scribblet

Quote: Not the kind of poverty and desperation which existed a hundred years ago. Not even close. Unquote It sure isn't, these guys are no Jean Valjeans stealing a loaf of bread to survive. They are long past rehabilitation IMO. http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/ed...04-ac54e93cae1c Andre Thompson, the 20-year-old charged with eight counts -- including pointing a firearm, discharging a weapon, possession of a restricted weapon, possession of a loaded weapon, possession of a stolen weapon and violating the terms of his parole -- was out on probation at the time. On Oct. 6, he had been released from prison, where he had been serving time for robbery. Clearly the criminal justice failed Ms. Creba, with dreadful consequences. While violent crime is rising, particularly in Toronto, incarceration rates in Canada are falling precipitously. In an average year, there are more than 2.6 million crimes committed in Canada, about 300,000 of them violent. For these offences, about 250,000 persons will be sentenced to custody each year. Yet on any given day, only approximately 32,000 will be in federal or provincial prison. Increasingly in Canada, only violent offenders ever see the inside of a jail cell and then often only for a few weeks at a time. Four of five adult criminals, according to Statistics Canada, "or just over 122,600, were being supervised in the community. The vast majority, 82%, were on probation, 11% were on conditional sentences and 7% were on parole or statutory release." Indeed, incarceration rates have been dropping sharply since the mid-1990s, when the federal and provincial governments consciously decided to do away with imprisonment, except in the most extreme cases. At the provincial level, there has been a 31% decline in the number of incarcerated adults; at the federal level, a decrease of 9%.

I'm learning to like Kinsella I wouldn't say its in the bag either, I think we will see a major offensive and attack strategy in the latter half. Not only that but Martin is really beginning to look tired and is fumbling more. How old is he - 68? I wonder how he would hold up under another minority gov't, its a lot more stressful than with a majority gov't.

My friend just read your comment over my shoulder and told me that she is now changing her vote from Conservative to Liberal. Thanks a bunch. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Oh right, if they want to base their voting decision on what a few people on an internet discussion board say then - all I can say is hmmmmm. This board is very moderate, very few personal attacks and most seem to be well informed. If you want to read a really radical left wing side of things go to rabble where the standard operating procedure is to call anyone with opposing views a bigot or a troll, no dissenting voices allowed, then see how you feel about a discussion board changing your vote.

Oh yes. I forgot about that plan of Harper regarding crime. Tis true, tougher sentences is a practical solution. And I would even support that they get those youths...especially the youths... on their FIRST crimes, and give them a good jolt. Most crimes on the headlines are perpetrated by the young. And by the looks of it, the situation is only getting worse. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> http://www.ctv.ca/mini/election2006/static/issues/index.html a good comparison of platforms here: I find this one from the NDP curious "Create aboriginal seats in Parliament" Exactly how they plan on getting around the democratic voting process, is this a form of affirmative action, or a plan to create more MP's which would maybe represent a reserve and voting would only be by reserve residents ?

Sometimes I think the only people who believe that are those who are not capable of thinking for themselves or taking responsibility for their own actions. Fortunately enough people recognize that the NDP would take more control and eventually increase taxes etc.. I think they also realize that should the NDP gain power, we would see an exodus of companies and jobs.

Only an NDPer or someone further left than that would suggest that Harper's policies are 'anti-people', as ridiculous as suggesting that conservatives are 'anti-Canadian. Each policy announcement of Harper's is designed to help a different group of people, mostly middle to lower income. While I would rather see more broad based tax cuts, he is reaching out and helping more people. I think what the main problem as seen by a left winger, is that he isn't taking enough from the 'rich' (define rich) and giving to the poor, in other words, attempting to make us all equally poor.

I'm not big on the death penalty either, but I think if one my kids were raped and murdered I might be willing to pull the switch as long as he was guilty beyond a shadow of a doubt. However, I do believe that the soft approach isn't working, repeat offenders and criminals such as these gun gangstas should be made to work hard. What's wrong with having them work to clean up roads etc. We've been soft on these guys for too long.

Both parties seem to have done an about face on the crime issue since the Toronto shootings and are now taking a page from the CPC on justice.

He's not a separatist - yet - he's only saying IF the Liberals remain in power, he would looking at separatism, not quite the same thing. However, he has been the victim of some pretty malicious character assassination from a website I won't name, not just that, but they sent emails to him under false pretences to find his real name. I don't hate any party or people who belong to it, but the hate and vitriol from that particular discussion group towards anything comservative is beyond all reason and bordering on psychotic.

http://www.smalldeadanimals.com/archives/s...eral-judges.gif check this out, liberal judges and their donations !!

JUST THE FACTS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 29, 2005 RCMP investigations into Liberal government activities OTTAWA - Yesterday's announcement that the RCMP are conducting a criminal investigation into the Income Trust Scandal is just another chapter in an ongoing saga. Here are some media reports of RCMP investigations over the past three years: DND: The RCMP is probing a $76.5 million DND contract with Compaq Canada. (National Post, September 30, 2003). Public Works: Paul Coffin, president of a Montreal-based advertising company with Liberal links, was charged by the RCMP with 18 counts of fraud, involving $2-million. (Globe and Mail, September 29, 2003). Chuck Guite and Jean Brault, the former head of the Groupaction firm, are facing charges in the sponsorship scandal. the RCMP (Martin Statement, November 1, 2005) Industry Canada: The RCMP is investigating possible fraud and bribery within Industry Canada, involving possible "overpayments" to recipients of federal business grants. (Globe and Mail, September 29, 2003). A former Ontario director of a federal agency is facing fraud charges after allegedly using government credit cards to buy hockey memorabilia. (National Post, January 7, 2005) David Emerson told the House of Commons that several Technology Partnerships Canada files had been referred to the RCMP (Hansard, October 3, 2005) Lobbyist Registrar Michael Nelson said that he has referred a case involving a lobbyist to the RCMP (Ottawa Citizen, November 7, 2005) snip HRDC: More than half a dozen bureaucrats have been "removed" from their jobs at a Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) in Toronto following a police investigation into projects funded under one of the department's grants and contributions programs (St. John's Telegram, September 15, 2003). Radwanski: The auditor general called on the RCMP and Revenue Canada to investigate George Radwanski's spending habits. (CTV.ca, September 30, 2003). The Leader of the Government in the Senate, the Hon. Sharon Carstairs, responding to a question from Senator Stratton, acknowledged that there are as many as 12 ongoing RCMP investigations into the Office of the Privacy Commissioner. (Hansard, October 1, 2003). CCRA: Revenue Minister Elinor Caplan has called in the RCMP and ordered a sweeping security review after four tax department computers were stolen containing confidential personal information on more than 120,000 Canadians. (Windsor Star, September 30, 2003). Following a six month investigation, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Greater Toronto Area Commercial Crime Section has laid a charge of Breach of Trust by Public Officer against a former employee of the Canada Customs & Revenue Agency (CCRA), alleging that she disclosed confidential tax payer information to an unauthorized person. (release via Canada News Wire, October 7, 2003). Aboriginal Affairs: The investigations into the Virginia Fontaine Addictions Foundation. Although some charges have been laid already the Edmonton Journal reported October 2 that."the RCMP say they expect to lay more charges within the next three weeks." (Edmonton Journal, October 2, 2003). Health Canada has called in the RCMP's fraud unit and terminated a $6.8-million funding deal with a Winnipeg-based native health organization. (Winnipeg Free Press, February 22, 2005) Andy Scott revealed that when financial irregularities were found at Keeseekoose First Nation, the RCMP was called in and charges laid. (Globe and Mail, November 16, 2005) Citizenship and Immigration: A prime suspect in the sweeping RCMP probe into alleged bribery of federal immigration judges twice bought his way out of jails in India before paying a human smuggler $8,000 to bring him to Canada. Last month, RCMP detectives alleged in sworn affidavits that Singh and members of his criminal organization pressured immigrants in Ottawa and Montreal to pay bribes of $10,000 to $15,000 that were shared with two Immigration and Refugee Board judges in exchange for favourable rulings. (National Post, July 5, 2003) In one of Canada's most serious cases of passport theft, the RCMP foiled a scheme to sell 246 stolen blank Canadian passports -- but not before some of them found their way into the hands of international people-smuggling rings. (Globe and Mail, October 26, 2004). The RCMP are probing allegations about immigration officer at Pearson Airport in relation to reports that a Romanian diplomat pulled strings in Canada so his exotic dancer daughter could get a work visa from immigration officials in 24 hours. (Toronto Sun, November 26, 2004). Media reports revealed that a former staff member in Immigration Minister Judy Sgro's office is being probed for allegations relating to national security. (Toronto Sun, December 9, 2004). snip Transport: Transport Canada officials reveal that following a six-month internal government review of security clearances granted to airport workers, 73 cases have been deemed suspicious or incomplete enough to forward to the RCMP for further investigation of possible criminal ties (Times-Colonist, December 12, 2004) Liberal MP Robert Thibault has asked the RCMP to look into the privatization of the Digby wharf: "I've asked the solicitor general and advised the minister of transport that I have asked for an RCMP review of the matter," he said (Chronicle-Herald, February 10, 2005). The RCMP have no plans to reopen an investigation into privatization of the Digby wharf however (Chronicle-Herald, April 1, 2005). Tim Murphy and Ujjal Dosanjh: The RCMP investigates allegations of Tim Murphy and Ujjal Dosanjh making offers to Conservative MPs to try and get them to cross the floor. Finance: RCMP reviewing complaints of possible leak of income trust announcement: Staff Sgt. Paul Marsh told Bloomberg News. (CTV.ca, November 30, 2005)

If I remember correctly, the NDP in Ontario changed a number of labour laws which Harris rolled back and added a good one, notably mandatory votes for all certifications and collective agreement prior to all lawful strikes. I could be wrong but I think the McGuinty gov't is changing them back to give more power to the unions. One of the changes is the removal of the requirement that employers post information in their workplaces advising employees how to decertify their union, and elimination of the requirement for unions to publish name and salary information for union officials earning in excess of $100,000. These are provincial mind you, but I'm sure a federal NDP would do what they could to alter the balance. They will increase immigration levels and amend current immigration laws, that currently bar most immigrants that would have been admitted during the Trudeau era. I take it this means they will allow in less qualified immigrants with fewer skills and training. They will cancel NATO, 3rd world debt, increase foreign aid and triple AIDs funding among other things. None of which will benefit Canada IMO.

Betsy says: Union-mentality workers who would not dare do a little bit more than what was required of them? "Oh, it's not in my job description." "Oh, It's 6.00 on the dot. If I go round to check will I get over-time pay?" I'm guessing thats the main reason they left, the whistle blew, and bingo, they are gone.

Fortunately Harper isn't trying to distribute my 'wealth' such a it is - I've had my pocket picked enough thank you very much - and - judging from some of the personal attacks on anyone who doesn't agree with a socialist, Harper must be doing something right ! It has been an interesting first half with the 'normally' competent Liberals committing all of the gaffs, and the CPC National Campaign being remarkably disciplined and playing so far, error-free politics. This should give CPC the advantage into the 2nd half. While the Liberal's natural campaign game plan is to demonize, pander and patronize, the Fibs are stuck denying, defending, and deflecting on subjects as varied as Boiled Dog's Heads, Beer and Popcorn and Chow-chows. The Beer and Popcorn remark is the most illuminating remark ever into the LPC's inner mind and sheds the light of day on Their Hidden Agenda. The LPC truly believes that they are better at organizing your life than you are, that they would make wiser decisions about raising your kids than you could, and that you really shouldn't be entitled to the money you earn when they can think of so many more 'Good Things' to spend it on than you possibly could yourself. They have considerably compounded their Corruption Quotient with Goodale's Income Trust Insider Trading Scandal (GIT-ITS), as in 'git it while u can'. Sort of like Steve Miller's Hit Song about the story of Jack and Diane -"Take the Money and Run" .

http://www.mkbraaten.com/2005/12/29/ctv-pr...of-actual-leak/ This is heating up, wonder if this could be the straw that broke the camel's back and good bye Liberals.

It seems to me the last time people practised 'strategic voting' it caused the NDP to lose seats and their funding. Then they all shed crocodile tears demanding the NDP receive that funding and status anyway. How anyone can support a party but vote 'strategically' then cry the blues when it loses seats and status, is beyond me. Talk about hypocrites.

If you combine this ruling with Canada's unusually low age of consent – 14 – will it result in an influx of pedophiles, since under Canadian law 14 year-olds are legally considered "consenting adults." They can just set up bawdy houses here now - talk about breaking down moral principles in Canadian society.

The gun registry is a crock and hasn't solved anything. We need a boot camp at the very least if and when we can round them up. There are hundres of people who know of these guys are but don't co-operate with the police. Throwing millions at after school programs won't change a criminal mind set, that mind set starts at home. We need to get much tougher with sentencing, parole, and no cushy jail cells.

A number of people shot up in downtown Toronto near the Eaton centre today. What a mess. So much for the gun registry eh! http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/20...ing-051226.html

Generally speaking IMHO Muslims here have integrated better than in Europe, but also we do not have the same numbers. However, the request for some Sharia Law in Ontario was unsettling, I was thankful McGuinty had the guts to say no to that one. Europe (including Britain) have serious problems, many or most not reported in our media, one has to go on line to read other newspaper reports. I never did see any real coverage of riots in other countries when France was burning. It is hard to discuss the issue as accusations of racism generally raise their ugly heads, which is why I think the MSM doesn't write much about problems in Europe. http://www.jp.dk/aar/artikel:aid=3354408/ several nights in a row, there has been the worst riots in Århus for many years. "This land belongs to us", declared the young rioters. Another arson attack took place sunday night. Sunday evening the fire department needed police escorts to get in and extinguish an arsonist fire in Søndervangs Alle. The words of the young muslims sound like an open declaration of war against Danish society. The police must stay away. This area belongs to immigrants. Four youngsters sit at the wall in the Rosenhøj center, sunday afternoon, self decleared spokesmen, for those groups who three nights in a row has rioted, and put business on fire. All around the parking lot, there are swarms of cars with youngster from the immigrant community, who are celebrating the worst riots in Århus in several years. Every night, 30 to 40 immigrant youngsters participated. Only two are under arrest. It was a victory. "We knew that you would come. We are the spokesmen", said one young man with his face covered. He was angry. Very angry. Petrol though the window. At the back of the house was a window broken, and the fire was burning wildly, probably because of petrol that had been thrown in. The fire engines waited for police escort so they could enter in and try to put out the fires. Bricks from the street have been thrown and crushed windowns all up the street. The police reports that the youngsters came to the area armed with rocks that they brought in. Rocks against a bakery. Saturday, a 16 year old from Somalia was jailed for comitting dangerous violence, because he attacked a bakery with large rocks. One rock barely missed the bakers face. Raids. snip "The police has to stay away. This is our area. We rule this place"

Thanks for linking to a 61 month old article by the Washington Post-owned Slate. And no, Robert Novak and Tucker Carlson are not "on board" at the FNC. Have you ever watched the FNC? I ask this because it was banned for 5 years in Canada by the Liberal Party-controlled CRTC, and to this day is not readily available to the public (I had to buy a digital box to receive it on Channel 142...CNN is on basic cable; Channel 18). Is it because Democrats are regulary demolished on the FNC when forced to defend their stance against Republicans? You should thank the FNC. They are forcing the Democrats to sharpen up their dulled debating skills. Instead of the liberal MSM calling for the men with white coats when faced with Kerry, Dean, Pelosi, Boxer, Reid, and Murtha talking what in any reasonable sense is pure drivel, the fawning MSM nods solemnly and wonders whether Bush is living "in a bubble" (as Newsweek's new issue has on their front cover). No wonder these clowns are so out of touch with the majority of the public. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I've been watching FNC lately and find it refreshing to hear a different side of the issues. Some of it gets on my nerves after a while if it gets too strident, but they do generally present both sides. Its too bad Canada doesn't have something similar rather than the CBC and Red Star propaganda.

I don't have a problem with it, sounds reasonable.

I work with children. Children, especially the boys at a certain age don't want parents hugging them. Oh, that is just too "un-cool", especiallyand definitely not in public! I have a four year old boy who shrieks and squirm away from his mommy whenever she attempts to kiss him. At least Harper's kids were not shrieking and running away. Imagine the ribbing those kids will get from their peers in school. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Especially in front of media et al. I agree, it is extremely shallow of people to focus on Harper's appearance, but then, I suppose they don't have much else to Harp on about these days.

Gee, I wonder if any of these guys have registered their firearms <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Wonder if a new basketball court and community centre would have stopped it, yeah, they'll register their guns and play ball instead.