tango

I think the value of PR is that offbeat or anti-establishment views can gain recognition, and can spur the established parties to better represent real constituents. Let's face it ... the current established parties only represent the corporatocracy that fills their election coffers. Obviously the issue of access to internet information is an important one to the public, at least in the area where this MP was elected.

Public pushes to bring envoys home, not Lindhout Geoff Nixon, CTV.ca News The public put significant pressure on the federal government to resolve the kidnapping of high-profile diplomats Robert Fowler and Louis Guay, while showing comparatively little support for missing freelance journalist Amanda Lindhout, documents obtained by CTV.ca reveal. more ... http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/stor...0611?hub=Canada I've wondered about this too ... There seems to be no public outrage about this kidnapping ... Have we become immune to this, or do we just expect the government to 'take care of it' ?

wiki says ... Etiology Main articles: Biology and sexual orientation and Environment and sexual orientation There is no consensus among scientists about the exact reasons that an individual develops a heterosexual, bisexual, gay, or lesbian orientation.[76] The main reasons cited include genetic and environmental factors, likely in combination.[77][78] Other factors that may play a role include prenatal hormone exposure, where hormones play a role in determining sexual orientation as they do with sex differentiation;[79][80] and prenatal stress on the mother.[81][82][83] The American Academy of Pediatrics has stated that "sexual orientation probably is not determined by any one factor but by a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental influences".[84] The American Psychological Association has stated that "there are probably many reasons for a person's sexual orientation and the reasons may be different for different people". It stated that, for most people, sexual orientation is determined at an early age.[85] The American Psychiatric Association has stated that, "to date there are no replicated scientific studies supporting any specific biological etiology for homosexuality. Similarly, no specific psychosocial or family dynamic cause for homosexuality has been identified, including histories of childhood sexual abuse".[31] Research into how sexual orientation may be determined by genetic or other prenatal factors plays a role in political and social debates about homosexuality, and also raises fears about genetic profiling and prenatal testing.[86] Gay simply is.

JERUSALEM — Under mounting American pressure to define his intentions regarding peace efforts, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel said Sunday that he would make a major policy speech next week mapping out the government’s “principles for achieving peace and security.” The announcement came against the background of rising tensions with the Obama administration, which has demanded that Israel freeze all settlement construction in the West Bank. The Netanyahu government insists that construction within existing settlements should continue. In another point of contention, Mr. Netanyahu has refused to endorse explicitly the notion of establishing an independent Palestinian state, a cornerstone of American and European policy on the Middle East. In comments at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting, Mr. Netanyahu said, “We want to achieve peace with the Palestinians and with the countries of the Arab world, while attempting to reach maximum understanding with the United States and our friends around the world.” more ... http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/08/world/mi...ref=global-home I don't know ... but it seems unclear to me how Israel thinks this status-quo stand will bring peace. It's just a continuation of the blockade and occupation of Gaza, and of the illegal expansion.

Wrong ... for you, perhaps. But please don't try to impose your views on me, because I find your views are bigoted, even hateful. Yup, you can express your opinion, but expect to get the same in return. That's the way the world works. "Training" to participate in a diverse society is something we all gain as we mature ... or at least some of us do. (Thanks for the laugh ... at your expense ... I assume that's ok since you think it's ok to do it do others.)

You miss my point. If jail is as wonderful as you paint it, why would you not want to be there? My point is ... in case you still miss it ... it isn't as wonderful as you pretend.

Homophobia isn't normal.

It's tempting to participate in your personal insult-fest, but against the rules. Tell me ... when will Israel recognize Palestine's right to exist? Be careful what you wish for.

There were no rifles at Ipperwash. As Dudley George's uncle said under oath: If we'd even had a .22 there would have been one dead cop that night ... but we.didn't.have.any. And yes ... it is a good day!

Well it seems that you and Israel are on the same page. I can't help but notice that in this thread you advocate mass murder, and in another thread you advocate the death sentence for murder. Must be confusing being you.

You are well outside the realm of reality, and the present discussion.

Is there evidence that serving a full sentence results in fewer reoffences than the current system?

If it's so wonderful, why don't you just sign yourself in.

Your reality is ... unreal.

Thanks for the information. Do you happen to know how many re-offended? That would be the only reason for removing the faint hope clause - if it was resulting in danger to the public. I don't think that's the issue, though. I think it's just election politics - distracting people from the real issues as you said. Unfortunately, too many people are too easily sucked in by the manipulations of politicians.

Hmmm ... no links ... and nothing since 2006? And the point was breaking cease fire/peace agreements, and you have not addressed that. Israel has broken them all by blockading Gaza and trying to starve them out. The situation is untenable, and bound to cause a backlash against Israel, and does continually. Address the real problem.

So ... US people = war profiteers=self-perceived 'superpower'=global aggressor ... Oh ya ... and you think the US people like that, and you speak for them! right.

Not normal for you. doofus.

Interesting if you think about it ... This CBC policy of not accepting political ads except during elections ... It must have been established under the Liberals, to avoid such pressure from them. I'll bet the tories thought it was alright then ... but not now! Too friggen predictable ... Politicians are all so predictably petty. Who the frig is running the country while they are wasting our money on such stupid crap!

Simply not true.

The number of people eligible for the 'faint hope' clause is pretty small. It isn't the huge issue the Tories will try to make it. It's just an emotional hook for some of their supporters who always scream "YES!! HARDER!! HIT HIM HARDER!!!" when it involves punishing someone ... anyone! Makes me wonder sometimes ... However, in this case it seems very clear that Harper is simply making political hay out of Paul Bernardo, by appealing to that punitive nature of his core supporters, imo. It certainly isn't about protecting the public! Show me one person who reoffended after getting out on a 'faint hope' parole. There is no problem to be solved. Just political points to be scored by manipulating people's emotions to make them afraid of a threat that doesn't exist.

US people = war profiteers ...? Hmm ... I wouldn't be so hard on them.

So what rights do you want to give up?

I can't agree with those extreme sentiments. The actions of governments and military and their corporate handlers may suck, not the people.

more or less spontaneously Oh pleez ... Simply not true, Argus. Municipalities usually pay for the celebration. Who the heck pays for your fireworks?? Do you just take up a collection? Do you even know??