Civis Romanus sum

Whether you feel that we need fighter planes in the future or not the billions to be spent on bringing more Muslims to Canada could otherwise be spent on health care or public housing or education or tax cuts.

Because it is in Turkey's interests to do so, clearly.

I was astonished to read this, and can't imagine what kind of people would be so lacking in human feeling and compassion. Apparently in China, if a driver accidentally hits someone, they will often back up over them again and again to make sure they're dead. That way if caught they only have to pay a small fine, as opposed to taking care of an injured person's expenses for life. http://news.nationalpost.com/news/world/why-many-drivers-in-china-intentionally-kill-the-pedestrians-they-hit

Of course. Why would you expect otherwise? You can't answer questions honestly in the current atmosphere without causing great offense. If the were to bring up the enormous cost of bringing over, sheltering and housing many tens of thousands of migrants, for example, they would be pounced on as heartless. If they were to suggest most of those they brought over would never be able to obtain work beyond the most menial, and thus never be taxpayers, they would be called names, as well.

That region has been unstable my entire life.

Then why are you blaming Harper for it?

We're part of a coalition. The coalition is having an effect on holding back ISIS. If you lived in a village or town in the path of ISIS, you would probably not be so opposed to it, particularly if you were female.

I don't suggest it. However, those would not be the least sensible. They would likely be the most sensible, if heartless. The current mess would be brought to a quick end.

The Us political system is a far worse mess than ours. Why would you want to embrace that?

True. And Mulcair is only able to control the NDP caucus because the members let him. And Trudeau is only able to control the Liberal caucus because the members let him. Whipping caucus is not something which began with Harper. You might consider the origin of the title 'party whip' as well.

They did? When did this happen? Some of you people seem to have remarkably short memories.

Isn't the new policy to allow the parties to raise their own money, to limit the size of donations, and to limit the amount you can spend? Why do we need government subsidies for political parties beyond what is given in tax writeoffs for those who donate? Under the Liberal policy parties got government money based on their electoral support in the previous election. That was clearly very prejudicial towards anyone trying to break into politics like the Greens.

Unfortunately, the governments have the guns. So while it is a nice fantasy, and would likely produce much more sensible borders, it will never happen.

The Tories face a problem the other parties do not. That is the likelihood that organized left wing activist groups will show up anywhere they are speaking or debating in order to yell verbal abuse and heckle them. There are no organized right wing activist groups who would engage in such behaviour against the NDP, Liberals, BQ or Greens.

She was extremely shrill and partisan during the last election. I think any improvement is due to coaching her to hide that. As for the most integrity, you have nothing to base that upon. She has no large party to run so you can't judge her against those who do.

Well, there are sympathizers and then there are those willing to take action.

Normally I would say no. I have a major issue with this new ISIS group and its sex slave trading of little girls, though. And I think all western countries should oppose genocide.

But in the reply, Alexander said that unless Nenshi was planning on committing treason, terrorism or taking up arms against Canada he didn't have anything to worry about.

You do realize you're accusing the US of dislodging a man who was effectively a monster, and propping up a democratically elected prime minister instead...

So are you suggesting Iraq needs to be ruled by its minority? The same logic could be used to reinstate minority rule in Zimbabwe and South Africa, you know. After all, the whites were the ones who knew how to run things, and since black majority rule both countries have gone downhill.

Well, maybe we should aid him. I realize the man is horrible, but at least he provided stability. And a number of people here, including you, are blaming the West for dislodging his mirror image Saddam. So logically they would want Asaad to remain in power and someone like Saddam to be put in charge of Iraq.

That makes perfect sense. However, there is no chance any of the Arab governments in that region would agree.

I am fairly certain that the Christians self-identify, that almost no Muslim would claim to be Christian, and that a few basic questions about Christianity would reveal any false claimants.

No, they didn't.

There is virtually nothing we can do to effectively assist in achieving peace over there.