A Terrorist is a Terrorist is a Terrorist
March 29, 2004 · By H. Cameron
Ripped from the misguided pages of political correctness, Reuters is accusing the National Post of “inappropriately inserting the word into newswire copy dealing with the Middle East, thereby changing the meaning of those stories.”
Newspapers accused of misusing word ‘terrorist’
One of the world’s leading news agencies, Reuters, said CanWest newspapers has been altering words and phrases in its stories dealing with the war in Iraq and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Reuters told CBC News it would complain to CanWest about the issue.
Gov. Gen. Clarkson Rides High on Horse
March 29, 2004 · By H. Cameron
In what seems like an almost daily occurrence, new reports point to the extravagant lifestyle of Adrienne Clarkson.
GG joins summer jetset
Forget the tiring road trips — Gov. Gen. Adrienne Clarkson flies on government jets when she enjoys down time at her summer cottage in the Muskokas. Clarkson, who has come under fire for an exploding budget and pricey globetrotting, was ferried at least twice to her private summer residence on Georgian Bay at taxpayers’ expense.She travelled on board a Transport Canada King Air because Parry Sound’s landing strip isn’t long enough to accommodate the government’s luxury Challenger jet.
Where is the accountability here?
Are there no checks and balances in this system of ours? Lets take a look at headlines, we blow nearly a billion + dollars on a ill-advised gun registry, we dump hundreds of millions on a globe trotting elitist, we lose $159 million to Hewlett Packard, and we line the pockets of corrupt Liberals and their Liberal friendly advertising companies. And this is just in today’s paper!
I can not believe I pay taxes so this utterly inept government can pay lip-service to democratic and institutional reform.
Petro Canada stocks on the block…
March 23, 2004 · By Jon Koch
Some 20 years after having attempted to nationalize the energy industry and bankrupt Alberta’s economy, the federal Liberal government has decided to get out of the petroleum transfer and exploration business.
Despite being a quarter century too late to do any good, it does cause one to look back with nostalgia to the days when NEP-afflicted Albertans plastered “Pierre Elliott Trudeau Rips Off Canada” bumper stickers on the tailgates of their pick-up trucks, boycotted Petro Canada service stations and hung Trudeau in effigy.
Ah, the good old days…
Ottawa will sell its 19-per-cent stake in Petro-Canada this fiscal year, the government said Tuesday morning, a transaction that could bring it $2.25-billion.
A brief statement on the Department of Finance website announced the sale of the integrated oil and gas producer, confirming a report published in the Globe and Mail. At 4 p.m., Finance Minister Ralph Goodale will present his first budget to Parliament. The money from the sale of Petrocan is expected to go towards environmental technology.
“Today’s announcement does not constitute an offer of any securities for sale,??? the government said in a statement. The sale will take place this fiscal year, which starts April 1, although no “precise??? date has been set, it added.
The federal government owns 18.74 per cent of Calgary-based Petrocan, or 49.4 million shares, a stake worth about $2.81-billion at Monday’s closing stock price of $56.90. However, a sale of all the government’s shares would net about $2.25-billion, because some of the value has already been booked.
Bowled over in Feedlot Alley
March 22, 2004 · By Jon Koch
Seeing a perfect opportunity to trot out his Alberta all-stars, Liberal Prime Minister Paul Martin chose a feedlot in the vicinity of Picture Butte, Alberta — The Livestock Feeding Capital of Canada– to announce a $995 million dollar aid package for the ag industry.
Platitudes were as free flowing as the manure piled amongst the pens of Feedlot Alley. As Ken Nicol, Ted Haney and Senator Joyce Fairbairn gawked on, PM Paul Martin and Anne McLellan used this opportunity to extoll the virtues of the Liberal government, and the team they have assembled to hoist the Liberal banner in the next federal election.
While Martin assured those in attendence that the announcement “has absolutely nothing to do with an election”, I suspect very few in the heart of cattle country are buying it.
Martin announces $1-billion mad cow bailout
Prime Minister Paul Martin confirmed Monday a bailout package worth close to $1-billion for cattle producers suffering from the effects of the mad-cow crisis.
Most of the details of the package, however, had been leaked to the media last week.
Mr. Martin said that of the $995-million made available, $680-million will go to cattle producers and producers of other ruminants. The money is also available to producers of sheep, goats, bison, elk and deer.
A second component is a $250-million “bridge to help Canadian producers from today into the fall,??? the Prime Minister said. Lastly, $65-million will be available right away as direct cash into farmers’ pockets.
“We have to recognize the urgency of the situation,??? Mr. Martin told reporters and ranchers in Picture Butte, Alta., where he made the announcement with Agriculture Minister Bob Speller and Deputy Prime Minister Anne McLellan, an Edmonton MP.
The assembled group of high-profile MPs in Alberta led reporters to question whether the announcement was of a pre-election nature. Both Mr. Speller and Mr. Martin denied that the funding was a springboard for a federal election campaign.
“This announcement has absolutely nothing to do with an election. This announcement has to do with the state of Canadian agriculture and the state of Canadian beef producers,??? Mr. Martin said.
“This decision and this great commitment by the government of Canada is one of a commitment, as I said, to farmers and farm families,??? Mr. Speller added. “It’s not one based on politics. It’s one based on need.???
…
Martin looks to buy votes in Western Canada
March 15, 2004 · By Jon Koch
Nearly one year, one Prime Minister and one Throne Speech later, it appears the Liberal junta has finally determined that there is a crisis in cow country. With the cattle industry having experienced losses pegged at around $11 million a day in Canada, flagging Liberal fortunes in the West combined with desperation amongst cattle producers appears to have provided the ideal opportunity in Martin’s mind to buy some votes among cash strapped cattle producers.
Frankly, this speculation of manna from Ottawa reeks of crass opportunism and pure politics on behalf of the Martin Liberals. Were it not for the Liberal Party having soured our country’s relationship with the United States, we likely would not be in the situation where one incident of BSE would lead to the border being closed on a $2billion/ year industry in the first place. In addition, Paul Martin should be ashamed that he has waited until Liberal fortunes were in dire straits throughout the country before he finally decided that picking up western votes was important. Where was the concern for cattlemen in the Throne Speech of two months ago? Finally, Liberal wanna-be’s like Ken Nicol and Ted Haney should be ashamed that they glowingly endorse a PM and a party that holds their constituents in such low esteem that they are willing to capitalize on the desperation of cattle producers in order to buy a few votes for themselves.
Budget pledging half-billion to bail out ranchers
Ottawa — The federal budget will give the cattle industry an immediate cash injection of more than $500-million to help it survive until exports to the United States can resume, The Globe and Mail has learned.
The announcement will be a highlight in the March 23 budget, and will attempt to curry favour for the Liberals in the West as they head into an election campaign.
The money will go directly to those most hurt in the crisis, and will come out of the existing surplus of this fiscal year, which ends on March 31, federal sources say.
The amount will be more than $500-million and could be as high as $1-billion, making it probably the biggest single new spending item in the budget. Spending money is scarce, and of the few new initiatives to receive funding right away, most will be less than $500-million.
And unlike most agricultural aid packages, this one will not require the participation of the provinces.
“It will be totally unprecedented to have a budget with agriculture as such a high priority,” said one federal source.
There are still several hitches to be worked out in how to deliver the budget money and make sure all of it can be taken out of the existing fiscal year without running into accounting difficulties, sources said, but they added that the bailout will almost certainly be well over $500-million.
The U.S. border was closed to Canadian beef last May after a case of mad-cow disease, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy, was found on an Alberta farm. Trade resumed for some beef exports last fall, and Ottawa hoped all the restrictions would be lifted early this year.
But the discovery in late December that a cow in the state of Washington that had tested positive for BSE originated from Alberta put an indefinite delay on cross-border cattle shipments.
Now, Ottawa hopes to have the border cleared for all exports by some time this spring, but dares not be too optimistic, given the issue’s turbulent history.
The ban on Canadian beef has crippled the cattle industry, and the effects have reverberated throughout Western Canada’s economy.
“These folks are cash-starved. The year 2003 was the year that shouldn’t have been,” complained Conservative MP Gerry Ritz in February during a Commons agriculture committee hearing with Agriculture Minister Bob Speller.
“Primary production of this food is of far more importance than this government is willing to give it.”
Mr. Speller has argued privately and publicly that, indeed, Ottawa’s agriculture aid programs are insufficient to deal with the crisis.
Socialists, Al Qaeda: Big winners in Spanish election.
March 14, 2004 · By Jon Koch
It will likely be regarded as the biggest bombshell in Spanish electoral history. Literally.
Mere days after a series of backpack bombs exploded aboard trains and in commuter stations around Madrid, the Spanish people in an orgy of retribution appear to have ousted the governing Popular Party in favor of the moderate Socialist Party. In light of new evidence placing the blame for Tuesday’s attacks squarely at the feet of the Al-Qaeda terror network, the Popular Party of outgoing Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Adnar, who steadfastly supported United States President George W. Bush’s war on terror, appears to be taking the brunt of the backlash. While Spain appears to have lost the gumption to soldier on, the real victors in the 2004 Spanish Election will most certainly be the terrorists themselves.
What message can we gleam from this sudden downturn in the fortunes of the Popular Party? It is of course that Al Qaeda’s domestic terror attacks are working. The people of Spain have spoken loud and clear, and appear desirous of joining Canada and a lengthy roster of nations who have adopted a head-in-the-sand to fighting the enemies of liberty and western democracy. For any other nations who are either in support of the U.S. lead coalition or are sitting on the fence, the message is clear: “It could happen to you.”
Previous generations would no doubt have risen to the cause, fully prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice in defending the personal liberties and democratic traditions that are the backbone of western society. In today’s society, western governments choose instead to look away, ignoring the greater peril that exists should we choose not to confront Al Qaeda and the other purveyors of terror worldwide: The loss of these same liberties and democratic traditions that are the foundation of the free, open and tolerant society in which we live today.
Madrid — Voters ousted Spain’s ruling party in elections Sunday, with many saying they were shaken by bombings in Madrid and furious with the government for backing the Iraq war and making their country a target for al-Qaeda.
The Socialist Party declared victory with 79 per cent of the votes counted, as results showed it winning 164 seats in the 350-member parliament and the ruling Popular Party taking 147. The latter had 183 seats in the outgoing legislature.
“According to the available data, the Socialist Party has won the general election. It is a clear victory,” said Jose Blanco, the party’s campaign manager.
Turnout was high at 76 per cent. Many voters said Thursday’s bombings, which killed 200 people and wounded 1,500, was a decisive factor, along with the government’s much-criticized handling of the initial investigation.
“The Popular Party has made me lose faith in politics,” said Juan Rigola, 23, a biologist in Barcelona. “It deserves to lose and to see the Spanish people turn against them.”
The electorate of 34.5 million included about 1.9 million mostly young voters added to the rolls since the 2000 general election.
Until the bombing, the conservative Popular Party was projected by most polls to beat the Socialists, although perhaps without retaining their majority in the 350-seat Congress of Deputies.
But the disaster, which the government initially blamed on the Basque separatist group ETA, threw the election wide open. The attack was followed by emotional rallies across the country.
Critics accused the government, which had trumpeted its crackdown on ETA, of manipulating the investigation for political gain. That struck a chord with voters.
….
(see link to read complete article)
Terrorists strikes 911 days after 9-11
March 12, 2004 · By H. Cameron
The Basque separatists movement, the ETA, has denied involvment. Strange that the number 911 is significant.
Terror strikes 911 days after September 11
A NATION was last night in mourning and an anxious world braced for more terror attacks, as terrorists loyal to Osama bin Laden claimed responsibility for the train bombs that killed at least 198 people in the Spanish capital.The attacks came exactly 911 days after the September 11, 2001, terror strikes on New York and Washington, known as 9/11 by Americans.
“We bring the good news to Muslims of the world that the expected `Winds of Black Death’ strike against America is now in its final stage . . . 90 per cent (ready) and God willing near.” The al-Qaida terrorist network has a long history in Spain. At least some of the planning for the September 11 attacks took place there and the country also has been a vocal US ally in the war on terrorism.
Playing Chicken with the Election
March 9, 2004 · By H. Cameron
With the recent polling numbers placing the Liberal Party of Canada at a paltry 38 per cent nationally, many critics doubt the Liberal party could pull out a majority. It now apprears that Martin will choose to wait until early summer or possibly even the fall to take Canadians to the polls.
Martin considers summer election
OTTAWA – Prime Minister Paul Martin has ruled out a May election and is now expected to wait until at least June to head to the polls in hopes the Liberals will have recovered the public’s confidence in the aftermath of the $100-million sponsorship corruption scandal.Update:
Grit caucus gives Martin OK for early election
Prime Minister Paul Martin got the go ahead from the Liberal caucus Wednesday for an early election and one cabinet minister said Canadians will go to the polls in June.“People are reacting positively to the way the prime minister has handled it,” he said. “I would think right now, he would be on track for a June date that will be called.”
Lacking pride where it matters
March 8, 2004 · By H. Cameron
I noticed that Molson has started another round of TV commercials to sell it’s beer, Canadian. Correct me if I’m wrong, but sometimes it seems like Canadians are all to happy to rely on cultural stereotypes regurgitated and reinforced through beer commercials as their prime source of cultural and national unity. Remember that ad called, “The Rant” – it featured a guy named Joe ranting about the stereotypes that many Canadians think Americans have of Canadians. I have to admit, it was a clever play on how most Canadians would describe their southern counterparts perceptions of the great white north. But does that not just serve to reinforce our rather misinformed ideas of Americans. That is, that they are slow-witted and ignorant?
In the end, I’m not sure what is more insulting – the fact that Molson is using limp patriotism to sell beer, or the fact the most Canadians have no problem with it.
Jail time for Martha Stewart
March 5, 2004 · By H. Cameron
Do I think Martha Stewart has been unfairly targeted as the poster child for white color/corporate crime in the wake of corporate scandals in the United States? Absolutely. Do I think Martha Stewart deserves to pay a hefty fine and serve jail time? Absolutely.
Forbes: Martha Stewart Found Guilty
Martha Stewart, the domestic diva and founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, was found guilty in her obstruction of justice trial today. Her co-defendant and stockbroker Peter Bacanovic was also found guilty on four counts out of five.Federal sentencing experts predict that Stewart most likely will receive a sentence of slightly less than one year, with about half of that time to be served in prison and the balance in a halfway house, home detention or on parole.
Recent Comments