[Arar's wife wins Ottawa NDP nomination]

I have had to reply to d4dev comments like this:

What crap are you talking? IF FOREIGN TRAINED IMMIGRANTS WEREN'T AS GOOD (ACTUALLY THEY ARE FAR BETTER) THAN CANADIAN GRADS, DO YOU THINK THEY WOULD HAVE PASSED THE SELECTION CRITERIA OF THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT?

I was not blaming all immigrants for a lack of skills. I am sure some have great skills and others not so great. I have stated all along that businesses decide who gets the jobs and economic conditions determines how many jobs are available. But if this statement above were true than all available jobs would go to these amazingly superior immigrants, obviously that is not the case and I think we can both agree that there are many reasons for unemployment.

But its suprising to me that some people do not believe that these immigrants should have to face the realities of finding work like the rest of us Canadians.

[Rantisi Killed]

No they are INDIRECTLY targeting INNOCENT women and children by carrying out operations that will inevitably result in civilian deaths.

No s#$t we know this already, but Palestinians can thank their leaders for the killing of innocents. Israel's intentions are not to kill innocent, but it will happen. In that part of the world its C'est la vie. Sad but true.

WTF do you expect? that they'll set up in the middle of a field with a big sign saying "missles go here?" "Hamas base of operations"? Like traffic and apartments buildings?

Yes I expect that they would have billboards and men flaggin the choppers down. So blame the Hamas for locating their operations there. I know you would love the Israeli's to just take attack after attack and sit idle, but I am all for supporting the Israelis in retaliating harder at defined targets.

First, the (illegal) assasinations tend to result in large numbers of civilian casualties. Even if they do accomplish their objective of killing Hamas leadership, the inevitable civilian casualties caused by the IOF's heavy handed tactics feed anti-Israel sentiment and push more people to groups like Hamas.

The simple fact that the number of Israeli deaths on Sharon and Likud's watch have far exceeded the number of Israeli deaths in the previous 35 years seems to indicate the repressive and heavy-handed tactics aren't working.

Illegal as deemed by who the UN, hahah the UN is a joke when it comes to dealing with world issues, they are a figure head with no real power. Canada went in illegally to former Yugoslavia, we were really wrong to, not at all. The UN already has too much blood on its hands to condemn any action of Israel (Rwanda)

Do you realize that Hamas is not interested in a peaceful settlement with the Israeli's they want all Israeli's pushed into the sea and gone for good. Do you really think that many Palestinians were on the fence about possibly supporting Israel, hahahahah. Hate for Israel is rampant among people over there, killing their muderous leaders is the only thing they can do when everyone wants them dead.

Sure. But first, why don't you hang out in a Ramallah cafe, assuming you can get through the check points, past the wall, avoid the bulldozers destroying homes. And make sure you steer clear of any wheelchair bound septegenarians, lest a helicopter gunship launch rockets to take out such a dangerous target.

No thanks, that part of the world loves violence, and personally thats not my thing. No I do not want to be seated in front of a weapons cache that fronts as a peaceful Ramullah cafe. I do not want to be blown to bits when the Israeli's come to exterminate vermin and bombs that are to be used against them in the future. Sorry I ll take trips to the Caribbean first. Palestine is not on my top ten vacation spots.

[Arar's wife wins Ottawa NDP nomination]

For example there are many reasons for unemployment, here in BC there are significant amounts forestry workers, former government employees, and health care workers who will be out of a job. The reasons behind a major portion of unemployment is political (softwood lumber dispute, Liberals trying to revamp our ailing health care, reduction of a bloated government) as well as economic conditions. Being skilled and educated does not guarantee anyone a job, we are all at the mercy of economics (supply and demand) and politics. Those two key issues make a siginificant contribution to unemployment figures.

[Arar's wife wins Ottawa NDP nomination]

No worries bout the rudeness thing, its easy for all of us to come off as implying or sounding like something we did not intend.

I challenge you to prove to me or give an example when even 1 legally admitted immigrant is any worse (in terms of qualifications/experience) to a Canadian grad.

I am looking for a example for you may take me sometime. Cause I wanna bring some proof for ya.

You don't seem to know that every immigrant with foreign qualifications has to first go through a process of requalification. For example, foreign engineers have to get their qualifications approved by the CCPE (Canadian council of Professional Engineers.) The same is true for all professions. So saying that foreign professionals are suitable only for the work enviournment in their country is wrong.

The point your missing is that there is obviously a clear distinction between what the two separate identies, Government and Business want. Government wants one thing, business wants another. Immigrants must meet both standards, not just the governments, afterall its the employer paying the wage not the government.

And the stuff you keep mentioning about CHANCE it is the same thing all of us face. If I want a better job, I have to compete against people with more experience than myself and most likely I will not get that job. These chances are the same for everyone with equal skill sets. Obviously these immigrants possess lower skill sets or else they would get jobs, do you not see that. Not all immigrants possess such superior training and skills as you seem to imply.

That's a valid point. However, for foreign professionals, it's a vicious cycle of denial. Since they don't have a job, they don't have Canadian experience, and because they don't have Canadian experience, they don't get a job.

Talk to Canadians and see if they have had to face this situation before, once again nothing new, most Canadians have dealt with this issue before.

And I think that the government should make it easier for immigrants to get jobs in Canada then. Like making it easier for them to get certified by professional associations.

See this is exactly what I was afraid of lowering standards for immigrants to allow them to get jobs. I mentioned this before NO WAY SHOULD ANY CANADIAN support that idea. Its silly and will result in more trouble than its worth. How about making it easier for existing Canadians with skills to get work. I know we need immigrants and yes if jobs go unfilled by Canadian, then great let a skilled immigrant who meets Canadian standards fill that position. NO LOWERING OF STANDARDS AS YOU SUGGEST.

Please answer me why you think that an immigrant should get certified easier than a Canadian?

In answer to your 'who are filling those positions', it's no one. That's why Canada is facing a shortage of skilled workers, that's why immigration is being allowed. Can't you see it? Immigration is being allowed because Canada is facing a skilled labour shortage. However, even after coming to Canada, their skills are not being put to good use. That is what all this is all about.

Read the papers supply of University grads has outpaced the demand for them, I know I am a recent one. Some industries may face shortages, while others supluses. But overall too much supply right now.

Immigration is being allowed for many reasons, if you think its solely for bringing a worker here to pay taxes, I wish. You know how many grannies and grampies make their way over here cause their younger generations are here. Look around those people were not born here, they immigrated, hardly what you would call a skilled worker. Immigration is needed, but I do believe in part that it is somehow believed that immigration is needed to make a country grow. Canada with such a small population and large country feels the need to have more people. Out of the seven top GDP whose has the smallest population?

[Rantisi Killed]

Then how about killing of little children and civilians by the Israeli army?

Hmmmm well lets point out some facts here.

1.) Israeli's are not DIRECTLY targeting INNOCENT women and children, unlike the HAMAS.

2.) Unfortunately you cannot see that the tactics that HAMAS and many other terrorists employ. They locate their operations in the middle of neighbourhoods and citizens in order to spoil an attack from Israel. Thankfully that does not work and unfortunately innocent people will pay the price. Of course the Palestinians do garner support from people like you, cause you only see their side in the fight, you see what they want to see. "Neighbourhoods Attacked" aka Hamas base of operations that they knowingly located in areas of numerous citizens.

3.) How many times have the strikes by the Israeli's resulted in the death of Hamas leaders, lots and that means they are getting results and have every right as a sovereign nation to protect themselves and prevent future attacks.

Why don't you go hang out at an Israeli cafe for the afternoon, we will see how enjoyable that cup of coffee is, who knows you could be the next target.

Hamas hijacking a commercial airline? When did that happen? In your dreams?

Hmmmmm when did I ever mention Hamas hijacking airlines, did I miss something here!!!!!!

Ummm, yes, that about sums it up.

It does sum it up, if you cannot call Hamas a terrorist organization (very silly if you cannot) then what would you call people who hijack planes. I am very curious!!!!

[Rantisi Killed]

Hmmmm whats makes the sensible people of this world think that Hamas is a terrorist organization?

Hmmmmm tough one there, I can really not think of anything other than the taking credit, time and time again for the suicide bombings of innocent Israeli women and children.

How silly of me thats really nothing isn't it...........

Oh and I mean how dare we label people who hijack commercial airliners terrorists, all they really want to do is live out their life's dream of becoming a "Steward." Even for those few days of scaring innocent passengers s!@tless, they got to feel what it was like to live a dream.

Sounds stupid doesn't it, YES I KNOW, just like many things on this thread.

[Arar's wife wins Ottawa NDP nomination]

How do you define 'best people'? And how the hell do you know that immigrants are not among the best people? Do you even know the selection criteria employed by the Canadian government when they allow immigrants to come in? Any Tom, Dick and Harry does not just come in.

The foreign professionals that come in are very highly trained and have many years of experience. If you want to employ them in labour jobs after they come here, why market Canada abroad at all?

I personally do not "define" anything, actually the businesses define what it is they are looking for in an employee. I never stated that immigrants are not the best people, nor do I assume they are any better than Canadians. No I do not work for immigration Canada, but I do know that many people do not deserve to be here and many do deserve too. And in many instances yes Tom, Dick and Harry do come in, do not be so naive.

Foreign professionals have foreign credentials thats great if you work in that foreign country. But they have to have Canadian credentials and standards to work in CANADA, thats what I am talking about. These professionals have to conform to the Canadian system not vice versa, until then do not expect to work in that field.

Wow! How vague is THAT! No one is asking anyone to guarantee anything. The only thing that is being asked is that people be given a CHANCE to work in their own fields. Even that CHANCE is not being given.

Tell me how they are not given a CHANCE, state how it is any different looking for a job from an immigrants standpoint, they have every CHANCE I have. I cannot be an engineer if I wanted to, why not, because I do not meet the Canadian Standards for practicing engineering here in Canada, and I do not have my B.Eng from a credible school.

That's obvious. What you don't understand is that if we are talking about chances, there has to be a reasonable chance that an immigrant gets a job in his own field, just as there is a chance that he would not work in his own field.  However, that resonable chance of him getting work in his own field is non-existent.

Reading through that article you can see many reasons why immigrants do not get jobs. Language skills, education, age, Canadian work experience, wow sounds exactly like the same things I face. Language is not an issue for me cause I was born here and spoke English all my life. Those are obvious valid points on why, if I was an employer, I would not hire an immigrant w/o those skills. No one is questioning intelligence here, just necessary skills to be compentent at a job that someone pays you for.

This is what I was talking about. What is the government doing? This immigration thing is not just a one way process. IMMIGRANTS ARE ALLOWED COME TO CANADA PRECISELY BECAUSE CANADA NEEDS THEM. Its' not some social work that the government is carrying on. IF IMMIGRANTS' SKILLS ARE NOT UTILISED, THEY'RE NOT THE ONLY LOSERS.

Canada need immigrants, but the businesses have the final say in who they hire, thankfully. I agree that encouraging immigration should be for people who meet the criteria that is asked of by employers not government.

Another load of crap. I'M NOT TALKING ABOUT REFUGEES, I'M TALKING ABOUT LEGAL IMMIGRANTS. THEY PAY TAXES JUST AS YOU DO.

Load of crap, the statistics show these people have work, albeit not the dream job they wanted. Therefore are making money and able to pay taxes, thats fine with me, but I am not going to lose sleep over immigrants not getting their dream, sorry I have to worry about getting my dream job first.

What crap are you talking? IF FOREIGN TRAINED IMMIGRANTS WEREN'T AS GOOD (ACTUALLY THEY ARE FAR BETTER) THAN CANADIAN GRADS, DO YOU THINK THEY WOULD HAVE PASSED THE SELECTION CRITERIA OF THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT?

Unless you believe that the government is bringing in trash from all over the world.

Now here is where you are dishing out the crap. IF FOREIGN TRAINED WORKERS ARE AS WELL TRAINED AS YOU HAVE STATED. WHY CAN THEY NOT GET JOBS, WHO ARE FILLING THOSE POSITIONS? OH YES ITS THOSE NOT AS WELL TRAINED CANADIANS. I BELIEVE WE ARE AS WELL TRAINED AS ANY GROUP. IMMIGRANTS ARE BROUGHT HERE TO FILL THE POSITIONS THAT GO UNFILLED BY CANADIANS. AND RIGHT NOW THERE ARE NOT MANY GOOD POSITIONS TO BE FILLED BY CANADIANS OR IMMIGRANTS.

CAN YOU NOT SEE THE DISCREPANCY BETWEEN WHAT BUSINESSES DEMAND AND WHAT THE GOVERNMENT DEMANDS OF IMMIGRANTS. TWO TOTALLY DIFFERENT THINGS.

WITHOUT A DOUBT I BELIEVE THE GOVERNMENT IN MANY INSTANCES BRINGS IN TRASH FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD.

[Arar's wife wins Ottawa NDP nomination]

What specifics do you want? Is it hard to understand that doctors, engineers, architects etc are doing labour jobs here? Haven't you met one or read about one?

No I do not know of any immigrants who are suffering from that problem, but I do know many Canadians who are. So even mentioning second class treatment is a load. There can be many reasons for not being employed at the job we all want. We are all susceptible to economic conditions and thus supply and demand dictate how many jobs that are available. That being said low demand further raises the bar for people applying to those jobs. The company can demand more and more from the applicants which is in their rights, hell if I own a business I want the best people working for me.

That's another load of bullcrap. People that immigrate here are very well settled in their former countries (do you have any doubt about the quality of life of a doctor or an engineer in another country?). They migrate here because they think that since Canada is a developed country, their skills can be put to good use and they would be able to improve their standard of living further. It's obvious that if people knew when they applied for immigration to Canada, that they would be working as sweepers and waiters here, they would never come.

It is the responsibility of the government of Canada to ensure that these immigrants are given a fair chance at working in their own fields of expertise.

Yes people move here for the "CHANCE" of a better living, no where can anyone "GUARANTEE" that. Immigrants are not guaranteed a job with security for life, wonderful pensions, a high paying job etc.. Who are you kidding. Secondly if their lives were as suitable to their needs as you make it out to be, then its not our fault they gave that up to come here, do not lay the blame on Canada. Immigrants like the rest of people of Canada have to work at finding jobs too, they are no more special than the rest of us in the job pool.

You also state that people migrate here because they "THINK" not because they actually know, once again this is not Canada letting anyone down. And of course people would not move here if it would reduce your standard of living, but whats your point?

And I hope that when you state that it is the responsibility of Canada to ensure a fair playing field, that assurance which immigrants already have like the rest of us, NO GUARANTEES, would not cost a cent. I do not want my tax dollars funding a program to benefit someone who has not yet contributed to this country. And also it will be a program that I myself, would not be able to take advantage of. Seems to me like that would make me a second class citizen, now wouldn't it.

Have you compared the percentage of immigrants doing labour jobs and the perentage of fresh grads from Canadian institutes doing the same? Most (if not all) immigrants never get a chance to work in their fields of expertise after coming to Canada. Is the situation the same for Canadian educated grads?

Whats to comapre, this is an apples and oranges comparison. I am quite sure that Canadian grads, with Canadian degrees, meeting Canadian Standards are more likely to get Canadian jobs, makes sense to me, there is nothing tricky about that one. These grads should get those jobs with high criteria that need to be met. If this somehow seems unfair to you, too bad, cause this is the real world. Lets hope that standards are not lowered to accomadate immigrant standards. If immigrants meet these standards then thats great they will get a job like they should. I think immigrants can fill highly qualified positions if there are no Canadians to fill them.

As for you stating most if not all immigrants never get a chance to work in their fields of expertise, thats bullcrap, not every immigrant that moves here would be a great addition to Canada, not every immigrants holds a Doctorate. Lets make that clear.

What reality of the situation? Are you supporting this discrimination against immigrants? How would you feel if you were a first class engineer, and after you decided to immigrate to the US, you had to sweep floors or work in McDonalds to earn a living?

You might not want to read this so turn away, I am going to open your eyes to the real business world. If you are still reading you had your chance. There are no guarantees in life, I know it sucks. You will not always get the job, horrible isn't it. Does not matter what ethnic group or your country of origin, you will still have to meet certain standards before getting a job. The days of being able to walk into a business and walk out with a job are over, along with job security for life. That is the reality that Canadians and IMMIGRANTS will face.

As for the support of discrimination, I actually need you to explain logically what that discrimination is before I can say that I support it. Seems like you are dying to call me a racist or bigot aren't ya.

As for your last point this is the easiet one to answer. How would I feel eh? Well let me say this just because I feel that I am "A FIRST CLASS ENGINEER" doesn't make me one, I would love to think that I am just the most amazing thing at my position. Sadly the difference between the way we perceive ourselves and the way the world does is vastly different.

Secondly this is Canada who cares about someone moving to the US.

Lastly Does anyone know when you work at Rotten Ronnies, do you get a staff discount? Cause thats gotta count for something.

[Arar's wife wins Ottawa NDP nomination]

d4dev says:

Not just that, but when the government starts discriminating between it's own citizens by doling out second-class treatment to immigrants is what makes one's blood boil. All the people that are coming here are qualified professionals. Why should they be receiving this second-class treatment?

What second class treatment are you talking about please give specifics. I think that is a load. People who move here are moving here for the "CHANCE", not the guarantee of a better life. I can assure you that these people are not promised great jobs over Canadian citizens as soon as they get here. Just like Canadians who are born here and have higher degrees, that does not ensure you that you will have a job and nor should it. We are all in this together. I do not see any second class treatment by the government at all. I mean we can always make it the case something is wrong when things do not go a certain way, but thats the way things are today. Using the race card is just another excuse for a group who does not like to face the reality of the situation.

[Liberal Burnaby-Doulas Riding Assoc]

Well anything that puts the Liberals in a bad light is A-ok with me. Lets hope it further reduces their support.

But as for this being a racist act, its not Pia Shandel (White woman, and please do not make it into a sexist thing) was ousted by another more "suitable" candidate on Vancouver Island. All for apparently some remarks she had made years earlier. Its all about winning and who is most likely to win those seats. The Liberals have had their hands in all ethnic communities, look at the recent scandal here in BC with the mass signings of memberships of Indo-Canadians. The point its all about winning and nothing to do with race.

[Svend Robinson]

I know lets somehow relate this Svend Robinson case to Saddam Hussein, lets somehow relate it to Adolf Hitler, lets relate it to the issues of his political views. All I have stated all along is that there was a criminal act on Mr. Robinson's part, he should be held accountable like anyone else, me or you, Liberal, Conversative or NDP.

All governments have made some stupid decisions no doubt, whether they be Liberal, Conservatives, or NDP. But when the NDP acts like all things are fine and dandy and say it was only a $50,000 ring, it wasn't like he stole millions. Whats to stop the Federal lying Liberals from using that rationale and say well we only stole hundreds of millions of dollars, it wasn't like we stole billions, which we all know they probably have.

But what is so clear cut about Svend's case is that there was a theft involved, there is no denying it, he admitted it and this case should be treated like you or me had committed it. PERIOD.

[Svend Robinson]

Hey I hope the lefties are reading the papers or watching the news, seems like the facts are starting to come out about Mr. Robinson. Hope you actually make yourself aware to them, rather than ignore them because they make your guy look bad.

[Svend Robinson]

Dont make me laugh.

Where was the rights indignity when Premier Campbell was caught DUI?

Ahh Maple maybe its just me, but the way I see it you are strengthening my position on the way the left likes to compare apples and oranges. This thread is on Mrs. Robinson, not Mr. Campbell. Anyhoo!

Looking at the subsequent messages there is your answer to the Mr. Campbell drinking driving saga. I am surprised that someone like you, someone with obviously an enormous amount of time on your hands, wouldn't actually follow through on reading the whole story and not just focus on the parts you like.

Let me pose this question to you Maple!!!!

Would you actively support me if I performed the theft that Mr. Robinson did?

Hmmmmmm probably not, cause you wouldn't give a damn, you would see me as a regular Joe Blow wouldn't ya. Thats exactly how the rest of us see Svend, just as a regular Joe Blow, who should be held accountable for his actions.

Funny how on the one hand you do not want Svend held accountable for unlawful behaviour, yet surprise you want the Liberals lynched. Hmmmm I think I smell something, oh ya its hypocrisy. Its people like you who will set a precedent for making it possible for the Fed. Liberals to get away scott free, with these kind of views. You cannot have it both ways Maple, either you are on the side of the same law for all, or you are above the law because you support the NDP. Make your choice!!!!!

[Svend Robinson]

Wow funny how the left gets sidetracked yet again. Hmmmm, lets compare the liberals and conservatives to Mr. Robinson so it pales in comparison. Wow neat trick, but somehow that still does not erase the fact that the man STOLE!!! YES STOLE!!!! a $50,000 ring. Keep comparing apples and oranges lefties. You are sure making your point of how the left thinks and acts on emotion rather than reason and logic.

Hey NDP can I borrow that big broom you guys use to sweep the actions of your leaders under the rug.

[Svend Robinson]

They might not be if you had thrown in a 25-year-career that obviously mattered a great deal to you out of guilt and shame.

Not following you on this one. I do not see how the act of theft is somehow lost in all this. Do I think Svend is sorry for what he did, I do, partially. Do I think he should be charged, Yes I do. Does his public career have any bearing on this outcome. Yes it does, but it shouldn't.

Here is another politician that is going to get away with a crime that you or me would not, do not kid yourself. The business probably has forgiven him for a few reasons , who could ask for such publicity and advertisement. Also, why would they charge him, when the outcry from the left would be overpowering. The business has its hands tied. They do not want their business boycotted by supporters.

Now, God loves nothing more than a repentant sinner. Repent and ye shall be forgiven. The victim of his crime has been fully recompensed, has accepted his apology, and demanded no further action. If his victim can forgive him, and God can forgive him, why would anyone else not forgive him?

This has no real bearing on me, I am not in the position to forgive, he has never represented my views or my vote. Nor has he trespassed against me. Do I think he is a bad man, nope. Good people still make bad decisions which they should be held accountable for.

As for your diagnosis of kleptomania, I will leave that to the professionals who diagnose it. But I do not understand all these excuses people are making for him. I also do not understand that he wanted a former MP to resign due unlawful conduct, which the MP did. But he is only stepping aside for the time being, not practicing what he preaches and keeping his staff at arm's length. This was not a small jube jube out of the bulk bin that he stole, this was a $50,000 dollar ring, worth more than most people's cars, or a good years salary.

As for the speculation part of the story, I am not fully convinced that Mr. Robinson gave back the ring for genuine reasons, which I am entitled to believe. I believe this because he mentioned that people recognized him and that cameras would have most likely seen the theft transpire. Had he left out those points I would be more likely to believe his conscience brought the ring back rather than fear of being caught.

This line of thinking is not mean-spirited or rubbish its called rationale and logical thought. This world is not a perfect Utopia, good people do bad things and those actions should not be candied coated with all things nice and fluffy. I am not preaching hate on this man, course some will see it that way because I do not see it their way. I want what I believe would happen to me, to happen to him. Appear before a judge. If found guilty then so be it, if not than he has proven to the law of the land that there was a rational excuse for irrational behaviour.

As for the comparison of Robinson to our wonderful leaders like Dumb and Dumber is silly to say the least. I mean No S%^t these dipsticks are as crooked and corrupt as they come. But thats got no bearing on what Mr. Robinson has done, so lets stick to this case, rather than comparing apples to oranges (stinking, rotting oranges that is)

[Svend Robinson]

Is that an online poll, if it is its meaningless, who is more likely to answer that poll someone who supports svend or someone who is against or indifferent. You can throw figures around all day, but the fact of the matter is that if it were you or me who stole that ring. Charges would be laid.

[Svend Robinson]

Thats great as long as justice is served!!!

[Arar's wife wins Ottawa NDP nomination]

Wow anyone can be in politics these days eh!!

Well I guess if there is one party that would be able to capitalize on this woman, its the NDP. I mean it must be good for the NDP to be able to grandstand her and buy the immigrant vote. I do not know why she is vowing to fight for immigrants rights. I mean do immigrants have less rights than the rest of us or maybe more than the rest of us. If you are moving to Canada does it not signify that you are moving here for the improvement to your life.

[Svend Robinson]

Well lets hope Svend gets what he deserves. Clearly the facts are that he stole the $50,000 ring. He knew that the people working there would recognize him, he knew that all his moves would most likely be caught on video camera.

So its not a far stretch to think that his conscience along with his return to rational thinking (hmmmmm, haaaaaa, doh !!! I might get caught) that made him bring back the ring. This is speculation but who knows maybe the people he stole from informed him he had been caught on candid camera and gave him the chance to confess. Anways, lets hope another politician does not get away with any unlawful behaviour regardless of whatever party they are associated with.

Also lets hope that the Svend's decision on seeking medical leave for his stress, does not cloud the issue at hand. The man is a thief. If we start allowing this type of behaviour to persist we are in trouble. There are many people is this world who are under more stress than Mr. Robinson and DO NOT STEAL. I mean if we accept this line of thinking then everyone has an excuse for any of their actions, no matter how heinous.

In regards to Black Dogs post:

People like you are the best friends the left could ask for. Keep it up.

On the issue of the Mr. Robinson and the ring, the others I cannot comment on, nor do I care too. Alliance Fanatic is bang on.

I am absolutely baffled by the blindness of many "lefties". I mean I will admit one hundred percent that lefties or NDPers, especially here in BC, are devoted and loyal followers of their leaders. But it also seems to me that this blind devotion leaves many leftists without the ability to use their brain and good judgement. Time and time again I hear the left trying to lynch Campbell for his drinking and driving. Yet a prime example of hypocracy of these lefties deals with a man that was continually voted into office by them and still holds a lot of support even after leaving politics. An honourable, honest, caring and sincere man named Moe Sihota. Please go on the internet and look up this man's history. I am sure it will impress. So I guess its ok for the left to sweep the misdeeds of their politicians under the rug and proclaim the right is out to get them, which is not true, we are just out for justice.......

[Bc Latest Opinion Poll - Ndp Tied With Libs]

I do not agree with everything the Liberals have done. But I absolutely agree with the way the Liberals have finally dealt a huge blow to the power of the unions here in British Columbia. Finally the strangle hold that the unions held over BC during the NDP years, has been scaled back.

And for all those people who expect economic policies to immediately result in the intended benefits, that is not possible, these policies will take a few years at best. Finally we are starting to see them, investment in BC is moving up and also more people are moving back to BC after a few years of net migration loss.

He, the Liberals are not perfect, but a bad liberal government is better than a good NDP government anyday of the week.

[Bc Latest Opinion Poll - Ndp Tied With Libs]

Liberals Need to Get Back on Track

Without a doubt the liberals need to rid themselves of Gordon Campbell, the guy lacks the charisma and intensity to lead the party. But lets hope that we do not have to face the possibility of another NDP govt. A poorly lead liberal govt. is better than a well run NDP govt, anyday of the week.

[Bc Latest Opinion Poll - Ndp Tied With Libs]

Liberals Need to Get Back on Track

Without a doubt the liberals need to rid themselves of Gordon Campbell, the guy lacks the charisma and intensity to lead the party. But lets hope that we do not have to face the possibility of another NDP govt. A poorly lead liberal govt. is better than a well run NDP govt, anyday of the week.

[A Question For Right Wingers]

I am speaking as a conservative. Personally I would love for the left-wingers to try "practice what they preach". That being tolerant of other peoples views. Time and time again we hear them crying bigot, homophobe etc. when others disagree with their views. Why is it not right for anyone to disagree with their ideas.

That being said lets answer those questions that have been posed, albeit logically.

There is no real connection or link between how "right-wingers" view the freedom to make money and the freedom of how people choose to live their lives.

The poor can become rich, just look at Oprah. The homosexual community enjoys wealth as much as anybody, just look at hollywood. Money knows no skin color, there are Chinese, Arab and Black billionaires (And no one is saying that all people with money are good people). Money knows no boundaries or borders, all people on any point of the political spectrum aspire to be wealthy. People with ambition and drive are more likely to succeed financially in this world, thats the way it is and should be in a free market system. Also there are limits to how people can make their money, people cannot make a product to harm others and profit. People cannot operate and make a profit in the slave trade here in Canada. These are just some of the many examples of offences that right-wing minded people agree, should be outlawed.

Now as for the debate on homosexuality, this is a different matter altogether. As a conservative, I could care less what people do with their lives, as long as I am not told how I should feel about a particular subject. But when I am being called a homophobe because I do not endorse gay marriage. Well so be it, I could care less. But I ll tell you why I do not endorse it. I have always viewed marriage as between a man and a woman. Why shouldn't I have that view? I do not doubt that a homosexual couple loves each other any less than any other couple, I do not have any problem with them having a legal union. But not all traditional views have to change. We are not an "enlightened society" because all traditions must evolve with time, some are timeless like marriage. I am sure that the term marriage was given and created for the symbol of love between man and woman and should always remain sacred in that respect. I am young and open minded at 26 years of age, but no where does it say I cannot hold strong the values that have been passed down to me through my family and my view of society. Here is the chance for the gay community to start fresh and create their own unique view of the union between that particular group in society. Just don't threaten our view on marriage, thanks.