capricorn
-
Posts
8,265 -
Joined
-
Last visited
-
Days Won
15
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Events
Posts posted by capricorn
-
-
I like McKenna and I think he would have had a good kick at the can regardless of his lack of charisma or his business credentials. If he wanted the leadership would he not have run in December? I get the feeling the man wants to slip into retirement and is not interested in a job that would be very, very hard on his personal life.
Lacking charisma?
Never heard that one about McKenna. Seen him speak, he came across pretty well IMHO.
Why didn't he want to run in December? At the time everybody thought that the new Liberal leader was guaranteed 5 or 6 years in opposition.
Harper's having a much harder time in Government than expected. If the Liberals lose the coming election the party will blame it as Dion losing a winnable election.
If it's another Conservative minority you will probably see both the CPC and the LPC having leadership races within a year of the election.
A second Conservative minority Government wouldn't last as long as this one has so far.
I'm a woman. I don't find McKenna charismatic.
I still believe in his abilities.Now, Ignatieff, that's a different story. (Wink)
Different sexes, different views?
-
Madmax, I follow you. In this case, I believe the damage done to Omar Khadr due to his long incarceration is irreversible and there is no turning back now to "save" him, so to speak. Unfortunate.
This is not a problem due solely to our present government. He has been in Guantanamo for some 5 years. All we can hope is that politicians learned their lesson and will know what to do when similar cases arise in the future. You can be sure there will be others. We are in uncharted territory.
-
It will never happen, but this is one issue I would like to see a poll conducted among Canadians. There are two diametrically opposed opinions among Canadians. One is that Khadr is a Canadian citizen therefore the Canadian government should be doing everything it can to have him released into Canadian custody. This view is reinforced since murder charges against him were dropped on a technicality. Blame US incompetence for this one. What we would do with him if he was returned to Canada, well, who knows. The other opinion is that Khadr is an undesirable who should remain in Guantanamo and be put on trial by US authorities; the government should not intervene, other than to ensure he is treated humanely while in US custody.
Here is a case where the government simply can't win. Damned if you do, damned if you don't. Walking a tightrope, so to say.
I think Khadr's hate for the west has intensified since his incarceration in Guantanamo. His own father was killed by the US military. He is on record as saying he is more committed now than ever to the cause. If for some reason he is set free, I don't relish the thought of having him on the loose, anywhere. He also has a supportive family waiting for him in this country whose matriarch advocates turning her sons into martyrs (read suicide bombers). Someone will eventually pay the price for what he and his family have been put through. The question is, who might that be?
-
I know a lot of smokers who buy cigarettes on the black market. They say why pay $70. a carton when I can get it for $12.? The problem is those contraband cigarettes contain so many toxins, it will kill them twice as fast. So high taxes on cigarettes are turning smokers to contraband cigarettes. In turn they get sick more often than those smoking regulated smokes and put a strain the health care system. If the government would reduce taxes on cigarettes, sales would increase (so would taxes collected) and the black market would lose customers.
-
I like McKenna and I think he would have had a good kick at the can regardless of his lack of charisma or his business credentials. If he wanted the leadership would he not have run in December? I get the feeling the man wants to slip into retirement and is not interested in a job that would be very, very hard on his personal life.
-
kuzadd, you're first sentence says it all. Religion is used to brainwash people into action while other another agenda is at play. The west does not use religion to mobilize us to protect ourselves from terrorist attacks. It is radical Islam that uses religion as a springboard to fight us. This is done to multiply the number of radicals who would become martyrs for the cause. It's not a question of playing the religion card, it's a question of which side is using religion to achieve its goal of dominance.
I don't dispute that the west has acted to pilfer the resources of the Middle East and that is regrettable. This is not a modern day occurence. It has been going on for centuries. In fighting terrorist attacks, the west is using the argument that terrorism is a threat to our personal security and to our culture, and must be defeated.
Please, I don't accept the concept that they are us and we are them. Unless one associates oneself with a movement that wants to kill/eliminate/eradicate/wipe out/behead their perceived enemy, i.e. infidels.
-
I always thought that the spread of western culture into the Middle East was one of the principle causes of hatred for the west. For example, Iraq was quite “westernized” in the early 70s before Saddam came to power. He quickly snuffed that out and Iraqis returned to their previous customs and they descended into poverty. I think Al Quaeda and their ilk use the Islamic religion as the backdrop in inciting their people to rise up against the west. The end game is to drive westerners out of the Middle East and to spread Islamic government and religion throughout the world.
The world as we knew it in the 80s is shrinking due to technological advancements, instantaneous communications and, trade and commerce between nations worldwide. The Global City, so to speak.
“Globalization: A Catalyst for Terrorism and Global Destabilization?
“The object here is not to lay blame on globalization for the hostilities to it, nor to excuse hostile or malevolent reactions.
It is, however, worthy of understanding, not only sources of global instability today, but the catalyst setting off these forces into an aggressive-defensive mode.”
snip
"For this purpose I propose the question -- Is the increase of terrorism and the radicalization of Islam over the past few decades an effect of globalization? Furthermore, are many of the tensions between nations today related to the transition of nations from self dependent sovereign states, to a world of nations which are becoming increasingly interdependent while looking to establish global security and world order through international consensus in a multipolar global society?
Regarding Islam, I do not say that globalization is the cause of Islamic radicalization; an inherent nature in certain tenants of Islam has supported violence and suppression from inception, notwithstanding, globalization has served as a catalyst to activate these radical elements. This is in part evidenced by the upsurge in terrorism and increased radicalization of Islam over the past few decades, which corresponds with the global trend towards world socialization. “
snip
“Globalization has threatened the destruction of Islamic culture and beliefs through modernization. Westernization being viewed as a direct attack upon their civilization has created panic and served as an incendiary to incite many adherents of Islam into action, not only to defend their lands, but to become the dominant power of any coming world order.”
snip
“For as the cultural conflict between the West and Islam intensifies, there is another struggle taking place for the control of resources and the global economy. It was for this purpose the European Union was created to be a competitor; however, “former” communist countries have joined the fray having been empowered by the US dollar, global markets, and a growing control of energy supplies.”
snip
“Now consider a parable: In 1956 Brazilian scientists were attempting to create a new hybrid bee in the hopes of creating improved honey production when African bees were accidentally introduced into the wild in South and North America and began to dominate the domestic honey bee. This new hybrid, known as the “Africanized” or “killer bee,” took many years to establish colonies, as it did, it began to radicalize and take over the hives of domestic bees. The bee is extremely defensive-aggressive, easily agitated by anything deemed foreign, and it produces little honey; thus, it has become unprofitable for the Keeper and a threat to all others.”
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/1840353/posts
It looks to me the hatred Islamists feel toward us and express in the most violent way will only intensify. No need to distinguish between extremists and moderates. When push comes to shove, they’ll side with each other, no matter what the moderates say to assuage our fears. In the eyes of Islam, it is them or us. Sound familiar?
-
Another pertinent question. Are the terms Islamic extremist exchangeable with the term Muslim extremist? Which one is appropriate in this discussion? Maybe both are.
-
As I said in another thread, I think Kennedy will be held to account at the next leadership convention for having pushed Dion up the middle to beat Ignatieff and Rae last December. I think Kennedy is out.
It makes no difference whether the leadership contenders are known or unknown outside the Liberal Party. It's for delegates to decide the next leader. Delegates, and of course the backroom boys, need to know them is all.
Right now, the only one with a higher profile than Dion is Ignatieff and I beleive he wants the job badly. Why else would he work so hard at being a strong deputy leader? I feel he wants to redeem himself for all those years he spent outside Canada. I believe him to be more intelligent than Dion. That's my personal observation.
Among the present players, what other rising star do the Liberals have? As a matter of fact, at this time they are in a better position than the Conservatives. The Libs have someone in the wings. Who does the Conservatives have to replace Harper? I may be wrong but from here, I can't see anyone.
-
The Senate does not have the power to bring down the government.
Unlike the House of Commons, the Senate has no effect in the decision to end the term of the prime minister or of the government. Only the Commons may force the prime minister to tender his resignation, or to recommend the dissolution of Parliament and issue of election writs, by passing a motion of no-confidence or by withdrawing supply. Thus, the Senate's oversight of the government is limited.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Sena...ative_functions
I thought that too so they will probably just block it and send it back to the HOC but then what happens. Another vote?
Yes, the Budget Implementation Bill, with Senate amendments, would return to the House for another round of debates on the amendments and another vote. It appears the Liberal dominated Senate is just playing political games. This in itself will cause many to question whether the Senate is acting properly.
http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/st...d922aef&k=24387
-
The Senate does not have the power to bring down the government.
Unlike the House of Commons, the Senate has no effect in the decision to end the term of the prime minister or of the government. Only the Commons may force the prime minister to tender his resignation, or to recommend the dissolution of Parliament and issue of election writs, by passing a motion of no-confidence or by withdrawing supply. Thus, the Senate's oversight of the government is limited.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Sena...ative_functions
-
I never implied Dion would get dumped before an election. I said above it would be folly on the part of the Liberals to do so. Insiders have reason to be worried about going into an election with Dion at the helm.
My sense is that with Dion as leader, the Liberals will lose the next election to the Conservatives. Unless, of course, the Conservatives commit a whopper which Canadians could not possibly stomach. Possibly, there is enough time for this to happen.
Might not be a whopper. Just a series of things like Afghanistan, the environment, equalization and other issues where they often on the wrong side of the issue.
The Tories were at or near to 40% in the polls a few weeks ago. Now, they are at 29%. The Liberals have remained steady, perhaps even gaining a point or two. If an election were held this week, it is quite possible the Tories could go down in defeat.
As others have said, Harper's handling of the situation with Saskatchewan and the Atlantic provinces could be very well received by the rest of the country. Let's see if his numbers increase as a result within the next week or so.
-
Therein lies the problem for those in the Liberal party who wish to sideline Dion. Dion's popularity numbers reinforces their case for the need for a different leader. The scenario of Dion as PM is as distasteful for his Liberal political foes as it is for many Liberal supporters.
Dion's not getting dumped before the next election.
Regardless of the level of support the Conservatives enjoy vis-a-vis the Liberals.
I never implied Dion would get dumped before an election. I said above it would be folly on the part of the Liberals to do so. Insiders have reason to be worried about going into an election with Dion at the helm.
My sense is that with Dion as leader, the Liberals will lose the next election to the Conservatives. Unless, of course, the Conservatives commit a whopper which Canadians could not possibly stomach. Possibly, there is enough time for this to happen.
-
The biggest turn offs by the Ontario Liberals for me were:
- grants to immigrant groups without proper applications and paper trail (possible preference to Liberal friendly immigrant groups)
- lottogate (crooked retailers cashing in on loose management of the lotto system)
- failure to close coal fired plants (so much for Liberal concern for the environment)
- flick off campaign (edging on profanity to urge our youth to turn off lights)
- law and order, specifically gun violence (let's ban what is already banned)
With that list of screw ups fresh in my mind, it's difficult to laud any accomplishments. Are there any?
My father used to say "Time to bring in a different crook to pick our pockets." Geez I miss that man.
-
He can learn to talk like John Wayne, but that hand thing he does...the two fists held in front of him like he's about to mince into a torrential sob session, or scream like a poofta...that makes him look about as ineffectual as Neville Chamberlain's daughter.
And yet the Liberals are ahead of the Tories in the polls. He might be like Bourassa and run behind his party but still end up winning.
Therein lies the problem for those in the Liberal party who wish to sideline Dion. Dion's popularity numbers reinforces their case for the need for a different leader. The scenario of Dion as PM is as distasteful for his Liberal political foes as it is for many Liberal supporters.
Using Dion's own analogy, polls are like tides. I think the Conservatives' drop in the polls is attributed to, among other things, growing sentiment against the Afghan mission, the inept handling of the stand-off with Saskatchewan and the Atlantic provinces, and the perceived arrogance of the PM.
A lot can change between now and an election. The variables are incalculable.
-
Wasn't Kennedy the one who gave the final push that put Dion over the top at the convention?
If I was a delegate at the next onvention, I would hold him responsible in large part for the Liberals getting stuck with a leader who is essentially a non-starter. That, and whoever else is in the running, would influence my choice.
Dion is into his seventh month as leader. He has just begun serious, concerted efforts to reach average Joes and Janes.
I have serious doubts as to whether he can in fact raise his English language skills to overcome his communication problem.
I think his advisers should be doing a much better job at formulating a plan to raise his personal profile with voters.
-
As many pundits have said, Dion was the compromise choice over Ignatieff and Rae last December. I think the Liberals would be making a big mistake by dumping Dion before the next election. This move would only reinforce the appearance that the party is deeply divided. In addition, they don't have the bucks to hold a leadership convention. IMO the Liberals will lose the next election. That would give the party an ironclad reason to dump him. It really souns like the Liberals would want an election soon in order to do just that.
I believe Ignatieff will succeed Dion. I mean, the fact that Iggy spent so many years in the US could be touted as an asset in terms of his understanding of its government and citizens. This knowledge would be very beneficial to a party leader. The memory of Bob Rae's gaffes as Premier of Ontario would alienate Ontario voters. Can the Liberals take such a chance? I don't think so.
Dion is not showing any signs of trying to improve his English. If I was anglophone, this would rub me the wrong way. He knows this is a huge problem but it does not appear he is doing anything about it. I wonder why he doesn't make this is number one priority in order to raise his popularity with anglophones. I am a francophone and he doesn't even connect with me.
-
This should make the review of the sheriff's action easier.
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/stor...5001021,00.html
-
I'm not one who mindlessly adores celebrities but I do have favorites. I take satisfaction whenever celebrities falls flat on their face due to their less than moral conduct. As a human, I am naturally curious and that is why stories like this catch my attention. It's a bit like slowing down to gawk at a traffic accident. To be truthful, I am a little jealous of the wealthy. I feel some contempt for high profile individuals who became rich without seemingly doing anything worthwhile to deserve the wealth. I do admire those who earn their wealth. So much for my soul baring.
With regard to the politics of it, it is not over for the sheriff in question.
"The union representing deputy sheriffs demanded that Baca "put a stop to his special treatment for celebrity inmates." And county Supervisor Don Knabe said he was stunned to find out Baca released Hilton without consulting the court.
"I would have thought he would have better judgment than that," Knabe said.
The county Board of Supervisors will demand a report on Hilton's release and Baca's decision-making in the matter, Knabe said."
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nation/4875404.html
How deep the review of his actions will go, who knows. I just hope the findings get out to expose what is really behind the sheriff's actions.
-
Argus, you're right on. He can't be tried in a Canadian court for a crime against an American. I don't see Canada putting him on trial for treason. Yep, if released into our custody he'd be free as a bird in no time. Do you think mama Khadr is working on a fat lawsuit against us?
Edit: Argus we're cross posting - we have the same view.
-
The latest on Khadr.
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2007/04...4114554-cp.html
"Thompson suggested the only trial Khadr could face in Canada would be that on high treason charges, and "that has not been tested here since 1946."
(John Thompson is with the Mackenzie Institute.)
As repugnant as he is, Khadr is a Canadian citizen. This type of media attention and opinion may spur the Conservatives into action. The Conservatives may well be doing something on this that we are not aware of. The least they could do is show public interest in how a Canadian citizen, the last westerner to be held at Guantanamo, is being treated.
As others have said, the fear remains that, if released from custody we could eventually pay for his years of detention by the US.
-
I agree with Sharkman. On military spending, isn't it about time Canada stopped relying on the US for its defence? This reliance has gone on for too long and does nothing to assert our sovereignty as an independent nation.
Liberals complain that Harper is too cozy with the US to the point of calling him Bush's puppet or lap dog on every issue. Yet, when Harper tries to distance Canada from US dominance and dependency, he is attacked for taking the necessary measures. I think defence is key.
Buying military equipment is not strictly for Afghanistan. After we pull out, we will still need the equipment purchased regardless of the delivery date. That is, unless there is a change of government and we revert back to relying on the US to keep us safe.
-
I heard on the news (not sure which as all media carried this as their top story) that the Sheriff deciding on house arrest for Paris, was repaying a debt to someone close to her, for a contribution toward the Sheriff's election campaign.
"In the United States a sheriff is generally (but not always) the highest, usually elected, law enforcement officer of a county."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheriff
Wiki doesn't say if Cal Sheriffs are elected. I suspect they are given the Sheriff's authority in this case.
The judge reversed the Sheriff's decision. There is more at play here than simply equal justice for all no matter your status in society.
-
Is it cross-atlantic when China and India, who are 2 of the most polluting countries, are given passes on acting on climate change. Isn't China a signatory to Kyoto? I believe so.
Wow, could your response be any more irrelevant?
Scott was making global-warming a political issue in which he denied the science behind it and implied that the such views are nothing but nonsense from the left. I argued that the difference of opinion in the science of global-warming is not a right/left issue, but if anything, a cross-Atlantic issue given that Sarkozy and Merkel would fall into the "lefty hogwash" category under Scott's definition.
Where you got the idea that I'm defending China or India's role in Kyoto, I have no idea.
Sorry I butted into your 2-way conversation.
I do agree climate change is not a right-left issue, although some do try to make it such.
Explanations needed
in The Rest of the World
Posted
Our system of government is secular, i.e. separation of church and state and that is how I want to keep it. As individuals, we in Canada are free to practice our religion without fear of persecution.
Islam sees no distinction between the church and the state. They operate as one. In the eyes of radical Islam there is but one religion to the exclusion of all others and all other religions must be eradicated by any means. This belief becomes enshrined in Islam's form of government.
I want to keep religious education out of our schools. Religion should be taught within the home by parents. That is where freedom of religion is exercised. I am not worried about our youth. They can do a fine job of being accepting of their peers without prodding.
By the way, if Muslims are granted prayer rooms in certain schools, then I think Catholics should be granted a chapel for their own religious needs.