Report/Study:

 
______________________________
The revamped war on terror exposed
How Pakistan reacts against US Special Forces in the tribal areas (1 of 4)
http://therealnews.com/t/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=2345

Who's in US line of fire in Pak tribal areas
http://therealnews.com/t/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=2354
The revamped war on terror: Who's who in Pakistan's tribal areas Pt2 of 4 

Al-Qaeda and jihad's tribal connections
http://therealnews.com/t/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=2368
Pakistani analyst Khawar Mehdi: The jihad's ideology and leaders Pt3 of 4 

Pak army protected bin Laden and Taliban
http://therealnews.com/t/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=2373
Khawar Mehdi: What happened to Pakistani military after 9/11? (4 of 4) 

Al-Qaeda blames Iran, US targets inside Pakistan
http://therealnews.com/t/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=2287
Gareth Porter: US attacks tribal areas, al-Qaeda celebrates 9/11 Pt 1

The war on terror targets Pakistan Pt 2
http://therealnews.com/t/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=2294
Gareth Porter: Bush gives Special Forces the power to go deep inside Pakistan 

The war on terror targets Pakistan
http://therealnews.com/t/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=2309
Gareth Porter: Bush and US intelligence not speaking the same language Pt3 

The Canadian election and the Afghan War

«¤»¥«¤»«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»
Twenty-year war
Countering Taleban plans for a long-term conflict

Pakistani military fires on US helicopters at border
http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2008/09/pakistani_military_f.php

US infringes Pakistani sovereignty .

Pakistan violence could signal civil war

No extra troops for Afghanistan: U.S.
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/world/afghanistan/story.html?id=818193

Bush Administration Reviews Its Afghanistan Policy, Exposing Points of Contention
The New York Times (09/23/2008)
[]
Gates: Building Afghan forces is biggest challenge
The Associated Press (09/23/2008)
[]
Bush Crafts a Handoff
The Washington Post (09/21/2008)

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

Cadman whisked out of Tories' candidates meeting
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080923.welxncadman0923/BNStory/National

Dion rules out coalition Leader Stéphane Dion flatly rejected forming a coalition government with the New Democrats today on the heels of hints from NDP Leader Jack Layton that he'd be open to the idea. MORE...

Layton hints at possible Liberal-NDP coalition


Prime-time TV should be Canadian: Layton

Any weaker and Mr. Dion would need a transfusion MORE...

Dion's turn at the till MORE...

Dion's fiscal plan a black hole MORE...

Conservatives quick to pounce, but at least Grits have numbers. MORE...

Dion rolls out a credible plan MORE ...

Methodology explains higher support for Liberals in Nanos poll. MORE...

Time to end partyt. MORE...

Taking aim at teen hoodlums MORE...

Tories push 'Alberta Agenda'Among the many ironies in this federal election is the notion of Stephen Harper as the man to turn to in an economic crisis. MORE..

Maybe Kim Campbell was right after all. MORE...

When a politician says 'it ain't 'til it's over' - it's over MORE...

Fairness for Ontario. MORE...

Liberal calls for NDP candidate to step down over bullying allegations

Trudeau says Harper doesn't understand Canadians

FBI Investigating Potential Fraud by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Lehman, AIG

Dion: Nobody muzzles my wife

Skinny-dipping incident prompts another NDP resignation

Latest CPAC-Nanos Tracking
P 38, LP 27, NDP 21, BQ 8, GP 6

Dion's wife put under gag order by party

Ex-nuclear safety chief quits

Tories repackage crime bill

Jail time only option for serious crimes: Harper


Harper would limit judges' leeway

Is Andrew Telegdi violating the Elections Act?

Blog troubles for another Tory candidate?

Elizabeth May clears the air on peace rally controversy

Former student arrested in hostage situation at Regina school

Liberals inch up, Tories maintain lead

Liberals mine Arctic exploration for revenue, despite earlier opposition

Economic worries top environment


The methane time bomb

Climate sceptics have their head in the sand

Global warming could make Atlantic Can. colder: scientists

Inflation rate soars 3.5% in August

High inflation rate will have impact on leaders


Paging Steve Paikin: Put lung health on the agenda on October 2

Clement open to drug plan but sees other options

  Layton sings sweet tune for Quebec

How sweet he is: Harper leading in P.E.I. Jellybean poll

Tory insider: former Tory candidate Chris Reid "dumped": Report

Ex-Tory candidate Chris Reid blogs again


Voters not warming to Dion: poll

Williams won't support Green party

Rae makes appeal to Green, NDP voters

Knives out for MacKay

Military equipment firm says he's not anti-Muslim, blames media


Grits grin and bare it

Cost of Dion's platform concerns analysts


PM's plan: Life terms for 14-year-olds

Harper's plan on crime seen by some critics as 'Old Testament view'


'Everything you've done in your life is public'
Vetting of candidates leaves parties red-faced

Oil falls on profit-taking

Harper popular outside Canada At home? Not so much

PM mum on Wall Street

Liberals beat NDP in number of female candidates

NDP seeks to reopen NAFTA

NDP attack stunt suits them to a T

'Ontario must never be allowed to collect equalization'

Alberta Tory-linked ad agency files for protection from creditors

Ex-Tory candidate in Halifax out of a job

Fewer weeks of radiation effective in cancer study
anada expands monitoring of infant formula
===================================

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Daily Digest September 18, 2008


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)30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)
From: Ron Thornton
Subject: Re: The War in Afghanistan...

Still, I am left with a single question, one I've mentioned here before. To what degree has NATO troops in Afghanistan been responsible for keeping our shores safe from repeat attacks, and would we be opening ourselves up to such future attacks if the troops were removed?

Again, if the answer is "yes", then we should stay the course. If "no", then we should bring our guys and gals back home.

My answer to Ron's question is part (A) None or next to it and (B) No.  In 2011 matters will be little changed.  No winners, continuing losses.  The difference between bringing them home now and as promised by Stephen Harper will be the
lives lost between then and now - little else.

        Joe.

Family responsibilities will have us away from home for a week or so.

If I'm able something will be put out but there's little likelihood.

The following sites will keep you up to date on election happenings.

ELECTION COVERAGE

YAHOO In Depth: Federal Election

TORSTAR http://www.thestar.com/election

G & M http://www.theglobeandmail.com/national/politics/

POST http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/election-2008/index.html

CTV Coverage
CBC Coverage
Canada.com
Sun Media
Canada Votes

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

From: "Efstratios Psarianos"

Tory dissenters 'idiots, turds' .
The point that the fellows responsible at HQ for the 'in and out' scheme is that strictly speaking it may be LEGAL. But anyone will tell you that using such a potential loophole in the law in order to spend more during an election AND get reimbursed more "election expenses" at the riding level, is UNETHICAL.
 
I mean, precisely when did the CPC decide to compromise trademark, good economic management?
 
Personally, I'm all for enthusiasm during political campaigns (I've indulged in some myself at times), but someone seasoned and level-headed should be supervising the excited ones.
 
Williams takes fight with Harper online
Today, Williams launched AnythingButConservative.ca
Book 'im, Chin. Danno's gone bad.
 
Seriously, though, provincial politicians are known for their ingratitude towards their federal colleagues. But this goes waaaaay beyond anything that's to be expected. Sure, thumping one's chest when one is strong feels good, but an essential part of a politician's job is to keep things in perspective. Canada's federal government is an ESSENTIAL backstop to economic anemia in NL when things are bad. It's all very nice to protest against a given federal decision, but tearing up NL's insurance policy in a bid to get more money for itself is open to debate.
 
On the one hand, I understand Mr. Williams' position ... now that NL has a stronger hand than usual, it's in a better position to negociate an agreement with the federal government. On the other hand, it's STILL weaker than the feds since all that the latter have to do is precisely nothing, by which they'll keep all that they've got already (oil revenues et al). Add to that the feds reducing their cooperation with the NL government (e.g. Mr. Harper's past visits to and announcements in NL, to which Mr. Williams wasn't invited, reduced receptivity to NL issues, etc.), and you've got a bad situation brewing FOR NL.
 
Paul Martin caved in partially to Mr. Williams' bluster, which cost him respect among non-NL Canadians (and some NLers, I'll bet). But being seen as caving in to threats is death to a politician, and ultimately the threats rebound on he who makes them. Just think about it: Mr. Martin may have got so cheers in NL, which would get him what ... three ridings more than the Liberals already had? (I'm discounting any benefits in the other Atlantic provinces). And that at the price of being seen to be a leader that caves when brought under public pressure? Suuure, THAT'LL win votes.
 
Lastly, Mr. Williams hasn't limited his attacks to the federal governments alone. He's attacked oil companies to the point that articles in international trade magazines have circulated, in which industry leaders and commentators publicly wondered whether NL was no longer a good place to invest in because of its government's theatrics. So much for good PR ... threatening and insulting partners that one is seeking to attract wins no friends.
 
Cheers!
Stratos

===================================
From: Ron Thornton
Subject: Re: The War in Afghanistan...

Hi Joe:

You always say, as I do, is that this should be a forum for debate. I'm glad I was able to lend you a hand recently, though only now can I give some considered response to those who shared their views and observations.

Michael Watkins indicated that the Taliban are not foreign fighters, but rather they are nationalists. However, their legitimacy was based on armed force and the intimidation, not the will, of the people. Thus, their overthrow by the same means that brought them to power would seem fair, be it through domestic or foreign forces. Should this nation ever find itself under the sway of such a group, I would not be terribly fussy as to whom liberates me.  I would just want someone, from somewhere, to save my ass.

However, Michael is correct in pointing out that Afghanistan has been a real mess for the past 30 years. Set up as a buffer state between British and Russian interests, it has long seen strife from both internal and foreign sources. Since the Soviet invasion of 1979, it has not enjoyed much stability or peace. Its culture, if one can blanket the population with having a single recognizable culture, most freedom loving folks here would find repugnant. Again, Michael is correct when he reminds us that Afghanistan is less a nation but rather a collection of competing tribes using methods that seem, in something of an understatement, somewhat less than civilized than our own to settle domestic issues.

If I read Michael correctly, if NATO got out of Afghanistan, Afghanis would get their country back, and to hell with any thought given regarding such concepts as democracy and freedoms. Then again, should we care? One problem with American thinking has been in looking at things based on their own values, (with much thought for their own goals and ambitions), but not a lot of consideration for those who live in these lands. However, if your neighbour beats his family and terrorizes it, do you have a responsibility to step in or should you mind your own business?

If the neighbour's actions start to impact on your life, you do have a responsibility to step in to protect your own. The September 2001 attacks did that, and while it may be debated as to who was actually responsible for what took place that day, it remains the spark that created the present military occupation in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Once you are there in force, like the Taliban you can enforce whatever values you want, or at least attempt to do so.

As alluded to by Jacob Rempel, sometimes American actions can come back and bite them in the butt. Hard. Sometimes the enemy of your enemy will not always be your friend, but eventually becomes your own enemy. Sometimes the line gets blurred between national security and corporate profit. Sometimes folks will take kindly to a helping hand and understanding, and sometimes they will take what they can get and still want to remove you from the earth. Sometimes things are not as simple as they seem, but complex as hell.

A most interesting point put forward by Michael, and maybe one we can debate in future, was his statement "It is not our role to impose our way of life on others. For one, it doesn't work. The indigenous people of the area have to largely do that on their own."

Does everyone agree with that statement? We attempt to impose our values domestically, with some measure of success. If NAZI Germany had kept the killing to within their own borders, or at least quit before invading Poland, would the correct course of action been to do nothing and have peace in our time or would it have been to "impose our way of life on others" and stop the atrocities?

Can the war in Afghanistan be won? Again, another interesting point. So, how does one define victory? It would be nice to have a five, ten, twenty point set of objectives we all can see, understand, and ponder as to the odds of success and the cost of failure. All of us should know why we are there and what needs to be accomplished before our men and women can come home.

Still, I am left with a single question, one I've mentioned here before. To what degree has NATO troops in Afghanistan been responsible for keeping our shores safe from repeat attacks, and would we be opening ourselves up to such future attacks if the troops were removed?

Again, if the answer is "yes", then we should stay the course. If "no", then we should bring our guys and gals back home.

My thanks to Michael and Jacob.

Ron.*

===================================
From: Caspar Davis
Subject: CLIMATE ACTION FACT CHECK

For your information:

September 16, 2008 Edition
  www.climateactionnetwork.ca


Climate Action Fact CheCK
 
MYTH
Taxing Pollution Will Wreck Canada's Economy
 
REALITY
Economic studies show carbon pricing will spur innovation, investment and jobs in Canada
 
FIVE FACTS TO CONSIDER ABOUT CARBON PRICING ON THE ELECTION TRAIL
 
FACT 1: Economic studies show a carbon price can spur innovation, investment and jobs in Canada.[1] Huge economic opportunities are being created in the low-carbon, clean energy industries as more countries and jurisdictions with large economies move forward with laws and policies to reduce global climate change.
 
FACT 2: Many countries, including Germany, Sweden and Norway, have implemented a tax on emissions while maintaining strong economies. A carbon tax is one of the most powerful incentives and tools that governments have to encourage companies and households to pollute less and invest in cleaner technologies and practices.
 
FACT 3: Pricing greenhouse gas emissions through a carbon tax or a cap-and-trade system is supported by the world's leading climate change policy experts and endorsed by several international working groups including the United Nation's Nobel Prize-winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
 
FACT 4: The cost of inaction on climate change is staggering. According to British economist Nicholas Stern,[2] the author of a comprehensive report on the economics of climate change, the effects of famine, rising sea levels, storms and other environmental damage will cost the global economy trillions of dollars. Stern found that the overall cost of climate change could be between 5 to 20 percent of the world's gross domestic product if governments fail to act now.
 
FACT 5: If we act now, Canada will be able to compete in the growing global market for clean, renewable energy and transportation technologies. But delaying the implementation of a carbon pricing policy risks reducing Canada's competitiveness in the economy of the future, not to mention the risk of high costs from climate change itself, adaptation to climate change, and higher emissions.
 
Climate Action Network is a coalition of Canada's leading environmental groups.
Climate change matters in this election. Addressing climate change is vital for our economy, our health and our future.
 
For further information: Kristen Ostling, Media Relations
         613-222-2573, kristen@climateactionnetwork.ca

[1] Mark Jaccard & Associates (2007) Cost Curves for Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction in Canada: The Kyoto Period and Beyond. United Nations (2007) Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Fourth Assessment Report, Working Group III. UK HM Treasury (2006) The Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change\

[2] UK HM Treasury (2006) The Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change (2006)

===================================
From: "Rebecca Gingrich"
Subject:Carbon trading=financial collapse?

This site was posted on SDA--the excerpt below is the fantastic--is Kyoto a
much larger NEP?
Becky

Lehman Brothers Close Ties to Gore, Hansen and Carbon Trading
http://icecap.us/index.php/go/political-climate
Al Gore's carbon trading business GIM was banked with Lehman Bros. It will
be interesting to see how this will play in the future but I suspect that
this increases the risk of participating in Carbon trading. Merrill Lynch,
was also deeply involved in this business.

AND

Subject: Carbon Disaster

We should worry about a cap-and-trade system
http://www.torontosun.com/comment/columnists/lorrie_goldstein/2008/09/18/6798701-sun.html
By LORRIE GOLDSTEIN

Last Updated: 18th September 2008, 2:36am

Stop worrying about a carbon tax driving up the cost of everything we buy
after this election.

Start worrying about a cap-and-trade carbon market doing the same thing.

Canada will only get a carbon tax if Liberal Leader Stephane Dion wins a
majority government Oct. 14, or a minority in which Green Party Leader
Elizabeth May holds the balance of power -- both unlikely.

By contrast, it's very likely the next Parliament will create a
cap-and-trade system.

To varying degrees, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, NDP Leader Jack Layton,
Bloc Leader Gilles Duceppe, Dion and May all support cap-and-trade, as do
U.S. presidential contenders Barack Obama and John McCain, neither of whom
supports a carbon tax.

The American position will put economic pressure on Canada to adopt a
cap-and-trade system consistent with the U.S. Both countries already have
voluntary carbon markets whose volume would skyrocket under cap-and-trade.

===================================
From: "Anne Dickinson"

The comments by the agriculture minister  are disgusting especially considering that his government was held directly responsible in the listeriosis outbreak by no less than the editors of the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
 
They said the outbreak was 100 percent avoidable and unnecessary and the governments easing of restrictions which started in March in the Maple Leaf Plant, directly contributed to the outbreak.
 
They went on to say that the inquiry proposed by Harper is a farce  This is some of what they said:
:
It's not clear who the so-called judge would be. It's absolutely clear there are no public hearings planned, no opportunity for the public to comment or give evidence or ask questions," Mr. Attaran says.

"There is not going to be a public report published at the end, and there's no commitment that the report will be made public to Canadians at large or even to parliament,"he says.

"It seems to us at the journal very clear that what this exercise represents is an attempt to neutralize what's fairly obvious government responsibility for this outbreak, but also to neutralize it in a way that will never let the public know precisely what went wrong."

They went on to say that similar changes are coming in permitting the animal feed mills to police themselves (raising the danger of mad cow disease) and cut back in preparedness for avian flu.If either of those situations got out of hand, it would dwarf the outbreaks caused by the  Walkerton water fiasco and the  listeriosis outbreak. It is very clear that this group do not learn from their mistakes and that blind ideology rules all.

This gang seem to let the disasters that they have unleashed upon the citizens of Ontario, and now Canada at large,rest very easy on their shoulders. These merry quips by Ritz as people were dying were matched by the Health Minister who has attending the Democratic Convention at the time where our Tony reportedly joked about it at a cocktail party. I guess he got used to it after his experience with SARS and the Walkerton Water crises in Ontario.

So here is Harper's team, this gang of viscerally ideological incompetents whose only interest seemed to be partisan spin. Ritz, in the phone call.in questions, was mostly interested in how the crisis would play politically.

Canadians can expect more of the same if the Harperites get into power. The real question is, how much damage can they do if they get in with a majority-or even with a minority ,as Harper must be taken at his word when he says that  he will act as though he has a majority even with a minority.

Anne Dickinson

===================================
From: Benji. Regina

Forget for a moment your party allegiance. Think about MP Ritz's words and how they hurt people. I'm appalled to be blunt. I would think a man in his position would carefully watch what he says.

It seems of late MP class 101 is HOW TO APOLOGIZE! I have never seen so many MP's offering their apologies for in essence stupid un-thought words or actions. To make matters even worse while we as electors are expected to take the apology at face value some of those apologies were in my opinion alligator tears to take the heat away from their butt.

In one instance an MP apologized for his errant ways 17 years ago and promised us he would speak with those he hurt. Well, on the factual side of things this MP has shirked his duties in my opinion. Yes, he likely would face verbal blasts from those he hurt BUT that comes with the territory so it seems.

This MP did not have the decency to call to advise he could not make it to an event he had been invited to attend. In my mind so much for his tears.

I wonder seriously about MP Ritz's apology. Why? He in my opinion has little to no respect for anyone who thinks different than he does. Shameful, what has happened to our ability to agree to disagree. What is happening to our right to voice our opinion? At this rate the bullying will put more and more voters behind the wall. It is time to get a grip on our political system.
 
So far I have the right to disagree with the Prime Minister. I am truly scared given what has been taking place if I don't agree his breech booted troops will make my life even more miserable.

Benji.
Regina

===================================
From: "Wendy Forrest"
Subject: 3 Canadian activists on the CFRB's The Richard Syrett Show, September 30. Mark your calendars!

On September 30th at 10 p.m. on The Richard Syrett Show (CFRB 1010 Toronto), 3 young Canadian actvist filmmakers - Steve Davies, Dan Dicks and Jakub Krotochwill spend 90 minutes with Richard talking about their film The Nation's Deathbed .  Lovingly crafted on a shoestring budget, this excellent film discusses the secretive and sovereignty-comprising Security and Prosperity Partnership and the Ottawa/Montebello protest of the Leader's Summit last summer.  
 
If you haven't seen the film its basically a billboard for CAP and features Connie Fogal, Dee Nicholson, Vijay Sarma and me, plus many other prominent Americans and Canadians such as Linda McQuaig and Peter Julian.  I am so honoured to have been a part of it and I am proud of Steve, Dan & Jakub too.
 
If possible please listen and/or call in to show your support.  Please forward this widely too.
 
On the radio in Toronto, its 1010 a.m. on the dial.  Or listen on the internet at www.cfrb.com.  Click on Listen Live.  The phone numbers to call are:  in Toronto 416 872-1010 or *talk on your cell; and 1-800-561-CFRB (2372).
 
Here's to Canadians everywhere who are aware and fighting back.  Power to the people!  Vive le Canada!
--
Wendy Forrest

What is the Security & Prosperity Partnership? Watch: The Nation's Deathbed

--
"I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, and free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind."

-John Diefenbaker
From the Canadian Bill of Rights, July 1, 1960.

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



EDITORIALs

ST.JOHN'S TELEGRAM -
Fuel, sweat and tears

CORNER BROOK WESTERN STAR -
Let's get moving

CAPE BRETON POST -
One plank comes to the fore

HALIFAX CHRONICLE HERALD -
Hurricane Danny churns

Stopping DUIs

MONTREAL GAZETTE -
Liberals and the NDP tackle the GP shortage


OTTAWA CITIZEN -
The Khadr conundrum


KINGSTON WHIG STANDARD-
Recession talk is justified

BELLEVILLE INTELLIGENCER -
Campaign creativity can beat money

Fake foods to blame for kids getting too heavy

NATIONAL POST -
Don't panic just yet
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=798147

TORONTO SUN -

No one is 'safe' when bullets fly

NIAGARA FALLS REVIEW -
Maybe politicians should pay for their own gas

K-W RECORD -
Science lurches and we learn

WINDSOR STAR -
Scope of the listeria probe


SASKATOON STARPHOENIX -
New Canadians treated unfairly by government


CALGARY HERALD -
'Dirty oil' beats bloody oil


VAUXHALL ADVANCE - Selection process must be fair

ASIAN PACIFIC POST -
Terror in the name of Islam: what purpose does it serve?

VANCOUVER SUN -
A step in the right direction


ISSUES

AFGHANISTAN -
US wants $20bn to fund Afghanistan effort
· Thousands more soldiers will head for country
· Allies who do not send troops should give money
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/sep/19/usforeignpolicy.afghanistan

NATO in Afghanistan
NATO is a key component of the international community's engagement in Afghanistan, assisting the Afghan authorities in providing security and stability, paving the way for reconstruction and effective governance.
http://www.nato.int/issues/afghanistan/index.html

US general faces new Afghan challenge
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7619769.stm

Tariq Ali, Has the U.S. Invasion of Pakistan Begun?
http://www.tomdispatch.com/

Pakistan 'not told' of US strike
Pakistan was not warned about a suspected US missile strike in the north-west on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7622562.stm

Attacks in Pakistan 'stupid, futile'
Belligerent Bush's incursions could strengthen terrorists
http://www.thespec.com/Opinions/article/437163

Gates: US reviewing its Afghanistan war strategy
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jyH-bzMLGyexARglWCPt9LRdxhNQD93951K81
[]

Russia envoy warns NATO on air space to Afghanistan
Reuters (09/18/2008)
[]
Attacks on aid challenge Afghan reconstruction
Reuters (09/18/2008)
[]
Time to Rethink Tactics Against Taleban
IWPR (09/18/2008)
[]
New breed of Taliban replaces old guard
The Telegraph, UK (09/18/2008)
[]
Washington Is Risking War with Pakistan
TIME (09/18/2008)
[]
Karzai ally killed in battle with NATO troops
The Associated Press (09/18/2008)


CANUSA/USACAN
The CEO Poll: Who's the best man?
"Given the gross lack of good faith from the U.S. in the application of NAFTA to softwood lumber and other commodities, how could we possibly negotiate any other trade agreements with the U.S. when we obviously can't trust them to honour their written commitments?"   http://www.canadianbusiness.com/managing/strategy/article.jsp?content=20080929_198714_198714

Canadian journalists show a lack of integrity on NAU agenda

Gerald Kennedy's time as Liberal statesman has arrived against NAU-supporting Stephane Dion

U.S. FOIA documents suggest American interests now interfering in Canadian federal election 2008

Jack Layton's NDP opts to protect Stephen Harper government from public outcry against NAU agenda

The Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America presents a threat to Canada's vital independence

Video: Labour leaders prove Stephen Harper government conceals NAU agenda in federal election

Video: Labour leaders prove Stephen Harper government conceals NAU agenda in federal election


ECONOMIC AFFAIRS
Scared economy is frightening
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/subscriber/westview/story/4227653p-4867021c.html

Canada-EU trade proposal rivals NAFTA scope
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080918.wtrade18/BNStory/International/home


FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Georgia and Ukraine 'shouldn't join Nato'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7623240.stm

RICE: RUSSIA BECOMING ISOLATED, IRRELEVANT


POLITICS IN THE PROVINCES
Charest flexing his nationalist muscles


Harper and Charest at loggerheads on the issue of fiscal imbalance
http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Finfo.branchez-vous.com%2FNationales%2F080918%2FN0918120AU.html&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&sl=fr&tl=en


PARTY POLITICS
Joke a firing offence: Dion

Court ruling deals blow to Liberals' plans for tape

Harper defends minister who made listeriosis jokes

Harper, Layton offer competing pledges for seniors

Leaders feud over family
Dion and Layton unveil major child-care plans; PM rejects big spending and goes on the attack
http://www.thestar.com/FederalElection/article/501305

Q and A with candidates running in MUN's riding
http://www.themuse.ca/view.php?aid=41327

Chretien to Harper: We balanced books, not Tories
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080918/election2008_chretien_chids_080918/20080918?s_name=election2008


POLITICAL OPINION -

Conservatives "locked in" for win: pollster

Conservatives outgun separatists in Quebec poll

For Liberals, it should be 'the economy, stupid'

Tories hold high ground in Battle for Quebec (deux)
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/subscriber/westview/story/4227652p-4867011c.html

Harper's police state

Fresh gaffes mar Harper campaign

MP mum on project builder
http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1203677


PROGRAMMES
Peacekeeping vets fume at Tories for denying them their medals


OPINION AND INFORMATION
Conservative dreamers
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=0728e517-edd5-4a2d-ba37-ccdc9a7c8d5d

Abortion logic?

Stephen Harper should explain why he rejects Taiwan's UN hopes

'Values' voters search for a home

Sifting through smears and bias

Canada needs clear energy plan

Government alone can't keep our food safe

Cutting and running

Canada desperately needs an energy policy

Unscripted Election


INFOS 
Charest plonge dans la campagne et écorche Harper, aux prises avec d'autres soucis
http://info.branchez-vous.com/graphics/textecomplet.gif

Harper et Charest à couteaux tirés sur la question du déséquilibre fiscal
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/080918/N0918120AU.html

Parti québécois
Pauline Marois revigorée
http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/Politique/2008/09/18/001-Maroiscaucus.shtml

Les conservateurs en baisse, les libéraux n'en profitent pas
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/article/20080918/CPELECFED/80918255/7068/CPELECFED

Duceppe continue d'exiger des excuses de Jason Kenney

Dion dévoile un plan de 70 milliards pour les infrastructures

La bataille électorale sur le front de l'Afghanistan


Liberals gain traction in key Ontario, Quebec ridings MORE...

Afghan war costs $22 Billion, so far: study.. MORE...

The worst Liberal campaign ever .. MORE...

A big-team approach may turn the game around for Dion MORE...

Liberals eating their own young -- again MORE...

Grits call on 'stars' to boost struggling Dion MORE...

Pollster talks majority MORE...

Tories' down-home campaign raiding Down Under, down-south ideas. MORE...

Canadian politics a puzzling process MORE....

Carbon disaster MORE...

Tories' losing fight in T.O. MORE...

Charest flexing his nationalist muscles MORE...

Hurricane Danny churns MORE...

Economic uncertainty helping Harper. MORE...

That's all you'll hear of the Cadman affair till after the election MORE...

Harper says he'd protect Quebec's on-air identity. MORE...

The Da Vinci Vote MORE...

Harper is murky. Artists shouldn't be. MORE...
 
Conservative candidate calls Harpernomics "horrible" : Report

Harper stands by embattled agriculture minister


Now it's Ritz 'peeing in the wind'

Latest CPAC-Nanos Tracking
CP 39, LP 30, NDP 18, BQ 7, GP 6

PQ to step up efforts to help Bloc fight Tories

Tories apologize for "sober" remark to aboriginal protester

Aboriginals: Tory aide's 'sober' remark a racist slur


Infant with listeriosis dies in Manitoba

Gates Says U.S. Is Reviewing Afghanistan Strategy

Government will act to stabilize financial markets: Bush

Harper under pressure to apologize over minister's listeriosis jokes

Will Ritz's apology satisfy Harper?


Minister forced to apologize for 'tasteless' listeria jokes


Flaherty: U.S. financial woes affecting Canada

Heckling incident highlights lack of security for May

Dion urged to adopt Chrétien's winning formula

Green Shift a throwback to NEP: Wall

Tories take big hit in key Quebec ridings, poll shows

Canadians not keen on any of leaders

Cadman tape silenced by court delay

Human rights law has 'gone mad'

CRTC chairmanship to switch between French, English: Harper

Liberals' student plan a 'bold move'

Liberals, NDP release multibillion-dollar plans to create childcare spots

Tory funding pledge secures anti-poverty programs

NDP looking to finally break through in Quebec

Bloc not intolerant, Duceppe insists

Military medal rules 'callous,' family says

Ottawa failed to protect customers from gouging, consumer agency says


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

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Daily Digest September 17, 2008


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)30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)

"We should expect acrimony at NATO over the situation in Pakistan. War by committee is always difficult, but these strikes into Pakistan have caused discomfort in Europe because there doesn't appear to be a clear strategy behind it – or certainly not a strategy that has been discussed seriously by America's allies," said Etienne de Durand, director of the Centre for Strategic Studies at the French Institute for International Relations in Paris.
http://www.thestar.com/News/World/article/500507

Too late for much tonight/this morning and though Afghanistan aside from the cost is not an issue with the exception of the cost of the Mission at the NATO meeting where will Canada be situation in differenes of opinion others have with US actions and proposed actions?

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


EDITORIALs

ST.JOHN'S TELEGRAM -
Gambling in court

CORNER BROOK WESTERN STAR -
Let's get moving

CHARLOTTETOWN GUARDIAN -
Unique factors at play in P.E.I. campaign

MONTREAL GAZETTE -
Bring Abdelrazik home


A step in the right direction

Protecting Canadians

OTTAWA SUN -
Health care needs radical surgery


KINGSTON WHIG STANDARD-
Will fear of a Liberal carbon tax shift votes to the NDP?

BELLEVILLE INTELLIGENCER -
Deploy DART before it's too late

GLOBE & MAIL -
When warning, don't speak softly
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080917.wedodge17/BNStory/specialComment/home

An election, not a soap
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080917.weliberals17/BNStory/politics/home

Citizens' right to return
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080917.weabdelrazik17/BNStory/specialComment/home

NATIONAL POST -
Big Brother's unlikely critic
http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/story.html?id=794956

HAMILTON SPECTATOR -
The elephant has sneezed

WINDSOR STAR -
Afghanistan
 

Canada must finish the job

SUDBURY STAR -
In the line of duty

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS -
Finally, a yardstick
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/editorial/story/4227047p-4865262c.html

REGINA LEADER-POST -
Wall's Green Shift intervention could focus heat on Tory plan


LETHBRIDGE HERALD -
Nomination vote leaves many out

VANCOUVER PROVINCE -
Under-achieving B-team players fumbling on climate change too


VICTORIA TIMES-COLONIST -
Strange bedfellows attack carbon taxes



ISSUES

AFGHANISTAN -
More on USA Wanting Sole Command (And Some Allies Worry?)

US pushes Pakistan towards the brink

UK DefMin:  NATO Must Transform to Win

U.S. Confirms Drone Attack in Pakistani Tribal Region 

US strikes Taliban camp in South Waziristan
http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2008/09/us_strikes_taliban_c.php

Pakistani army threatens U.S. with retaliation
New President says he has British support in condemning unilateral U.S. attacks in tribal territory
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080916.wpakistan17/BNStory/International/home

Pakistani backlash feared
http://www.thestar.com/News/World/article/500507

Pakistan's havens


Call to stop war in Pashtun heartland
Pajhwok (09/17/2008)
[]
Taliban 'receiving arms from Iran'
AKI (09/17/2008)
[]
Taliban leader welcomes Canadian pullout date
Military-world.net (09/17/2008)
[]
Major Drug Transit or Major Illicit Drug Producing Countries for Fiscal Year 2009 - US President
The White House (09/17/2008)
[]
Afghanistan's kidnapping industry
BBC (09/17/2008)
[]
Afghanistan in Backward Slide, Analysts Say
Voice of America (09/17/2008)
[]
Afghan bomb kills four US-led coalition soldiers
AFP (09/17/2008)
[]
Gates regret over Afghan civilians killed in air strike
AFP (09/17/2008)


CANUSA/USACAN
U.S. Investor Threatens First Ever Health Care Suit
Successive governments both Liberal and Tory have long insisted that Canadian trade negotiators succeeded in "grandfathering" medicare under NAFTA


FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Ottawa provokes diplomatic flap

Crisis in Caucasus to be the hot topic at Toronto summit

Crisis curdles China's booming dairy market
HEALTH CARE RELATED
A $13B question for health czars


JUSTICE SYSTEM
Where's Canada's oversight to protect human rights?
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080917.wcoarar218/BNStory/specialComment/home


POLITICS IN THE PROVINCES
The winner takes on the provinces



PARTY POLITICS
Harper wins delay of hearing on Cadman tape

Tories defend interests of Quebec nationalists: PM

A majority is not to be feared, Harper says

The Conservative leader Stephen Harper continued his charm company in Quebec yesterday
http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ledevoir.com%2F2008%2F09%2F18%2F206195.html&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&sl=fr&tl=en


POLITICAL OPINION -
Harper dances around the 'M' word
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2008/09/17/david-akin-stephen-harper-dances-around-the-m-word.aspx

Grin and bear it

Dion's like a Tory after all

Stephane Dion to Bob Rae: No more help please; it's killing me
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2008/09/17/dion-to-rae-no-more-help-please-it-s-killing-me.aspx

Dion's feel-good aboriginal-rights gambit: Nice optics, but how many billions would this cost us?
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2008/09/17/jonathan-kay-on-dion-s-feel-good-aboriginal-rights-gambit-nice-optics-but-how-many-billions-would-this-cost-us.aspx

A big-team approach may turn the game around for Dion
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080917.wcomartin18/BNStory/politics/home


PROGRAMMES
Editorial accuses Ottawa in outbreak
The editorial takes aim at the Conservative government's decision to transfer inspection duties for ready-to-eat meats to the meat industry itself, while allowing listeria standards to remain lower than they are in most countries and reducing the Public Health Agency of Canada's political clout.

OPINION AND INFORMATION
'Crooked' EI needs fixing

The view from the graveyard of empires

Harper economics


INFOS 
Québec remet les pendules à l'heure
http://www.ledevoir.com/2008/09/18/206195.html

Les promesses des libéraux et du NPD alimentent les attaques de Harper
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/080917/N0917176AU.html

Le ministre Ritz a fait des blagues déplacées sur la crise de listériose
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/080917/N0917190AU.html

Harper accueilli par des manifestants en colère; des rumeurs assaillent Dion
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/080916/N0916138AU.html

Guerre en Afghanistan
Débat sur le coût
http://elections.radio-canada.ca/elections/federales2008/2008/09/16/023-guerre-afghanistan-cout.shtml

Campagne électorale
La bataille de l'Ontario
http://elections.radio-canada.ca/elections/federales2008/2008/09/16/010-Ontario-bataille-election.shtml

Dion multiplie les promesses électorales coûteuses

Des candidates bloquistes mettent en garde contre la droite

Affrontement Dion-Harper sur les finances publiques

La bataille électorale sur le front de l'Afghanistan


Ritz in hot water over wisecracks during listeria outbreak MORE...

For Liberals, it should be 'the economy, stupid MORE...

Mounties doing Harper's dirty work MORE...

An election, not a soap MORE...

Strange bedfellows attack carbon taxes MORE...

If warming threat is real, why are leaders so timid?. MORE...

Harper's unnerving confidence. MORE...

'Nation' resolution marks the beginning of the Bloc's decline MORE...

An economics lesson for Stephen Harper. MORE...

Warm and fuzzy Harper is an election tactic MORE...

Debate decision puts Green Party on a roll. MORE...

In election 2008, as in 2006, the world just doesn't exist MORE...

'Crooked' EI needs fixing. MORE...

There's no life like it? Tell us more, Mr. Harper. MORE...

Nationwide shift away from tax MORE...

Squeezing gas gougers not easy. MORE...

The land the election forgot MORE...

Close the immigrant success gap MORE...

Shoving abortion down doctors' throats MORE...

Cadman tape silenced by court delay

CRTC chairmanship to switch between French, English: Harper

B.C. NDP candidate resigns

Harper OKs release of Afghan cost report

Latest CPAC-Nanos Tracking
CP 38, LP 31, NDP 17, GP 7, BQ 7

Shorter delivery delay of choppers possible: MacKay

DND seeks armed drones by 2012

Tories Well Placed to Take Military Votes

Dion refuses to categorically rule out deficit
Dion promises massive funding boost for universities, students

Harper dismisses spending promises as 'mind-boggling'

CBC accused of breaking election polling policy

Layton proposes 150,000 new child-care spaces

Lung association pleased with Tory tobacco promise

Green Party platform promises tax cuts, GST hike

Tory majority still in reach, poll suggests

A majority is not to be feared, Harper says

Strong government needed: Harper


Do something about rising fuel costs, feds told

No Issues, It's About Choosing a Leader

The Test: Ethnic Voters Could Make or Break Tories

Minority faiths tend to go liberal


Liberals turn to Rae to rescue campaign

Liberal President disputes campaign friction

Campaign Buzz: 'Herbert Hoover in a blue sweater'

Liberals hold slim lead among young voters, poll suggests

Tory lead shrinking, new poll suggests

Cabinet minister confident of Tory breakthrough on P.E.I.

Does Layton have a chance of overtaking Dion?

Canada's Liberals headed for third-place finish: poll

Tough-on-crime laws will go through: Harper

Liberals unveil B.C. election platform

Tories admit disputed campaign ads were national


Tory dissenters 'idiots, turds'

Desperate Bloc playing on Quebec's anxieties: Tory minister

Diesel fuel tax cut will only help oil companies: Duceppe

Yahoo? Who's there? NDP leading in name game

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