Progressive Tory Posted February 17, 2009 Report Posted February 17, 2009 (edited) Funds lost over hatred Minister called 'professional whore' "Immigration Minister Jason Kenney is poised to slash federal funding to Canada's largest Arabic group after its president called him a "professional whore" for supporting Israel. In an exclusive interview with Sun Media from London, England, where he is to speak today at an international conference on anti-Semitism, Kenney said groups are free within legal bounds to say what they like. But groups whose leaders say intolerant or hateful things shouldn't get taxpayer funding." Is he right or is he just taking a personal insult too far? He's already been in trouble for overstepping his bounds as Immigration minister. What happened to freedom of speech of what politician hasn't been called a 'professional/political whore' or worse during their career. Interference with the Refugee Board "Given that the IRB is independent, it is highly inappropriate for you to express your opinions on how you believe IRB members should make refugee determinations. To do so gives the strong appearance of political interference. This is especially so given that reappointments are made by Cabinet: Board members might fear that if they do not follow your interpretation their chances of reappointment will be reduced." Edited February 17, 2009 by Progressive Tory Quote "For all our modesty and self-deprecation, we’re a people who dream great dreams. And then roll up our sleeves and turn them into realities." - Michael Ignatieff "I would not want the Prime Minister to think that he could simply fail in the House of Commons as a route to another General Election. That's not the way our system works." Stephen Harper.
Keepitsimple Posted February 17, 2009 Report Posted February 17, 2009 (edited) Why the President of this organization would bite the hand that feeds him is beyond me. Kenney's criticism of Hezbollah and Hamas flags at an anti-Israeli rally is consistent with Canada's position - both flags represent terrorist organizations. Mouammar's outrageous statement clearly demonstrates that under his leadership, this particular organization is unworthy of receiving our tax dollars. Kenney is bang-on with his statements. "We should not be rewarding those who express views that are contrary to Canada's best liberal values of tolerance and mutual respect." One of those groups, said Kenney, is the Canadian Arab Federation whose president Khaled Mouammar called him a "professional whore" after Kenney criticized the presence of Hezbollah and Hamas flags at anti-Israel rallies in Toronto. Kenney said the same group criticized Liberal MP Bob Rae because of his wife's involvement in Canada's Jewish community. The federation received a $447,297 contribution from Kenney's department to operate a settlement program in Toronto for two years, teaching new immigrants language and job searching skills. As for the "open letter" from the Canadian Council for Refugees.......the subject relates to American war resisters and has been covered extensively......this organization supports welcoming all war resisters - our government does not. I couldn't help but chuckle at the last name of the writer - McWeeny. Edited February 17, 2009 by Keepitsimple Quote Back to Basics
capricorn Posted February 17, 2009 Report Posted February 17, 2009 To answer the OP question, for the reasons Keepit advanced, no I don't think Kenney is a political whore. Good to see that Kenney had the balls to stand up to Mouammar. Quote "We always want the best man to win an election. Unfortunately, he never runs." Will Rogers
Progressive Tory Posted February 17, 2009 Author Report Posted February 17, 2009 Why the President of this organization would bite the hand that feeds him is beyond me. Kenney's criticism of Hezbollah and Hamas flags at an anti-Israeli rally is consistent with Canada's position - both flags represent terrorist organizations. Perhaps, but we have to remember that Hamas is also the Democratically elected gov't of Palestine. Our foreign policy supports Israel, but it's not unusual for groups to protest a government's foreign policy. By publicly challenging Arab-Canadians in the name of anti-semitism, doesn't seem like a wise decision. " Kenney said he has already asked department officials to weigh comments made by groups when evaluating funding applications, and the comments made by the Arab Federation president will affect its contribution..." So where does this end? Will it include homophobic remarks? Who gets to decide what is acceptable? I included the link to the letter because again, what falls under his mandate? "This government is anti-Arab and anti-Muslim," he said, adding the federal government has refused to meet with the Canadian Arab Federation or the Canadian Islamic Congress since Prime Minister Stephen Harper came to power.... Kenney's comments come as he is attending the meeting of the International Parliamentary Coalition to Combat Anti-Semitism." Will he attend or initiate a conference on 'Islamophobia'? I think anti-Muslim sentiment is much stronger in this country than anti-semitism. Quote "For all our modesty and self-deprecation, we’re a people who dream great dreams. And then roll up our sleeves and turn them into realities." - Michael Ignatieff "I would not want the Prime Minister to think that he could simply fail in the House of Commons as a route to another General Election. That's not the way our system works." Stephen Harper.
eyeball Posted February 17, 2009 Report Posted February 17, 2009 The federation received a $447,297 contribution from Kenney's department to operate a settlement program in Toronto for two years, teaching new immigrants language and job searching skills. Is there another group that could put these funds to the same use? Has Kenny asked for anyone else to step forward to take over the role the Canadian Arab Federation was filling? It seems like a worthy enough program and I see little point in throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Quote I said now watch what you say they'll be calling you a radical, a liberal, oh fanatical criminal
Progressive Tory Posted February 17, 2009 Author Report Posted February 17, 2009 Good to see that Kenney had the balls to stand up to Mouammar. So it is personal. On the surface, maybe he's right, but what is his record on anti-Muslim sentiment? I've not hear him decry the prejudice against Muslims, or work to protect them from racial hatred. Israel's claims to Gaza are based on ancient scripture, and have no legal merit. From someone who has been there fighting for Israel: How Israel brought Gaza to the brink of humanitarian catastrophe "I write as someone who served loyally in the Israeli army in the mid-1960s and who has never questioned the legitimacy of the state of Israel within its pre-1967 borders. What I utterly reject is the Zionist colonial project beyond the Green Line. The Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip in the aftermath of the June 1967 war had very little to do with security and everything to do with territorial expansionism. The aim was to establish Greater Israel through permanent political, economic and military control over the Palestinian territories. And the result has been one of the most prolonged and brutal military occupations of modern times." The West has taken sides on this issue and given Israel Carte Blanche in the region. This is wrong. I know that most Canadian politicians, including Michael Ignatieff support the military attacks, but foreign policy is one thing. However, domestic policy is supposed to protect everyone, and Kenney's reaction to a little name calling, could incite more hatred against Arab-Canadians. He should have shrugged it off, but speaking from an anti-semitism conference, says it all. Quote "For all our modesty and self-deprecation, we’re a people who dream great dreams. And then roll up our sleeves and turn them into realities." - Michael Ignatieff "I would not want the Prime Minister to think that he could simply fail in the House of Commons as a route to another General Election. That's not the way our system works." Stephen Harper.
Progressive Tory Posted February 17, 2009 Author Report Posted February 17, 2009 It seems like a worthy enough program and I see little point in throwing the baby out with the bathwater. It is a worthy program and Kenney is wrong to have made this such a public issue. It will only incite more hatred. If he can't handle a little name calling, he shouldn't be in politics. Arab-Canadians have every right to protest Canada's foreign policy in regards to the Israeli-Palestine conflict. Who cares what flag they're flying. I wouldn't know a Hamas flag if I fell over it, but since they are the democratically elected gov't of the region, would expect no less. Quote "For all our modesty and self-deprecation, we’re a people who dream great dreams. And then roll up our sleeves and turn them into realities." - Michael Ignatieff "I would not want the Prime Minister to think that he could simply fail in the House of Commons as a route to another General Election. That's not the way our system works." Stephen Harper.
M.Dancer Posted February 17, 2009 Report Posted February 17, 2009 I wouldn't know a Hamas flag if I fell over it, but since they are the democratically elected gov't that engages in terrorism, would expect no less. Corrected for accuracy Quote RIGHT of SOME, LEFT of OTHERS If it is a choice between them and us, I choose us
OddSox Posted February 17, 2009 Report Posted February 17, 2009 It is a worthy program and Kenney is wrong to have made this such a public issue. It will only incite more hatred. If he can't handle a little name calling, he shouldn't be in politics. Seems to me that it was Khaled Mouammar who made this a public issue. Quote
capricorn Posted February 17, 2009 Report Posted February 17, 2009 So it is personal. On the surface, maybe he's right, but what is his record on anti-Muslim sentiment? I've not hear him decry the prejudice against Muslims, or work to protect them from racial hatred. From your link: "Immigration Minister Jason Kenney is poised to slash federal funding to Canada's largest Arabic group after its president called him a "professional whore" for supporting Israel." Let me ask you this PT. By insulting the Minister publicly, did Mouammar work to help or hinder anti-Muslim sentiment? Quote "We always want the best man to win an election. Unfortunately, he never runs." Will Rogers
eyeball Posted February 17, 2009 Report Posted February 17, 2009 (edited) I wouldn't know a Hamas flag if I fell over it, but since they are the democratically elected gov't that engages in terrorism, would expect no less. Canada is pretty cozy with a few democratically elected governments that have engaged in worse, why shouldn't we expect any less condemnation for them from Jason Kenny or Morris? Edited February 17, 2009 by eyeball Quote I said now watch what you say they'll be calling you a radical, a liberal, oh fanatical criminal
M.Dancer Posted February 17, 2009 Report Posted February 17, 2009 Canada is pretty cozy with a few democratically elected governments that have engaged in worse, why shouldn't we expect any less condemnation for them from Jason Kenny or Morris? It is only your inability to distinguish right from wrong which brings you to that conclusion. Quote RIGHT of SOME, LEFT of OTHERS If it is a choice between them and us, I choose us
eyeball Posted February 17, 2009 Report Posted February 17, 2009 It is only your inability to distinguish right from wrong which brings you to that conclusion. Actually its my inability to suspend my disbelief. Quote I said now watch what you say they'll be calling you a radical, a liberal, oh fanatical criminal
Progressive Tory Posted February 17, 2009 Author Report Posted February 17, 2009 Corrected for accuracy It depends on your definition of terrorism. Quote "For all our modesty and self-deprecation, we’re a people who dream great dreams. And then roll up our sleeves and turn them into realities." - Michael Ignatieff "I would not want the Prime Minister to think that he could simply fail in the House of Commons as a route to another General Election. That's not the way our system works." Stephen Harper.
fellowtraveller Posted February 17, 2009 Report Posted February 17, 2009 How can any decent discussion of political whores overlook the lifetime achievements of Scott Brison? Quote The government should do something.
85RZ500 Posted February 17, 2009 Report Posted February 17, 2009 If he can't handle a little name calling, he shouldn't be in politics. LOL, OK , Ignatief is an overbearing , arrogant a$$hole, how's that? I think it was moronic of Mouammar to use those words, to bite the hand that feeds them. But I do not agree with Kenney's take on the number of new immigrants they're going to allow to come into our country this year. I'll still vote Conservative but another reason to hold my nose when I do. Quote
M.Dancer Posted February 17, 2009 Report Posted February 17, 2009 It depends on your definition of terrorism. I think by even the most liberal definitions, Hamas is a terrorist party. Now of course there are those who think a suicide bombing that deliberately targets civilians including women and children such as the restaurant attack in Jerusalem which killed 7 children is a legitimate form of resistance. I think those who feel that way are no better than the scum who strap bombs on themselves. Quote RIGHT of SOME, LEFT of OTHERS If it is a choice between them and us, I choose us
Progressive Tory Posted February 17, 2009 Author Report Posted February 17, 2009 (edited) Seems to me that it was Khaled Mouammar who made this a public issue. My topic title stemmed from the headline in my Sun Media newspaper, and I originally just laughed at it. Kind of like saying 'your mother's ugly and she dresses you funny'. However, as is my nature, I always look for both sides of an issue, and the insult took on new meaning. Just like the term 'terrorism' has been bastardized to support agressive foreign policies; so it seems has the term 'anti-semitism'. It's no longer about racism or hatred against Jews, but refers to those who speak up in defense of human rights in Palestine. So by the new definition I am anti-semite; which should please my Jewish aunt. So for the other side of the story: Distorting anti-Semitism "Zionist apologists and hasbara doctors have been trying of late to convince the European public opinion that opposition to Israel’s brutal treatment of the Palestinian people amounts, more or less, to a new form of anti-Semitism." This conference was actually the brainchild of Liberal MP Denis Cotler: "Canadian Members of Parliament will be among the largest delegation of any country to attend an international conference in London to combat the growing threat of global anti-Semitism, said Liberal MP and founding co-chair of the conference, Irwin Cotler." From the Jewish News And the Other Side of the Story "Any criticism of the state of Israel is attacked with the repugnant label of 'anti-Semitism '. Labelling Muslims and Islam implicitly and explicitly as racist and bigoted can and has had the effect of stoking the ignorant fires of Islamophobia. In dealing with this issue, we first need to understand what type of criticism of Israel can be seen as a new form of anti-Semitism and why. The recent United Nations World Conference Against Racism (Durban, August 31 - September 7, 2001) indicated wide-spread sympathy with the view that Zionism was a racist movement. Are people around the world today, particularly Muslims, being "anti-Semitic" or just anti-Zionist?" So if the new anti-semitism means anti-Zionism as suggested by Kenney himself in our newspaper's account, than Canada has this wrong. Making his announcement while attending this conference does make Kenney a professional whore, using the threat of funding loss to quiet discontent. Edited February 17, 2009 by Progressive Tory Quote "For all our modesty and self-deprecation, we’re a people who dream great dreams. And then roll up our sleeves and turn them into realities." - Michael Ignatieff "I would not want the Prime Minister to think that he could simply fail in the House of Commons as a route to another General Election. That's not the way our system works." Stephen Harper.
Topaz Posted February 17, 2009 Report Posted February 17, 2009 Since I didn't know much about Kenney, I 'goggled" him and found he's was another Liberal who turned to Reform, who turned to Allaince , who is now like his PM a Conservatives. He was for the Iraq war and in 2007 attended the Bilderberg meeting, topic being "one world empire"and I'm just wondering how he got an invitation to such a secret group meeting. Quote
Progressive Tory Posted February 17, 2009 Author Report Posted February 17, 2009 LOL, OK , Ignatief is an overbearing , arrogant a$$hole, how's that?I think it was moronic of Mouammar to use those words, to bite the hand that feeds them. But I do not agree with Kenney's take on the number of new immigrants they're going to allow to come into our country this year. I'll still vote Conservative but another reason to hold my nose when I do. And Harper is a mindless twit who will do and say anything to stay in power, even allowing himself to be put on probation by an overbearing, arrogant a$$hole. How's that? LOL After reading more, by knowing that there was probably more to read into the story, I have to agree with Mouhammar. If anti-semitism simply means that you sympathyze with the Palestinians or don't support Israeli aggression under Zionism, then he has every right to speak out in protest. This is wrong. Canada has it wrong. The Liberals have it wrong. The Conservatives have it wrong. Kenney speaking from this conference, which is an anti-Muslim movement under the guise of anti-semitism, on such a sensitive topic, should be fired. He was showboating, strutting his stuff, and playing for the Islamaphobes. That definitely makes him a 'whore'. Quote "For all our modesty and self-deprecation, we’re a people who dream great dreams. And then roll up our sleeves and turn them into realities." - Michael Ignatieff "I would not want the Prime Minister to think that he could simply fail in the House of Commons as a route to another General Election. That's not the way our system works." Stephen Harper.
Progressive Tory Posted February 17, 2009 Author Report Posted February 17, 2009 How can any decent discussion of political whores overlook the lifetime achievements of Scott Brison? Huh? What does a politician who happens to be gay, and married to his partner, have to do with being a whore? Are you privy to his sexual exploits? Hmmm...first hand knowledge? John Baird is still playing the field. I only used the term from the newspaper headline, which I originally thought was laughable. Not so much now that I know what he meant. Quote "For all our modesty and self-deprecation, we’re a people who dream great dreams. And then roll up our sleeves and turn them into realities." - Michael Ignatieff "I would not want the Prime Minister to think that he could simply fail in the House of Commons as a route to another General Election. That's not the way our system works." Stephen Harper.
Progressive Tory Posted February 17, 2009 Author Report Posted February 17, 2009 Since I didn't know much about Kenney, I 'goggled" him and found he's was another Liberal who turned to Reform, who turned to Allaince , who is now like his PM a Conservatives. He was for the Iraq war and in 2007 attended the Bilderberg meeting, topic being "one world empire"and I'm just wondering how he got an invitation to such a secret group meeting. It all stems from the same 'new world order' vision of the radical Christian movement; aligning the world according to ancient scriptures. However, this anti-Muslim conference was started by a Liberal MP. As to Bilderberg, it was probably through Conrad Black. He was the one who sponsored Stephen Harper back in the day; before he was PM. He also gave a lot of seed money to the Reform Party. Quote "For all our modesty and self-deprecation, we’re a people who dream great dreams. And then roll up our sleeves and turn them into realities." - Michael Ignatieff "I would not want the Prime Minister to think that he could simply fail in the House of Commons as a route to another General Election. That's not the way our system works." Stephen Harper.
capricorn Posted February 17, 2009 Report Posted February 17, 2009 Canada is pretty cozy with a few democratically elected governments that have engaged in worse, why shouldn't we expect any less condemnation for them from Jason Kenny or Morris? Too cozy, in my estimation. This is what happens when our successive governments have got into the business of offering taxpayers' money to support the activities of a myriad of cultural/religious/ethnic groups. As we've witnessed, too often their world views are diametrically opposed and they are bound to clash in various ways, some peacefully and some not so peacefully. As a result and not surprisingly, the government gets caught in the middle because of this funding. To have the government embroiled in the to and fro is extremely unhealthy and undermines its initiatives to foster understanding and tolerance between ethnic groups. IMO the government should get out of handing money to them altogether. Let these dueling groups rely on their right to free speech to attack and belittle each other. Quote "We always want the best man to win an election. Unfortunately, he never runs." Will Rogers
Progressive Tory Posted February 17, 2009 Author Report Posted February 17, 2009 IMO the government should get out of handing money to them altogether. Let these dueling groups rely on their right to free speech to attack and belittle each other. Sounds good on paper, I suppose. However, our gov't has always given money to religous organizations in the form of tax exemption and outright grants. If they just abolished it altogether, there would be chaos. The problem is that while attending an anti-Muslim conference under the guise of anti-semitism; Kenney is accusing Canadian Muslims of trying to stir up hatred. They had a right to protest our foreign policy, and should not have been singled out. Speaking out against violence does not mean that you're anti-semite. I do it all the time. I hope there were protests at the convention. It should not have taken place and I'm ashamed that we have so much representation there. Quote "For all our modesty and self-deprecation, we’re a people who dream great dreams. And then roll up our sleeves and turn them into realities." - Michael Ignatieff "I would not want the Prime Minister to think that he could simply fail in the House of Commons as a route to another General Election. That's not the way our system works." Stephen Harper.
Oleg Bach Posted February 17, 2009 Report Posted February 17, 2009 Sounds good on paper, I suppose. However, our gov't has always given money to religous organizations in the form of tax exemption and outright grants. If they just abolished it altogether, there would be chaos.The problem is that while attending an anti-Muslim conference under the guise of anti-semitism; Kenney is accusing Canadian Muslims of trying to stir up hatred. They had a right to protest our foreign policy, and should not have been singled out. Speaking out against violence does not mean that you're anti-semite. I do it all the time. I hope there were protests at the convention. It should not have taken place and I'm ashamed that we have so much representation there. Speaking out on violence in Gaza makes you an anit-semite. Not wanting to give money to a group the feel they are spiritually superiour to the rest of us and have a quiet agenda to displace us the infidels makes us anti-Mulim ----being anti-liar...or telling the truth leaves you open to the spinning of the classic reverse where the person pointing out what is true is made out the liar ---- You just can't win. Unless you take the time to slowly talk to the idots and draw them a picture so they can understand - but that is tedious and I personally don't care enough about idiots to help them out at this late point in my life.. Quote
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