Terrorism... in Canada

The Citizens of Caledonia website has been taken down because people are breaking the law, and not being held accountable for it. In the words of those operating the website:

"Do to Intimidation Through This Site and Harassment to People Believed to be Connected With This Site, This Site is Closed for the Present Time."

For shame.

What would you call someone who is openly harassing and threatening people? In this country, such conduct is considered a criminal act... and those who commit criminal acts are typically referred to as "criminals". Some people in Caledonia are going so far as to refer to the protesters as "terrorists".

This is wrong. I sympathize with the protesters, as there are few ways for the native community to get their message out when there are issues of dispute. But the methods being used, of interfering with daily the lives of uninvolved persons is just plain wrong. As I've said before, open the road partially, let some traffic through, and feel free to block any construction related traffic... then I think they would have a leg to stand on. As it stands right now, they are simply trying to instigate a confrontation. There cannot be any other explaination, and only a significant show of good faith on the part of the protesters can disprove that theory.

So, to support the people of Caledonia, and to ensure that the truth is still getting out, here's one image that was saved from their website... which, interestingly enough, hasn't been broadcast by the MSM...


Did you know that some (though few, granted) natives were damaging other people's property? Did you know that they threatened to beat members of the fire department if they attempted to put the blaze out? These are not the acts of "peaceful protesters", as they would have you and the MSM believe. And I have yet to hear an appology for this random act of vandalism... nor have I yet heard any commitment on their part to pay the costs for replacing this bridge.

More info over at SDA.

Softwood... CHECK

Humm... ninety-four days in Office, and we have a deal.

And how long did the Liberals have to deal with it? (and didn't?)

It's nice to have a Government in Office that actually deals with issues.

SCoC WON'T touch CPC merger

Sinclair Stevens has had his day in court, and has lost. He's the dude who said the merger between the Candian Alliance and the old PC Party shouldn't be permitted.

From the CBC:

The trial and appeal divisions of the Federal Court of Canada both refused to declare the merger invalid.

A Supreme Court of Canada hearing was Stevens's last hope for keeping the challenge alive.

Mr. Stevens, will you please just go away quietly now? And could you take Carol with you?

Debate on "Dust my Broom"

The open debate on the Caledonia "situation" is really something to read. And this guy really has something to say. He is (or claims, you can never be to careful online... but I believe him) to be a Native who's opposed to the blockade... and is sick and tired of the status quo.

So am I. When I said months ago that I wanted to be an MP, Native issues were one area that I wanted to help change and make right. (How? I don't have a clue...)

Here's a portion of his response to another poster...

"I am not free from being criticized, nor do I expect, or want, to be.

Dawg: Can I ask how you came to the conclusion that my attempt to see the protest in a different light, critique the obvious contradictions and hypocrisies, demand more from my people in the way of logic and reason, put forward the notion that this is an exercise in windmill-tilting, a pyrrhic victory (If the Mohawks win) that means nothing outside of a symbolic raised fist to put on t-shirts and posters, that getting the land back will do nothing to ease the national disgrace that we have allowed ourselves to enter into, and that this hollow victory comes at the price of even more non-Ab resentment and intolerance, and, in the end, at its most basic, simply standing up for my belief in law and order... can you explain to me how my post is all about 'hatred and contempt for Native people'?

I ask questions and point out contradictions. When did that become hatred and contempt? Yes, I also have my beliefs — in law and order, in the absurdity and irrelevency of land claims and treaties. I don’t deny that. But how much of those beliefs have come into play vs simple critiquing and deconstruction? Do you not agree that the messages being sent out by Mohawks and their supporters are just as biased and falisfied as they claim the MSM ones to be regarding them? Since no one else is taking the disinformation on, why don’t I?"

Dude, whoever you are, you've got my vote.

Scott Brison look alike?

Oh my goodness... my boss just made the most hilarious comparison... doesn't Scotty-boy look like... Tim "the Toolman" Taylor? LOL!




(Tried to find a better pic with his hair, but don't want to waste my time)

Che's Hero

Don't all those Che t-shirts out there get on your nerves? Young lefties wearing them, thinking there being cool and all of that.

Funny, most of those kiddies support "gun control". Che also supported gun control... he liked to be the one in control of the gun, which he often discharged into the heads of his unarmed opponents.

Someone should make a Che style t-shirt with this photo, with this caption...

Che's Hero

Ralph says "We fold"

Remember I said that Mr. Harper told the Opposition "I'll see your bet, and raise you $1200"?

Ralph Goodale said "We fold. You win."

Harper Ups the Ante

The Right Honourable Stephen Harper just told the Opposition, "I'll see your bet, and raise you $1200". The Child Care Allowance WILL BE A MEASURE OF CONFIDENCE, included in the annual budget.

It won't be all that bad if they do pull the plug... it'll be really fun watching a dozen Liberal "leaders" falling all over each other on the campaign trail!!!

Real Childcare

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has issued a statement calling on the Opposition Parties to support a real childcare plan that will help parents with the costs of whatever form of childcare they choose.

Basically, he's saying if you don't support our plan, then "bring it on".

Don't want Accountability

h/t to "dust my broom.

Native chief Rose Loubcan of the Driftpile Cree Nation says the CPC's new "Accountability Act" will infringe on Native rights to self-government. As dustmybroom has said, "If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to worry about. Right?"

Memo to the Auditor General: I have a suggestion on where you might want to start auditing once the Act is passed...

A Canadian PM with guts... imagine that!

It's about time our nation stands up and tells Israel "We've got your back".

Do I support starting another war? Not a chance. Do I support limited air strikes to prevent Iran from getting "the Bomb"?

You bet I do. And if this guy was your next door neighbour, and was messing around with enriching nuclear material, I think you would too.

Prime Minister's statement following remarks by President of Iran

April 15, 2006
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement following remarks made by the President of Iran:

"Canada vigorously condemns the recent call by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for the annihilation of Israel, and his continued denial of the holocaust. The Canadian people reject the hatred that underlies such appalling and irresponsible statements.

"It is particularly disturbing that these remarks are being made at a time when Iran is in serious violation of its international obligations with respect to nuclear non-proliferation.

"Canada continues to believe that these outrageous comments by the President of Iran do not reflect the traditions and values of the Iranian people."

(no link on the PMO's website at present, will post when it's up)

Nominated for Top 5 Blogs!

Wow! Cerberus has started a list of the "Top 5 Canadian Blogs", and someone nominated Yours Truely! How cool is that!

Thanks to Vicki for pointing that out to me.

Da da da daaaa... comment 1000!

It's been a great ride these last 5 months, since this little wee site exploded with readership and debate. A lot of topics have been covered, and, thanks to our vistors on both the right and the left of the spectrum, more educated positions have been taken by myself, and I'm sure, some readers.

Congrats on post number 1000 goes to a newcomer... DIRK! Thanks to all who have been making this site successful.

NB PC Government safe again

This one almost flew under the radar... the Tory MLA who left the caucus has been persuaded to rejoin... bringing Bernard Lord's government in Fredericton back to majority status.

Seal Hunt protests

...with a twist. It's the pro-hunt forces protesting this time, preventing the observers from the Humane Society of the United States from observing the hunt. (interesting that most lefties don't seem to mind THESE folks from the United States dictating policy to us... just an observation)

Here's a quote worth a laugh...

"Rebecca Aldworth, the humane society's Montreal-based Canadian issues director, criticized the people in Blanc-Sablon who interfered with the observers' work."

Let me get this straight... you're upset because they're interfering with your work, when you work is to interfere with their work... have I got that straight?

Then there's this quote, which is right on the money...

"If somebody [does] one bad shot, that's the picture you're going to see over the TV for years," said fisherman Jean Richard Joncas.

South Park & Comedy Central

Here's the evidience of a network's hypocricy that I was alluding to weeks ago... Comedy Central "censored" a South Park episode during a segment with "the Prophet Mohammed". They did not censor a clip with the Lord Jesus Christ, which was offensive to Christians.

I'm offended by the way the Lord Jesus Christ was portrayed, and I don't think they should have aired the clip. However, the fact that they DID air it, while at the same time censoring Mohammed, only proves my point about the media's hypocricy when it comes to the Christian faith.

Anyone have any comment on that one?

h/t to SDA.

The word "Progressive"

A lot of issues posted here recently have sparked debate, mostly between "conservatives" and "progressives". I hate the current use of the word "progressive", because it usually entails the acceptance of vaules I disagree with, such as SSM or abortion. It's a word that's being used to divide the right... with non-"progressives" being attacked by both the left and members of our own party.

However, Upper Canada Catholic has written a great summary for all you "progressives" on why we don't consider ourselves to be "progressive".

Kidnapped Vancouver Boy RESCUED

Here's the info from CTV:

Graham McMynn has been found alive, Vancouver police announced Wednesday, more than a week after he was abducted at gunpoint in the city's affluent Southlands neighbourhood.

"Graham McMynn has been found alive and well," read the two-sentence statement.

More to follow.

ACCOUNTABILITY ACT TABLED

John Baird just tabled the Accountability Act in the House of Commons! (I love webcasts) The NDP just gave it's cautious support of the Bill... and the Liberals just announced they will be "examining it closely, as Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition".

Liberals and "Progressives"

What a great post on "progressives" by Steve Janke.

More thoughts on the "Judas" book

With all this debate this week about the "gospel of Judas", it was interesting that a gentleman referred to a portion of Scripture during our "Breaking of Bread" meeting that mentioned the betrayal of Judas.

Here's the passage, from the words of the Apostle Paul in regards to the act of Judas, recorded within 20 years (?) of the event... "For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me." In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes." 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

The Apostle was clearly stating that the act of Judas was one of betrayal.

Of course, some may discount Paul's writings... so let's go to a portion of Scripture written appx. 1000 years PRIOR to the events... Psalm 41:9 "Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, Who ate my bread, Has lifted up his heel against me."

Many look at this as a prophecy of Judas' evil actions, and the book of Matthew supports that interpretation. Though the account of the book of Matthew is disputed by this book of "Judas", it is posted here for your examination: "Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood." And they said, "What is that to us? You see to it!" Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself. But the chief priests took the silver pieces and said, "It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, because they are the price of blood." And they consulted together and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in. Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, "And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the value of Him who was priced, whom they of the children of Israel priced, and gave them for the potter's field, as the LORD directed me."" (Matthew 27:3-10)

That passage referred to a portion of Jeremiah, but I can't find that at the moment, so here's another parallel passage from Zacheriah..."Then I said to them, "If it is agreeable to you, give me my wages; and if not, refrain." So they weighed out for my wages thirty pieces of silver. And the LORD said to me, "Throw it to the potter" - that princely price they set on me. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the LORD for the potter." (Zechariah 11:12-13)

That passage was written about 500 years PRIOR to the events recorded in the Gospels. And the events written prior also indicate that it was an act of betrayal, not of mutual co-operation. The Jews were meticulous in their record keeping, and the ancient Biblical texts for the Old Testament are VERY close, if not exact, to what we have today in our Bibles. (I got a chance to see a portion of the Dead Sea Scrolls in Montreal a while back... very cool indeed) Thus, we can count on these prophecies as being an accurate account of what was yet to come... the betrayal of the Lord Jesus Christ by Judas, for 30 pieces of silver, which was then thrown back into the Temple, which was then used to buy a potter's field... according the Matthew.

Of course, the Lord Jesus Christ was perfectly aware of what was going on the whole time... as He said to Judas, "What you do, do quickly." (John 13:27)

"Now as they were eating, He said, "Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me." And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, "Lord, is it I?" He answered and said, "He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me. The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born." Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, "Rabbi, is it I?" He said to him, "You have said it."" (Matthew 26:21-25)

Did this mean that Christ was a co-conspirator? Only to the extent that He knew what must occur to obtain the redemption of the souls of mankind.

And boy am I ever glad that He paid that price by shedding His blood on the cross of Calvary.

So with Easter coming up, I ask you... have YOU been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb?

San Fran vs. the Catholic Church

From Upper Canada Catholic.

Looks like the City of San Francisco passed a resolution attacking the local Catholic Cardinal for his directive to Catholic Charities not to place children for adoption in the care of homosexual couples. A Catholic leader giving instruction to a Catholic organization... isn't something like that an internal matter?

Well, that's how the Catholic League feels about it... "This is an internal matter". And to back that up, they're taking the City to court.

Congrats to the citizens of San Fran... your activist council just guaranteed a hike in your property taxes!

And it's not the first time. Here's a resolution from the other week, condemning a Pro-Life rally.

Next election, maybe you wanna think about un-electing these guys.

Regarding "The Gospel of Judas"

I don't need to say anything more than what PomoChristian has already said.

It's a fake. Junk. And people question the veracity of the traditional Gospels? This thing has FAR less textual support than the Gospels, by about 200,000+ full or partial manuscripts!!!

Here's the quote from National Geographic themselves:

The only known surviving copy of the gospel was found in a codex, or ancient book, that dates back to the third or fourth century A.D.

RIGHT... the ONLY KNOWN SURVIVING COPY.

Hardly enough "proof" to cast doubt on the authentic Gospels, right? LOOKS LIKE IT'S GOOD ENOUGH FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC! I've heard people say for years that National Geographic is anti-Christian... I guess they've just given us even more proof!

Comment Number 1000!

Either people love me, or they hate me... either way, something is causing loads of traffic to come my way. "Sara" was commenter number 1000, since Sept. 05. (not bad for 7 months of tracking them!)

The Trudeau's return to politics

This just in from the Ottawa Citizen. The headline: "Liberals recruit Trudeau's eldest son to rebuild party - Justin Trudeau's role on panel seen as entry onto political stage"

The Liberals have persuaded Justin Trudeau, son of the former prime minister, to lead a task force designed to help the party renew itself.

Mr. Trudeau, 34, is to head a "youth task force" which is part of a renewal project examining how the party can rebuild itself in the wake of the recent election defeat.

While his role would be far from seeking office, it is seen as his entry onto the political stage that his father dominated a generation earlier.

Childcare - in case you missed it...

Prime Minister Harper said a few things yesterday about the "Choice in Childcare" plan... but there was one statement that he made that almost everyone missed... it's in bold below...

"You know, Mr. Speaker, the previous Government talked for 13 years about providing a readily-available, easily accessible, free, universal day-care system. But that system and those childcare places - free or otherwise – never actually arrived.

Our Government is offering $1200 per year per pre-school child. Let’s not listen to those who would provide families with zero. Our Government has a real tax incentive plan to create 125,000 at-work daycare spaces. Let’s not listen to those who just want to create more studies.

The choice for this House is in fact no choice at all. Our plan creates real childcare spaces and benefits ordinary working Canadians.

Mr. Speaker, in the last few years, academics, experts, lobbyists, researchers, advocates and other politicians got lots of funding in the name of child care.

They got their money out of the system. But now we intend to bring forward legislation to help parents, children and families directly.

And that’s the choice in this Parliament. Members can vote against money for parents, children and families, if they wish. This government will be voting for them."

There's an elephant in the room that the Opposition doesn't want to talk about, and hopes no one will notice.

The previous Government has spent millions on their "child care" program. Since there is still no national program in place (just a few agreements for funding) WHERE, EXACTLY, DID ALL THAT MONEY GO? Mr. Harper is right... "Mr. Speaker, in the last few years, academics, experts, lobbyists, researchers, advocates and other politicians got lots of funding in the name of child care. They got their money out of the system."

THAT's why you see all these "child care advocates" up in arms, screaming and hollaring, doing everything they can to try and stop the Conservative Government from cutting their funding. How much, of every dollar the Liberals allocated to "child care", was going to the "experts", "advocates", "researchers", and lobbyists?

MILLIONS. But not anymore. The "culture of entitlement" in the child care "industry" is over.

MP Salary increase

Some people are ranting about how MP's first act in the new Parliament was to raise their own wages. Amm, actually, that was given Royal Assent in April of 2005... LONG before this House started sitting.

Here's the info.

One tough Feminist

Alison Wolf, a committed feminist, has submitted portions of her book to the Toronto Star, asking some hard questions to her fellow feminists about their movement. Talk about a woman with guts. I hope she succeeds in starting some honest discussion... because she's pointed out some good things, that if discussed, could lead to the betterment of all society.

h/t to The Politic.

SSM Vote

Vic Towes announced that there will be a free vote in the House of Commons on SSM. As per CTV.

I'm calling my MP, and asking her to stand for the traditional definition of marriage. She's a Liberal, but was one of the 40 who opposed changing the definition the first time around. I heard that she may have changed this stand since then, however, I will ask her to maintain the commitment she made several years ago.

Back to normal

Was taking a look at the projected order of business in the House of Commons, and I noticed the first three items listed under "Private Member Motions", from Mr. M. Silva, a Liberal MP from Toronto...

M-1 — Mr. Silva (Davenport) — Civil Marriage Act — Notice — April 4, 2006

M-2 — Mr. Silva (Davenport) — Kyoto Accord — Notice — April 4, 2006

M-3 — Mr. Silva (Davenport) — Child care agreements — Notice — April 4, 2006

Don't know what the contents of those motions are, but it looks like we're back to normal. The Liberals are intentionally bringing up three of the most contentious issues right off the bat, rather than letting the Government get the ball rolling.

Par for the course I'd say.

CBC's article on the Throne Speech

Just finished reading the CBC's article on the Throne Speech.

Can't they just state what it says without adding their own two cents? I just love the bias dripping from it....

"The main points, most taken from last winter's Conservative election platform, include: "Direct financial support" for child care, with no mention of the dollar figure cited in the campaign, $1,200 a year for each child under six."

"It will also improve border security, she said, without mentioning the question of issuing pistols to customs agents, an idea Harper has supported."

"On taxes, she said the government "will continue with a responsible approach to lowering taxes," including a further GST cut to five per cent. She did not mention the personal income-tax cuts implemented by the Liberals in January. The Conservatives have said they would reverse those cuts."

Apparently, most of the Opposition felt it was lacking in details. Amm, fellas, the Throne Speech is supposed to present the direction the Government intends to take... the details are presented in the Bills, as they come forward.

All in all, it seems pretty clear to me.

GREAT overview

William Johnson, author of "Stephen Harper and the Future of Canada", has written a great overview of our new Prime Minister... he's a no-nonsense, get down to business kinda guy.

It was a wonderful sight

So, I was briefly watching a reply of events in the House of Commons on CPAC... and I saw something that I didn't quite process at first, but when it did, it was a wonderful sight to behold.

The chairperson (or whatever her title is) was standing at the front of the House, in front of the Speaker's chair. She was calling the MP's to order, as they were all milling about chating amongst themselves. As things settled down, I saw Peter Mackay, and I saw him move to take his seat. The camera was facing the Speaker's chair, and I saw Peter move to the LEFT side of the camera. It threw me off for a second, because I thought to myself, "But Peter always sits over to the right of the Speakers chair..."

Then it came to me... to the right of the Speaker's chair, the left side of the camera view, where Peter was headed to, IS THE GOVERNMENT SIDE of the House.

I don't know why, but I feel much better today...

Let the Games begin!

The 39th Parliament sits for its first time today.

My Predictions: If it outlives the week, we won't be going to the polls until mid-late 2008... AFTER the next Quebec provincial election. The BQ has no intention of taking on the Tories right now, still stinging after losing seats to them, and knowing that the CPC has surged in the polls in Quebec.

That's what has allowed the NDP and the Liberals to blow all the hot air that they have been over the last few weeks... they know that the House will remain standing, but it gives them the chance to grab all the headlines they want, trying to make The Right Honourable Stephen Harper and his new government look bad.

As I said... LET THE GAMES BEGIN! (And yes, I have been waiting eagerly for the resumption of Parliament... call me an addict)

On another note, Steve Janke makes a very good point... Mr. Chalmers, where is the money? Do any of the sections of the Elections Act apply? How much money has been raised, and how is it being spent? Who is being held accountable for it? Why is someone from outside the Vancouver-Kingsway riding running the "grassroots" de-Elect Emerson campaign?

Many, many questions... few answers.