Sir Bandelot

There are still sanctions even now.

This is a case where sanctions by the west show they hurt the people far more than the elite ruling class, who will get their pound of flesh either way. It would have been better to send in troops and solve the problem directly, but that requires committment by the global community, and there would be significant outcry against sending troops, risking their lives to fix someone elses problem. Although, it could be argued that the west is partly responsible. The British really have no right to criticize after what their legacy has done to Africa at large.

Sorry I don't speak monkey too well! Bwahaha!

Ok Dr. Zeis, since you asked for it- ook akk eek,

What we got here are three monkeys, See no Evil, Hear no Evil and Speak no Evil

Sure, here's a good one for the CPC- Canada, awaken from your bad dream! Give foreigners in your land no room! Let white blood never leave this soil, While we fight for contracts and oil! Liberal hypocrits, throw them out! Socialists, from Canada depart! Francophones driven to the sea, United and happy shall we be! We are fighters, true Canadians What Dion said, never made no sense! Spend the surplus, and damn the charter! Salute our leader Stephen Harper!

I don't see how that makes a truly significant difference. In these cases the hostility comes about the same way, regardless of the origins of their birth. They feel subjugated, oppressed, the have-nots. This frustration does not come from Europes "soft underbelly", but more specifically from the under-privileged.

The truth is probably somewhere in-between, but that is still not good news and going in the wrong direction. I'm sure more boots on the ground would improve things. Maybe Obama can help with that, before its too late. The psychological war also has to win more support from the ordinary people. No one in their right mind would support foreign troops invading, who cannot protect you.

"The report by the International Council on Security and Development, formerly known as the Senlis Council, says that the Taliban has a permanent presence in 72 per cent of Afghanistan. Last year that figure was only 54 per cent." "The report also says that the Taliban has a virtual noose around Kabul, the Afghan capital. It says that three of the four roads leading into city fall are hit regularly by Taliban attacks, and only one road into Kabul is considered safe." http://news.sympatico.msn.ctv.ca/home/cont...showbyline=True Sounds pretty grim on the Afghanistan front. The Taliban are an increasing threat. Seems that no matter how many our troops kill, there's more to be found. Could this be why we need those transport helicopters, because the roads are now too dangerous? Why don't we get to hear more about whats going on!

Why do you think we are really different? http://www.cbc.ca/canada/montreal/story/20...action0811.html

I think what kuzadd means is, its gotta be one way or the other. It's hypocritical to say "We don't need Canada," and then come looking for a handout when things get tough. Behold one of the benefits of Federalism.

I think they try to do that all the time... except for Dion. The Liberals have had a series of disasters and I doubt that Rae or Ignatieff can do anything to turn it around. My sense is many Canadians want change but do not see a leader that they truly believe in- even with Harper

In politics you have to present the people with a leader they can believe in. You need someone with a style that reaches the people. What type of person this is, depends on the prevailing attitude of the times. If Obamas cannot be found, they can be made.

Maybe I am... I did say I wasn't sure if he could win. But if Canadians don't really know him, that might work in his favour. I was thinking more along the lines of an Obama. If its not LeBlanc, then the person I am describing has not been found yet.

I have no idea what prompts you to lash out at people who are simply trying to express their views. Do yourself a favour, if you cant behave don't read or respond to any more my posts.

Because I think that the Liberal party needs an overhaul to go from here. The best choice for a leader would be someone who has a chance at defeating Harper, and I don't think either of the other two have the charisma to pull it off. Not sure if LeBlanc could win, but what they need is somebody relatively new and well spoken, someone who can come across as a visionary, intelligent leader. I think if its going to be Rae or Ignatieff, it means another generation of failed leadership for the Liberal party. Oh well, maybe next time.- Stephan Dion

Leblanc dropping out is good news for the CPC.

Sorry but I think you have been misled. The evidence is not in your favour- "Canada's national crime rate, based on data reported by police, declined for the third consecutive year in 2007, continuing the downward trend in police-reported crime since the rate peaked in 1991." http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/0...080717b-eng.htm Looks like you've been fooled again...

I'd be surprised if many people jumped over to the CPC because of this. It makes more sense to say they would be pleased that Harper is going, and the party for which they voted now has direct input in leading the country.

Yep, Canada is a diverse country with many different kinds of people in every province. You only represent a small part of it.

I read that article yesterday... it says they are shutting down a few cafes and brothels because they committed violations. They are nowhere near shutting all of them down- "Measures announced Saturday would affect about 36 coffee shops in the center itself - a little less than 20 percent of the city total. Asscher underlined that the city center will remain true to its freewheeling reputation. "It'll be a place with 200 windows (for prostitutes) and 30 coffee shops, which you can't find anywhere else in the world - very exciting, but also with cultural attractions." Perhaps you are only reading the headlines which propagandists use to generate fear and hype, and ultimately, votes.

I don't even have a "side", so no, it's not because of that. It's much more than that. Most people are simply too dumb to make an informed vote, and all parties us this to try and manipulate votes.

Exactly why the drug "war" shouldn't be a war at all. Look to the US for a history of its successes, the impact on people and how it became its own economic machine, complete with the incentives to criminalize. Thats prison capitalism in action! My view, no government has any business telling me what I can or cannot inhale or stick into my veins, if I choose to. Even if someone wants to kill themself... but thats all part of the typical conservative population-controlling agenda. Your function, is to be grease for their wheels.

The reason why democracy is now a joke.

Thats baseless political propaganda. Why do we need "tougher" justice if there's no crime wave. I read the statistics show that violent crime is decreasing. The use of mandatory sentencing is actually a form INJUSTICE along the lines of punishment meted out by nobility. Harper is much like George Bush in how he leads by dogma, refuses to listen to experts in the field of law, or even science. He doesn't like to listen to advice, even from his own people. And he would like to destroy the political opposition so that there is no counterpoint to his views. Thats like authoritarian dictatorship, not democracy.