And I thought this was to good to pass on:
Our opinions and advice to the world. Updated whenever we get around to it.
Some slick graphics
Now if I could just get me a funky 'Canadian Infidel' version of this:
And I thought this was to good to pass on:
And I thought this was to good to pass on:
Democracy in Iraq
I was reading an article where it quoted an Iraqi man who was glad when a couple of American soldiers were killed in his town. I can't remember where the article was but if anyone can find it let me know. The article really got me to thinking. This Iraqi man was earning 10 times the salary he was under Saddam and yet he still considered the Americans 'invaders' who didn't care about the Iraqi's themselves.
This article got me thinking because one of G.W.'s main reasons for going into Iraq was to begin the spread of democracy throughout the Middle East in the hope that this would provide the best means of achieving long term peace. Now I'm not opposed to imposing democracy by force of arms. Its been done before and more often than not things turn out for the best. But the more often I hear stories like I mentioned above, I begin to wonder what the likelihood of this strategy succeeding is.
Here is why I think this. First off, we assume that people will do what is in their best interests. It's clear though that the man in the article could care less what is in the best interests of himself or his children. Perhaps pride has got the better of him. Perhaps he was in some sort of position to benefit from Saddam's rule. Whatever.
Also we assume that democracy can be imposed on a nation or group of people. But I wonder what examples history provides us that this can be done. Many people use the example of Germany and Japan after WWII, and I've done this myself, but does it really apply in this case. These were not countries that were 'ripe' for democracy. These countries had been pounded into oblivion and the will of their peoples had been crushed. This has not happened in Iraq or other Arab countries that require 'transformation'.
Victor Davis Hanson goes into this several times in his writing in that in order to impose your will on a defeated adversary, the adversary much have been totally crushed and have no other alternative than to accept the terms given to them. History proves this out continuously.
So all this leaves us in a paradox. First we are to 'humane' to inflict sufficient suffering on our enemies to ensure their submission. In Iraq, the army and Saddam's henchmen melted away, simply because not in their right minds would they face off against a Western army (another of V.D.H.'s ideas). So they melt away into the population and slowly grind away against American forces.
But given open borders (globalization) and the fact that the hatred of the West in the Arab world will not cure itself, what does the future hold? Hatred's do not melt away. Ever. They must be fought and punished. But if terrorists and people who spread this hate are allowed to travel freely around the world how long will it be before small and large scale terrorist activities become commonplace in Western societies?
Does this imply that a large scale conflict between the Muslim world and the Western world is inevitable. Sadly I'm beginning to think this is so as each day goes by. Do I blame G.W. Bush for this? Absolutely not. This hatred has been growing for several decades, well before G.W. showed up on the scene, and it'll probably be here long after he is gone. In my mind the hatred will grow stronger and stronger and the attacks against the West will continue to increase in number. This can continue only for a certain period of time until Western societies get fed up and decide to decisively strike out.
Hopefully these ideas do not offend anyone but it all seems to me to be history marching once again. I know there are many Muslims and Arabs who have no problems with the Western or Christian world in particular. But hatreds grow and get out of control to the point where no one can pull back. Imagine many people in pre-Nazi Germany. They must have known where the Nazi's were going to lead them. But what could they do? How could they turn back after the wheels had been set in motion?
This article got me thinking because one of G.W.'s main reasons for going into Iraq was to begin the spread of democracy throughout the Middle East in the hope that this would provide the best means of achieving long term peace. Now I'm not opposed to imposing democracy by force of arms. Its been done before and more often than not things turn out for the best. But the more often I hear stories like I mentioned above, I begin to wonder what the likelihood of this strategy succeeding is.
Here is why I think this. First off, we assume that people will do what is in their best interests. It's clear though that the man in the article could care less what is in the best interests of himself or his children. Perhaps pride has got the better of him. Perhaps he was in some sort of position to benefit from Saddam's rule. Whatever.
Also we assume that democracy can be imposed on a nation or group of people. But I wonder what examples history provides us that this can be done. Many people use the example of Germany and Japan after WWII, and I've done this myself, but does it really apply in this case. These were not countries that were 'ripe' for democracy. These countries had been pounded into oblivion and the will of their peoples had been crushed. This has not happened in Iraq or other Arab countries that require 'transformation'.
Victor Davis Hanson goes into this several times in his writing in that in order to impose your will on a defeated adversary, the adversary much have been totally crushed and have no other alternative than to accept the terms given to them. History proves this out continuously.
So all this leaves us in a paradox. First we are to 'humane' to inflict sufficient suffering on our enemies to ensure their submission. In Iraq, the army and Saddam's henchmen melted away, simply because not in their right minds would they face off against a Western army (another of V.D.H.'s ideas). So they melt away into the population and slowly grind away against American forces.
But given open borders (globalization) and the fact that the hatred of the West in the Arab world will not cure itself, what does the future hold? Hatred's do not melt away. Ever. They must be fought and punished. But if terrorists and people who spread this hate are allowed to travel freely around the world how long will it be before small and large scale terrorist activities become commonplace in Western societies?
Does this imply that a large scale conflict between the Muslim world and the Western world is inevitable. Sadly I'm beginning to think this is so as each day goes by. Do I blame G.W. Bush for this? Absolutely not. This hatred has been growing for several decades, well before G.W. showed up on the scene, and it'll probably be here long after he is gone. In my mind the hatred will grow stronger and stronger and the attacks against the West will continue to increase in number. This can continue only for a certain period of time until Western societies get fed up and decide to decisively strike out.
Hopefully these ideas do not offend anyone but it all seems to me to be history marching once again. I know there are many Muslims and Arabs who have no problems with the Western or Christian world in particular. But hatreds grow and get out of control to the point where no one can pull back. Imagine many people in pre-Nazi Germany. They must have known where the Nazi's were going to lead them. But what could they do? How could they turn back after the wheels had been set in motion?
The DFO
Now Dave's pretty worked up concerning the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and quite frankly who can blame him.
Now I've always had my own thoughts on Canada's fisheries policy and I might as well throw them out there.
Canada's East Coast is crawling with foreign ships. No surprise there right? The Canadian government could take some simple steps to prevent these foreign ships from being in our waters. Tobin did it before and it can be done again. I've always reasoned that the federal government doesn't come down on them is because the foreign government involved would impose some sort of trade penalty on us. Guess who that would be designed to affect. The Maritimes? Of course not, trade sanctions are designed to affect the region most important to the government. Yes you guessed it, Ontario.
The fear in Ottawa is that restoring the Atlantic fishery would put at risk industrial and high tech jobs in the one province whose support is required in order to win a federal election. And we all know that will never happen. So what is the solution?
Well quite frankly there is none. That's the problem in being part of such a large country. Maritimers get pissed about the federal governments handling of the fishery, the feds throw a few dollars around and then everyone goes home. Thats it. Done.
And that is one of the reasons why the 'conservative' parties of Canada must come to grips with their differences. Quite simply the Liberals will not pay attention to Maritimers concerns as long as we continue to vote for them. And we do. Well I don't of course, but Maritimers in general still split their votes between the Liberals and PCs in every election. Its pathetic.
And why is it that the one party that favours local control of resources, over the model of federal control, are not supported in the Maritimes? The Canadian Alliance has always been for local control over resources and yet Maritimers still vote for the same PC or Liberal schmucks. How many votes did the Alliance get out East in the last election?
So what do we do until the government prevents foreign ships from raping our shores? Pack up and move to Ontario for one of those jobs or get organized and punish the federal government. Vote splitting is not enough because at the end of the day the only thing politicians care about is winning. Its really very simple.
PS: And since we're on the topic... it's fishermen! not fishers!
Now I've always had my own thoughts on Canada's fisheries policy and I might as well throw them out there.
Canada's East Coast is crawling with foreign ships. No surprise there right? The Canadian government could take some simple steps to prevent these foreign ships from being in our waters. Tobin did it before and it can be done again. I've always reasoned that the federal government doesn't come down on them is because the foreign government involved would impose some sort of trade penalty on us. Guess who that would be designed to affect. The Maritimes? Of course not, trade sanctions are designed to affect the region most important to the government. Yes you guessed it, Ontario.
The fear in Ottawa is that restoring the Atlantic fishery would put at risk industrial and high tech jobs in the one province whose support is required in order to win a federal election. And we all know that will never happen. So what is the solution?
Well quite frankly there is none. That's the problem in being part of such a large country. Maritimers get pissed about the federal governments handling of the fishery, the feds throw a few dollars around and then everyone goes home. Thats it. Done.
And that is one of the reasons why the 'conservative' parties of Canada must come to grips with their differences. Quite simply the Liberals will not pay attention to Maritimers concerns as long as we continue to vote for them. And we do. Well I don't of course, but Maritimers in general still split their votes between the Liberals and PCs in every election. Its pathetic.
And why is it that the one party that favours local control of resources, over the model of federal control, are not supported in the Maritimes? The Canadian Alliance has always been for local control over resources and yet Maritimers still vote for the same PC or Liberal schmucks. How many votes did the Alliance get out East in the last election?
So what do we do until the government prevents foreign ships from raping our shores? Pack up and move to Ontario for one of those jobs or get organized and punish the federal government. Vote splitting is not enough because at the end of the day the only thing politicians care about is winning. Its really very simple.
PS: And since we're on the topic... it's fishermen! not fishers!
Thanks to those linking to us
A big thanks goes out to:
http://www.wetwired.org
http://philputman.com
http://cerdip.motime.com
http://www.robertprather.us
http://www.thedissidentfrogman.com
So everyone out there should check out their sites... or better yet, send them piles of cash! Whatever.
http://www.wetwired.org
http://philputman.com
http://cerdip.motime.com
http://www.robertprather.us
http://www.thedissidentfrogman.com
So everyone out there should check out their sites... or better yet, send them piles of cash! Whatever.
My Prayers Have Been Answered
Praise the Heavens! Jean ChRETiEN will be retiring on December 12. Just 23 more days of limbo according to the Post. For you filthy foreigners who don't know who Jean ChRETiEN is, just imagine your worst nightmare, occuring over and over and over again. Without end. Ever.
Normally I would be inclined to think his replacement, Paul Martin, would be a terrible choice for Prime Minister. But considering ChRETiENs antics over the last couple of years, Martin could show up for his first day at Parliament with clown feet, a red nose, and read his speech backwards from end to beginning, and I'ld still be libel to think the man was brilliant.
Now of course come December 12th, Paul Martin will likely become the primary target of my bitterness. We'll see. But it'll be interesting to see how much of ChRETiENs legacy Martin will undo. Hopefully most of it but I guess we'll just have to wait and keep our fingers crossed.
Normally I would be inclined to think his replacement, Paul Martin, would be a terrible choice for Prime Minister. But considering ChRETiENs antics over the last couple of years, Martin could show up for his first day at Parliament with clown feet, a red nose, and read his speech backwards from end to beginning, and I'ld still be libel to think the man was brilliant.
Now of course come December 12th, Paul Martin will likely become the primary target of my bitterness. We'll see. But it'll be interesting to see how much of ChRETiENs legacy Martin will undo. Hopefully most of it but I guess we'll just have to wait and keep our fingers crossed.
And on the web today:
President Bush Discusses Iraq Policy at Whitehall Palace
If only Vietnam was Iraq
Well done, Mr. Monbiot
It's 'Peace' Psychosis in a Nut's Hell
If It Weren't For America
And check out this awesome banner from The Dissident Frogman. It's a bit old and quite harsh but given the recent protests in the UK (and other parts ofFantasyland Europe) I thought it would be relevant.
If only Vietnam was Iraq
Well done, Mr. Monbiot
It's 'Peace' Psychosis in a Nut's Hell
If It Weren't For America
And check out this awesome banner from The Dissident Frogman. It's a bit old and quite harsh but given the recent protests in the UK (and other parts of
Could someone...
Could someone please tell me how much crack I'ld have to smoke before I could write something like this...
One man's world
Sorry Lee I had to do it.
And since I'm here I suggest you check out:
300000 in Mass Graves in Iraq Why don't the anti-war folks care?
Insults Unpunished The picture of the dog (scroll down a bit on the right) had me cracking up.
And luckily the person who did this wasn't around the National War Memorial at about 11 a.m. on November 11th. Given that I had family who died in those wars, the pleasure I would have taken in removing the spraypaint with their faces is difficult to describe.
And as for harsh humour...
And in response to Bob's favorite quotes:
'Our task — ordeal if you will — is that we must make war so godawfully terrible to our enemies, and the rewards of peace and reform so humanely sweet to our friends, that the vast middle in between will have no problem choosing sides.'
Victor Davis Hanson
'If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen.'
Samuel Adams
'We consecrate this spot as an everlasting memorial to the brave Americans who died on September 11, so that all who would seek to do her harm will know that America will not stand by and watch terror prevail.
We will export death and violence to the four corners of the earth in defense of our great nation.'
Unknown - Afganistan - 2002
One man's world
Sorry Lee I had to do it.
And since I'm here I suggest you check out:
300000 in Mass Graves in Iraq Why don't the anti-war folks care?
Insults Unpunished The picture of the dog (scroll down a bit on the right) had me cracking up.
And luckily the person who did this wasn't around the National War Memorial at about 11 a.m. on November 11th. Given that I had family who died in those wars, the pleasure I would have taken in removing the spraypaint with their faces is difficult to describe.
And as for harsh humour...
And in response to Bob's favorite quotes:
'Our task — ordeal if you will — is that we must make war so godawfully terrible to our enemies, and the rewards of peace and reform so humanely sweet to our friends, that the vast middle in between will have no problem choosing sides.'
Victor Davis Hanson
'If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen.'
Samuel Adams
'We consecrate this spot as an everlasting memorial to the brave Americans who died on September 11, so that all who would seek to do her harm will know that America will not stand by and watch terror prevail.
We will export death and violence to the four corners of the earth in defense of our great nation.'
Unknown - Afganistan - 2002
And the news in Europe
Here are a couple of good reads for you great unwashed:
Pacifist Europeans have short memories
Mark Steyn's article concerning Remembrance Day makes many good points. In the English speaking world we still value the sacrifices made decades ago to ensure our freedoms. I suppose many other countries don't have this luxury. I guess losing a war (ie. France), or starting one (ie. Germany), causes a nation to somewhat lose its ability to honour those who sacrificed their lives. Which is a shame.
Take the case of Russia. Its army performed valiantly during WWII. Unfortunately, Russians have alot of reasons to distrust their military simply because of its history during the Soviet era. Its unfortunate that many good men and women who gave their lives to protect their villages and homes during WWII cannot be properly honoured today because of the crimes of the Soviet era.
And his points about the British military's criticisms about the U.S. military is right on the mark. It is one thing for the Brits to give constructive criticism, I'm sure the Americans would more than welcome it, but to be so condescendingly at the same time makes it downright comical.
EU constitution faces poll defeat
And back to my favorite pastime, Europe. According to the Telegraph, support for the EU Constitution is falling off a cliff (my analogy not the Telegraphs). I truly hope that this EU Constitution fails and fails miserably. This entire document gives the EU sweeping powers over nearly every aspect of peoples lives. And how Tony Blair and Jacques Chirac can expect to impose this upon their people without asking for their consent is beyond me.
My only advise to Europeans? Remember that this document was not produced to make your lives easier. It was created in the hope that it would make the work of the bureaucrats and diplomats easier. And am I the only one that finds it odd that these Eurocrats have created a 'EU Constitution' and yet many European leaders such as Tony Blair run around saying that no vote is needed because it doesn't change anything? Its a 'Constitution'! Tony!
According to Dictionary.com a constitution is:
The system of fundamental laws and principles that prescribes the nature, functions, and limits of a government or another institution.
Tony, 'fundamental laws and principles' is not something to sneeze at. Sweet suffering man wake up.
Pacifist Europeans have short memories
Mark Steyn's article concerning Remembrance Day makes many good points. In the English speaking world we still value the sacrifices made decades ago to ensure our freedoms. I suppose many other countries don't have this luxury. I guess losing a war (ie. France), or starting one (ie. Germany), causes a nation to somewhat lose its ability to honour those who sacrificed their lives. Which is a shame.
Take the case of Russia. Its army performed valiantly during WWII. Unfortunately, Russians have alot of reasons to distrust their military simply because of its history during the Soviet era. Its unfortunate that many good men and women who gave their lives to protect their villages and homes during WWII cannot be properly honoured today because of the crimes of the Soviet era.
And his points about the British military's criticisms about the U.S. military is right on the mark. It is one thing for the Brits to give constructive criticism, I'm sure the Americans would more than welcome it, but to be so condescendingly at the same time makes it downright comical.
EU constitution faces poll defeat
And back to my favorite pastime, Europe. According to the Telegraph, support for the EU Constitution is falling off a cliff (my analogy not the Telegraphs). I truly hope that this EU Constitution fails and fails miserably. This entire document gives the EU sweeping powers over nearly every aspect of peoples lives. And how Tony Blair and Jacques Chirac can expect to impose this upon their people without asking for their consent is beyond me.
My only advise to Europeans? Remember that this document was not produced to make your lives easier. It was created in the hope that it would make the work of the bureaucrats and diplomats easier. And am I the only one that finds it odd that these Eurocrats have created a 'EU Constitution' and yet many European leaders such as Tony Blair run around saying that no vote is needed because it doesn't change anything? Its a 'Constitution'! Tony!
According to Dictionary.com a constitution is:
The system of fundamental laws and principles that prescribes the nature, functions, and limits of a government or another institution.
Tony, 'fundamental laws and principles' is not something to sneeze at. Sweet suffering man wake up.
Keeping it short today
It's a bit busy here today so I'll keep it short. A couple of great articles worth reading here:The Truth Will Set Us Free
Europeans are worse than cockroaches
As well check out David Sampson's testimony before the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee:
Sampson blasts embassy officials
Note his comments concerning 'soft power'.
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My Very First Hate Mail
Well I'm proud to say that I've only had this site up for a week and I've already gotten my first hate mail.
Lee Shore says:
This site is a lot of garbage: Full of the pomposity that one has come to expect from "Conservatives"["My opinions of and advice to the World" !!!]; gross generalizations; simplifications; rascist claptrap; oxymoron [Progressive Conservatives - if you please!!] Run a spell check, mend the syntax. No better still - grow up - give up this bullshit - and get an education.
Lee Shore | 11.06.03 - 10:13 am | #
So how to respond? Well I could just be a prick and make fun of him (I'm assuming Lee is a male). Or alternatively I could take the high road and just let it slide. The high road is certainly out of the question. So what to do? Well I'll just have to respond to each of Lee's points as he makes them:
1) "Conservatives" ["My opinions of and advice to the World" !!!] - So Lee has a problem with my having opinions? Why else would he copy and paste this in here. He is free to disagree with my opinions all he wants but is he actually trying to say that I'm not entitled to have or voice them or that somehow they are invalid? I'm not quite sure what the point is here.
2) gross generalizations - Generalizations? Yes. Gross generalizations? Perhaps. But what exactly is wrong with that? If my generalization is wrong or leads me to an invalid conclusion then fine, point out the error of my ways. If he is referring to my belief that the people of France have been populated with Satan's seed, well as I said, prove me wrong.
3) simplifications - Making complex situations simple is how we do things in the world. When trying to solve a complex math problem do you not first try to simplify it so that you can understand the unknowns and how to solve them. Life is simplified. Take Lee's wonderful computer. Somebody took the time to simplify its operation for him by putting together the hardware and creating the operating system. If they hadn't Lee's computer would be a pile of expensive but useless components.
4) rascist claptrap - Rascist? What have I posted that is rascist? I can be pretty critical of dumbass'd people I admit but I don't quite see how that's rascist. And it's racist! Not rascist! See point #6.
5) oxymoron [Progressive Conservatives - if you please!!] - Lee I totally agree with you on that one. Unfortunately the Progressive Conservatives are a political party here in Canada and I am not in a position to change the name of the party. If the name bothers you so much then I would suggest you attend the party convention which is being planned for later this year. Become a member! Voice your opinion!
6) Run a spell check, mend the syntax. - If my writing style bothers anyone then stop reading immediately. I am an engineer by trade and Canadian Law stipulates that I am not required to speak or write above a grade 4 level. Refer back to point #4. As well - putting - dashes - everywhere in your - sentences is not proper - syntax.
7) No better still - grow up - give up this bullshit - and get an education. - I'm of the age of consent so no need to worry about the growing up. Bullshit is a pretty strong word but if my 'bullshit' has bothered you this much then I would consider my 'bullshit' to be quite a success. As for the education, as I've mentioned before, I studied engineering so all bets are off.
For the less dignified response to Lee's message go here.
Lee Shore says:
This site is a lot of garbage: Full of the pomposity that one has come to expect from "Conservatives"["My opinions of and advice to the World" !!!]; gross generalizations; simplifications; rascist claptrap; oxymoron [Progressive Conservatives - if you please!!] Run a spell check, mend the syntax. No better still - grow up - give up this bullshit - and get an education.
Lee Shore | 11.06.03 - 10:13 am | #
So how to respond? Well I could just be a prick and make fun of him (I'm assuming Lee is a male). Or alternatively I could take the high road and just let it slide. The high road is certainly out of the question. So what to do? Well I'll just have to respond to each of Lee's points as he makes them:
1) "Conservatives" ["My opinions of and advice to the World" !!!] - So Lee has a problem with my having opinions? Why else would he copy and paste this in here. He is free to disagree with my opinions all he wants but is he actually trying to say that I'm not entitled to have or voice them or that somehow they are invalid? I'm not quite sure what the point is here.
2) gross generalizations - Generalizations? Yes. Gross generalizations? Perhaps. But what exactly is wrong with that? If my generalization is wrong or leads me to an invalid conclusion then fine, point out the error of my ways. If he is referring to my belief that the people of France have been populated with Satan's seed, well as I said, prove me wrong.
3) simplifications - Making complex situations simple is how we do things in the world. When trying to solve a complex math problem do you not first try to simplify it so that you can understand the unknowns and how to solve them. Life is simplified. Take Lee's wonderful computer. Somebody took the time to simplify its operation for him by putting together the hardware and creating the operating system. If they hadn't Lee's computer would be a pile of expensive but useless components.
4) rascist claptrap - Rascist? What have I posted that is rascist? I can be pretty critical of dumbass'd people I admit but I don't quite see how that's rascist. And it's racist! Not rascist! See point #6.
5) oxymoron [Progressive Conservatives - if you please!!] - Lee I totally agree with you on that one. Unfortunately the Progressive Conservatives are a political party here in Canada and I am not in a position to change the name of the party. If the name bothers you so much then I would suggest you attend the party convention which is being planned for later this year. Become a member! Voice your opinion!
6) Run a spell check, mend the syntax. - If my writing style bothers anyone then stop reading immediately. I am an engineer by trade and Canadian Law stipulates that I am not required to speak or write above a grade 4 level. Refer back to point #4. As well - putting - dashes - everywhere in your - sentences is not proper - syntax.
7) No better still - grow up - give up this bullshit - and get an education. - I'm of the age of consent so no need to worry about the growing up. Bullshit is a pretty strong word but if my 'bullshit' has bothered you this much then I would consider my 'bullshit' to be quite a success. As for the education, as I've mentioned before, I studied engineering so all bets are off.
For the less dignified response to Lee's message go here.
Banning Poppies?
Check out how several business's have tried to ban poppy sales on their premises.
Now I'm all for business's being free to do what they please but I'll be damned if I'll have anything to do with IKEA, CIBC, or National Bank after this. Who at these companys thought that this was a good idea? What exactly were they smoking?
You may be happy to hear that all these company's have since relented and are now allowing poppy sales, but quite frankly, the deed has been done. Now I could add that all the locations that tried this were located in Quebec. But I won't. Really it doesn't matter anyways. Corporate headquarters should have known what was going on. Oh well, they'll learn only when Canadians start avoiding companys that allow this stuff.
On a better note, have any of you seen the latest Rememberance Day spot that has been on the tube for the last week or so. If you haven't seen it, it has a young fellow travelling in France. Well he calls his granddad and after a bit of chitchat, his granddad asks him how the girls in Paris are? The grandson pauses and says he isn't in Paris... he is in Dieppe. Well I won't go any further than that but it is a very touching TV spot. Everytime I hear it I stop everything and watch. So congratulations to... Bell Sympatico!
Check out the excellent website put up by Bell Sympatico at Remember Canada.
So remember: Bell Sympatico = Good, IKEA = Evil, CIBC = Evil, and National Bank = Evil. Good night.
Now I'm all for business's being free to do what they please but I'll be damned if I'll have anything to do with IKEA, CIBC, or National Bank after this. Who at these companys thought that this was a good idea? What exactly were they smoking?
You may be happy to hear that all these company's have since relented and are now allowing poppy sales, but quite frankly, the deed has been done. Now I could add that all the locations that tried this were located in Quebec. But I won't. Really it doesn't matter anyways. Corporate headquarters should have known what was going on. Oh well, they'll learn only when Canadians start avoiding companys that allow this stuff.
On a better note, have any of you seen the latest Rememberance Day spot that has been on the tube for the last week or so. If you haven't seen it, it has a young fellow travelling in France. Well he calls his granddad and after a bit of chitchat, his granddad asks him how the girls in Paris are? The grandson pauses and says he isn't in Paris... he is in Dieppe. Well I won't go any further than that but it is a very touching TV spot. Everytime I hear it I stop everything and watch. So congratulations to... Bell Sympatico!
Check out the excellent website put up by Bell Sympatico at Remember Canada.
So remember: Bell Sympatico = Good, IKEA = Evil, CIBC = Evil, and National Bank = Evil. Good night.
Here's a Surprise
Well Alan Rock has again been cleared of wrongdoing according to the CBC. Why do they even bother to report this. The CBC is supposed to report the news. This mornings broadcast did not report the following:
- the sun rising in the east
- darkness unexpectedly ending near 7:00am
- breakfast most popular meal between 7:00am and 9:00am
Why bother telling us that Alan Rock has been cleared when I could have written that same article 2 weeks ago.
And Howard Wilson, who is he kidding? Ethics counsellor? Please? Wilson treats all of these instances of Liberal wrongdoing as criminal matters and not as ethical matters. The Liberal position in all of these cases over the years has been that unless someone can prove a criminal offense has taken place then the question of lax ethics is preposterous.
Doesn't Wilson, or the Canadian people for that matter, realize that the term 'ethics counsellor' is a misnomer. First of all he judges everything from a criminal context instead of an ethical one (ie. there's no body in your basement, very well Mr. Rock all is good). And second, isn't he supposed to judge the actions of the government and report instances where ethical codes have been violated. He is not supposed to counsel the government on how to gloss over ethical lapses and present a pretty picture for the public to consume.
No matter how the Liberal's spin it, no government official should be taking free flights and vacations on someone else's dime. Period. Especially when that dime comes from one of the wealthiest families in the country. Now if Alan Rock took a vacation with his neighbour Ralph who paid for the gas on the way to the KOA, then fine not much to worry about there. Especially if Alan had to supply his own hotdogs and marshmallows. But please, free flights, and a stay in the 'wilds' of Labrador at the Irving's retreat.
Ah, maybe I'm just jealous of the free perks that Alan Rock enjoys. Perhaps. I just wish they wouldn't call me a conservative nut and then poke me in the eye at the same time.
- the sun rising in the east
- darkness unexpectedly ending near 7:00am
- breakfast most popular meal between 7:00am and 9:00am
Why bother telling us that Alan Rock has been cleared when I could have written that same article 2 weeks ago.
And Howard Wilson, who is he kidding? Ethics counsellor? Please? Wilson treats all of these instances of Liberal wrongdoing as criminal matters and not as ethical matters. The Liberal position in all of these cases over the years has been that unless someone can prove a criminal offense has taken place then the question of lax ethics is preposterous.
Doesn't Wilson, or the Canadian people for that matter, realize that the term 'ethics counsellor' is a misnomer. First of all he judges everything from a criminal context instead of an ethical one (ie. there's no body in your basement, very well Mr. Rock all is good). And second, isn't he supposed to judge the actions of the government and report instances where ethical codes have been violated. He is not supposed to counsel the government on how to gloss over ethical lapses and present a pretty picture for the public to consume.
No matter how the Liberal's spin it, no government official should be taking free flights and vacations on someone else's dime. Period. Especially when that dime comes from one of the wealthiest families in the country. Now if Alan Rock took a vacation with his neighbour Ralph who paid for the gas on the way to the KOA, then fine not much to worry about there. Especially if Alan had to supply his own hotdogs and marshmallows. But please, free flights, and a stay in the 'wilds' of Labrador at the Irving's retreat.
Ah, maybe I'm just jealous of the free perks that Alan Rock enjoys. Perhaps. I just wish they wouldn't call me a conservative nut and then poke me in the eye at the same time.
Are Europeans Hopeless?
Given the results of a European Commision survey one has to think that Europe has lost its mind.
The Telegraph reports, that 59% of Europeans believe that Israel is the largest threat to world peace. How a country that has never started a war in its history be considered the largest threat to world peace is beyond me.
Even totalitarian governments such a North Korea and Iran seem to bother Europeans less than a couple million Jews. Look out Europe Israel is going to conquor you!
I have to ask why is it that Europe can claim such moral superiority on so many issues today and yet knowbody bats an eye? Europe would let millions die in North Korea to ensure its own peace. Europe let 100's of thousands die in Iraq over the years and had the nerve to defend the regime that killed them. How many died in the Balkans last decade because of their moral superiority?
I guess many in Europe have had a tendency to support tyrants over the decades but at least nationally their leaders always had the common sense to choose the right side or to shut up. It sends a very chilling message about Europe's future when their leaders begin to openly support murderous dictators over the U.S.
And after this whole Iraq kurfluffle, Germany and France have the nerve not to pony up any cash! Well here's a solution to that problem right here... the U.S. government should kindly inform France, Germany, and any other ungrateful nation that received Marshall funds after WWII that payment has come due.
Inform them that the Marshall funds were not grants but in fact were loans with a 50 year payment free grace. By 1952, the U.S. had given Europe about $13.2 billion, which according to The Inflation Calculator is equivalent to over $117 billion today. The U.S. should inform these nations that they can do either of two things:
1) Pony up more cash for Iraq or
2) Begin repayment on the 'loans'
If they refused to do either then start confiscating European assets until the bill is covered. Beginning with France!
Sorry, I'm all over the place today. Focus man, focus... ARG!
The Telegraph reports, that 59% of Europeans believe that Israel is the largest threat to world peace. How a country that has never started a war in its history be considered the largest threat to world peace is beyond me.
Even totalitarian governments such a North Korea and Iran seem to bother Europeans less than a couple million Jews. Look out Europe Israel is going to conquor you!
I have to ask why is it that Europe can claim such moral superiority on so many issues today and yet knowbody bats an eye? Europe would let millions die in North Korea to ensure its own peace. Europe let 100's of thousands die in Iraq over the years and had the nerve to defend the regime that killed them. How many died in the Balkans last decade because of their moral superiority?
I guess many in Europe have had a tendency to support tyrants over the decades but at least nationally their leaders always had the common sense to choose the right side or to shut up. It sends a very chilling message about Europe's future when their leaders begin to openly support murderous dictators over the U.S.
And after this whole Iraq kurfluffle, Germany and France have the nerve not to pony up any cash! Well here's a solution to that problem right here... the U.S. government should kindly inform France, Germany, and any other ungrateful nation that received Marshall funds after WWII that payment has come due.
Inform them that the Marshall funds were not grants but in fact were loans with a 50 year payment free grace. By 1952, the U.S. had given Europe about $13.2 billion, which according to The Inflation Calculator is equivalent to over $117 billion today. The U.S. should inform these nations that they can do either of two things:
1) Pony up more cash for Iraq or
2) Begin repayment on the 'loans'
If they refused to do either then start confiscating European assets until the bill is covered. Beginning with France!
Sorry, I'm all over the place today. Focus man, focus... ARG!
Did the U.S. know what France was up to?
A few questions come up due to the article Hussein Was Sure Of Own Survival by Steve Coll over at the Washington Post.
Coll states 'Later, according to Aziz, Hussein concluded after private talks with French and Russian contacts that the United States would probably wage a long air war first, as it had done in previous conflicts. By hunkering down and putting up a stiff defense, he might buy enough time to win a ceasefire brokered by Paris and Moscow.'
Now based on the above, I have to wonder, did the U.S. know what the French and the Russians were up to during the lead up to Gulf War II? I like most people expected several days of bombing to proceed any land invasion.
The order to send in ground troops immediately though makes perfect sense from a political and strategic perspective if you had a suspicion that other nations would get involved and start demanding a ceasefire immediately after the air campaign began. As well, once the troops are in the country it gives good political cover to the President to ignore demands for a ceasefire.
It also makes sense to immediately send in ground troops if you have reason to believe that Hussein had delayed preparation for the defence of Iraq because of information he was getting from outside sources. If Hussein had chemical or biological weapons to deploy (yeah, yeah I know... but this is pre-war remember) it only makes sense that he would wait until the last possible moment to distribute them. If I was in charge and had reason to suspect that WMD hadn't been deployed I'ld be much more likely to rush the invasion if I though it could save lives. Of course you could never be sure such weapons weren't deployed but war is primarily a matter of probabilities and you have to take your chances.
I think we also have reason to suspect that the U.S. knew what the French and Russians were up to because of what seemed to be the quick decision to commence hostilities. The U.S. had a whole armoured division it could have put into the war if it had only waited a couple of weeks. Somebody, somewhere, determined that it was better to go in early than to wait for that division. I've never seen any comments as to why this decision was made.
Now of course all of this could just be a coincidence and the American movement of armoured divisions in Turkey and what seemed at first to be a hurried invasion may have been the plan all along.
But if the Americans knew of the French and Russian activities, this would be a significant intelligence success story that has gone totally unnoticed.
I guess it's to soon to tell but hopefully several years down the road some of the tactical and strategic decisions involved in Gulf War II will be properly explained.
Coll states 'Later, according to Aziz, Hussein concluded after private talks with French and Russian contacts that the United States would probably wage a long air war first, as it had done in previous conflicts. By hunkering down and putting up a stiff defense, he might buy enough time to win a ceasefire brokered by Paris and Moscow.'
Now based on the above, I have to wonder, did the U.S. know what the French and the Russians were up to during the lead up to Gulf War II? I like most people expected several days of bombing to proceed any land invasion.
The order to send in ground troops immediately though makes perfect sense from a political and strategic perspective if you had a suspicion that other nations would get involved and start demanding a ceasefire immediately after the air campaign began. As well, once the troops are in the country it gives good political cover to the President to ignore demands for a ceasefire.
It also makes sense to immediately send in ground troops if you have reason to believe that Hussein had delayed preparation for the defence of Iraq because of information he was getting from outside sources. If Hussein had chemical or biological weapons to deploy (yeah, yeah I know... but this is pre-war remember) it only makes sense that he would wait until the last possible moment to distribute them. If I was in charge and had reason to suspect that WMD hadn't been deployed I'ld be much more likely to rush the invasion if I though it could save lives. Of course you could never be sure such weapons weren't deployed but war is primarily a matter of probabilities and you have to take your chances.
I think we also have reason to suspect that the U.S. knew what the French and Russians were up to because of what seemed to be the quick decision to commence hostilities. The U.S. had a whole armoured division it could have put into the war if it had only waited a couple of weeks. Somebody, somewhere, determined that it was better to go in early than to wait for that division. I've never seen any comments as to why this decision was made.
Now of course all of this could just be a coincidence and the American movement of armoured divisions in Turkey and what seemed at first to be a hurried invasion may have been the plan all along.
But if the Americans knew of the French and Russian activities, this would be a significant intelligence success story that has gone totally unnoticed.
I guess it's to soon to tell but hopefully several years down the road some of the tactical and strategic decisions involved in Gulf War II will be properly explained.
Go already!
Latest news is that Jean ChRETiEN will be leaving office before this upcoming February.
Canadians will finally be rid of the one man who has done more damage, not only to the nation of Canada, but to the entire notion of being Canadian, than any leader probably in our history.
But regardless of his leaving, and his replacement with the slightly more tolerable Paul Martin, I am sad to say that I am disappointed in seeing him leave. Given all the scandals his government has been involved in, its sad to see that he'll be able to just slip into the night. If this country had a united Conservative alternative I would have been able to drink myself into a stupor in seeing him getting lynched by the country during an election. Instead he'll walk away, able to do God knows what kind of damage in some other capacity.
SecGen of the UN? Perhaps... Oh please God don't let that happen.
All you Conservatives out there better be ready... we'll never be rid of this man and his blasted opinions.
Anyways on to better news, the uniting of the Canadian Right is looking more probable by the day. The Globe and Mail had a nice full page advertisement by the Conservative? Yes! campaign. Check out the link on the sidebar.
Now if only David Orchard could get hit by a bus somewheres all would be good. What's up with this guy? I used to have this nagging suspicion that Joe Clark was a paid stooge of The Liberal Party meant to divide the Canadian Right and ensure Liberal victories at the polls. Now I suspect the checks are being diverted to Orchards checking account these days.
Orchard would choose to be a 'loser' until when exactly? He refuses to deal with the Canadian Alliance yet he has absolutely no proposal on how to beat the Liberals. Does this character not realize that if you are unrelenting in your beliefs, and refuse to cooperate with those of a similar political persuasion, that you'll never be able to form a government given the manner of Canadian politics?
Anyways, if anyone knows Orchard's jogging schedule, I can arrange the bus...
Canadians will finally be rid of the one man who has done more damage, not only to the nation of Canada, but to the entire notion of being Canadian, than any leader probably in our history.
But regardless of his leaving, and his replacement with the slightly more tolerable Paul Martin, I am sad to say that I am disappointed in seeing him leave. Given all the scandals his government has been involved in, its sad to see that he'll be able to just slip into the night. If this country had a united Conservative alternative I would have been able to drink myself into a stupor in seeing him getting lynched by the country during an election. Instead he'll walk away, able to do God knows what kind of damage in some other capacity.
SecGen of the UN? Perhaps... Oh please God don't let that happen.
All you Conservatives out there better be ready... we'll never be rid of this man and his blasted opinions.
Anyways on to better news, the uniting of the Canadian Right is looking more probable by the day. The Globe and Mail had a nice full page advertisement by the Conservative? Yes! campaign. Check out the link on the sidebar.
Now if only David Orchard could get hit by a bus somewheres all would be good. What's up with this guy? I used to have this nagging suspicion that Joe Clark was a paid stooge of The Liberal Party meant to divide the Canadian Right and ensure Liberal victories at the polls. Now I suspect the checks are being diverted to Orchards checking account these days.
Orchard would choose to be a 'loser' until when exactly? He refuses to deal with the Canadian Alliance yet he has absolutely no proposal on how to beat the Liberals. Does this character not realize that if you are unrelenting in your beliefs, and refuse to cooperate with those of a similar political persuasion, that you'll never be able to form a government given the manner of Canadian politics?
Anyways, if anyone knows Orchard's jogging schedule, I can arrange the bus...
The real threat to Iraqis...
Check out The real threat to Iraqis is coming now from Western defeatists by Johann Hari.
As a side note, this blogging thing is a breeze. Quite frankly I can check out other sites and refer you to them. I guess I'ld prefer to read other's opinions and arguments than to hear my own. Oh well...
Also I've added several links to the sidebar to some great sites. Check them out.
Later.
As a side note, this blogging thing is a breeze. Quite frankly I can check out other sites and refer you to them. I guess I'ld prefer to read other's opinions and arguments than to hear my own. Oh well...
Also I've added several links to the sidebar to some great sites. Check them out.
Later.