Dancing together and dancing to the same tune of Saxaphone played by Bill.
Any doubts political pundits out there?
Monday, June 30, 2008
Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Cindy McCain visits Vietnam
However if she visits Saudi Arabia then Fox News will have lot of fun with it. Wearing black garb and Hijab, she will be considered terrorist and John McCain her accomplice.
Recommend this postObama's Hanuman Idol
Now McCainiacs will say that "Obama is a Hindu." Mark Steyn of Macleans will be compelled to write that Hindus want to dominate the World, change the Statue of Liberty to a Hanuman Statue, and claim that its blasphemous. Go Steyn Go.
Click here to read more about this.
Alberta Tar Sands a Tourist Attraction?
Ed Stelmach has prepared a special swimming pool for you. You need no moisurizer if you decide to swim in it and you will get a natural tan... a shiny tan at that. Have fun, Ed's expecting you :)
Click here to read more.
Recommend this postSaturday, June 28, 2008
The Couillard-Bernier Affair
I have done my share of pictures on Julie Couillard and Maxime Bernier. When I think about the scandal, what becomes clear to me is that the sole responsibility for what happened rests on the shoulders of Bernier. No matter how much he tries to weasel out of it, this reality remains.
To begin with, let's briefly look at Madame Couillard's life story. She grew up in a very tough environment where her father was an addict who associated with shadowy characters. In that environment, she tried to survive as best as she knew how -- she married a biker who was killed and she might have been a nude dancer, but that is the kind of life she found herself in.
When she met Bernier, she likely saw an opportunity to rehabilitate herself and improve her life.
As for checking Couillard's background, the full responsibility for that lay with now ex-Minister Bernier because it was him - not her - who was the Foreign Affairs Minister. He was the one who had the responsibility to screen for potential conflicts. Furthermore, Bernier had the resources to run such checks as would have been necessary. If, after this, Bernier felt comfortable that there was no conflict of interest with his duties, and if he was confident that she was removed from her past life, then there would have been a lot less cause for concern.
If Couillard's intention in entering a relationship with Bernier was to seek favours for herself and her associates for money, then again the responsibility lay with Bernier - not her - to do a proper background check.
Looking at the whole saga, one does feel sorry for Couillard and the type of life she had to survive in. One doesn't feel the same with regards to Bernier however because he should have known better. Given his carelessness and poor judgment in this regard, Bernier doesn't qualify to be a public servant.
Recommend this post
Friday, June 27, 2008
George W. Bush: A fitting monument in San Francisco
Bush at the "opening" of the monument dedicated to him. There is actually a referendum underway for the approval of this monument in Bush's honour. Click here to read more.
Recommend this postThursday, June 26, 2008
Harper's Immigration Policy
Diane Finley, the Queen of Immigration, has the full powers of a monarch - and all in the name of expediting. Lester Pearson and Pierre Trudeau, who introduced liberal and humanitarian immigration policies, must have turned in their graves a few times over this.
What will the Harper government do next now? Annul the Charter of Rights and Freedoms? Thankfully, at least, that would be very hard to do.
Recommend this postWednesday, June 25, 2008
Ann Coulter: Running-mate for John McCain
Media pundits say he needs a woman running-mate to win. Also, he needs conservative votes. Ann Coulter might help both.
And don't they look good together? They look happy - especially Ann Coulter ;)
Recommend this post
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Bill Gates Retires From Microsoft – Will He Reshape the World Through His Philanthropy Work?
Bill Gates is unique, a revolutionary in his own right. He took the globe and put it on our computer screens – in effect, he made our global village an even smaller place. It’s extraordinary how we can now communicate anywhere in the World through the Internet.
True, many other people were also involved in the development of the Internet, but Bill Gates’ role was key.
Like millions of others, I use Windows software. I started with Basic Windows, and then upgraded to Windows 95. However, when I upgraded to Windows 98, I began to have problems with the software. So I started writing e-mails to Microsoft day in and day out. I was then surprised to receive a call from Seattle, from a tech support person there, who called to help me with my problem. She said she’d remain on the phone until all the problems with my software were solved. She also called back a couple of times afterwards to make sure my Windows program was working properly.
I was impressed, this was very responsive service, especially for a large organization.
I’ve heard that Microsoft is a unique company in that if any employee has a child with special needs, Microsoft will provide all the costs needed for their treatment including educational costs. This is a very good example set by Microsoft.
It’s of course true that Bill Gates and Microsoft have been accused of monopolistic business practices, but this kind of corporate behavior is common to most big corporations, and Microsoft is paying the penalty for following these practices.
To conclude, I wish all the best for Bill Gates and his wife in their philanthropy efforts as they tackle many of the World’s problems including poverty and AIDS.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Terrorist Attack on US will help McCain to win the Presidential Election according to his chief strategist, Charlie Black
Click here to read more about McCain's top adviser, and here for some of Charlie Black's past work. It's unbelievable that McCain still refuses to fire him.
Recommend this postJohn McCain: "Mission Accomplished" In Iraq?
Maybe he's right, maybe there is victory in Iraq. US and British oil companies are back in Iraq for oil production, and are refining there and profiting from Iraqi resources.
Will there be military victory? Doesn't look like it. Iraq remains a quagmire (even if US authorities may try to spin fewer car bombs as a victory - "it's only very dangerous there, no longer extremely dangerous.").
One thing this war has done is to strengthen Iran, as Iraq has a Shiite government that is friendly to Iran. Though McCain, if he becomes President, would like to "bomb bomb bomb Iran" thus making the whole area into a huge powderkeg.
Can the World afford such a disaster?
Recommend this postSunday, June 22, 2008
"Green Shift"
Will Mr. Dion's gamble pay off? Are the people ready for a Carbon Tax? Will it be misunderstood when gas prices are skyrocketing? Will Harper and company be able to exploit the situation?
In a political election, perceptions and rhetoric take over. If Dion loses, it will not only be the defeat of Dion and the Liberal Party, it will also be a defeat for the issue of global warming. Carbon taxes can be a risky election issue.
Time will tell. Reminds me of Joe Clark in 1980 when he wanted to impose certain excise taxes on gasoline, he was soon defeated by Trudeau. Dion's carbon tax is a risky strategy.
Recommend this postSaturday, June 21, 2008
Justice Antonin Scalia on Habeas Corpus
Habeas Corpus is one of a variety of writs that may be issued to bring a party before a court or judge, its function being the release of the party from unlawful restraint. It's a basic human right, the only governments which deny this right are illegitimate or dictatorial governments.
Justice Scalia was one of the dissenting judges who ruled against Habeas Corpus for Guantanamo Bay detainees.
Click here to read more. Recommend this post
Friday, June 20, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Stephen Harper's nightmares
Too many ghosts are haunting him - Karlheinz Schrieber, Brian Mulroney, Chuck Cadman, Julie Couillard, Maxime Bernier and on and on...
Recommend this postWednesday, June 18, 2008
Barack Obama and John McCain town hall debate preview
Is John McCain's forgetfulness a serious issue? In that condition will he be able to run the Whitehouse if elected?
He showed his forgetfulness in Louisiana when asked why he voted against bills which would have helped the city after Katrina. His response was "I do not know what you're talking about."
Recommend this post
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Pierre Poilievre - The Jerk
The Newest Production by the CPC.
It's time to ask: Is Poilievre fit to hold public office?
The MP's statements about native residential schools were appalling and horrendous in their timing. But it's not the first time the member for Nepean-Carleton has put his foot in his mouth. Click here to read more.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Stephen Harper's Apology for Native Residential Schools
It was a horrific chapter in Canadian history. Aboriginal youth forcibly taken from their families, sent to residential schools to be "assimilated," to have their culture and heritage literally beaten out of them. These residential schools were the sight of horror, the sight of physical, emotional and sexual abuse.
It was encouraging to see the Prime Minister and Parliament unite behind apologizing for this shameful chapter in Canadian history. I have personally known and worked with Aboriginal friends so I've heard some first hand accounts of the ordeals they face. I truly hope that nothing horrible like the residential schools ever happens again.
Unfortunately though, something similar is now happening in Afghanistan. There is an attempt to change the values of another culture and enforce a foreign set of values on them. In Iraq, the United States is doing a similar thing where they have now created a military quagmire.
We just cannot invade a society and try to impose our values on them. Democracy is an important principle, but this is not the way to spread it. The way to spread democracy is through example, through inspiring respect among people in developing countries. Through aiding them, helping them overcome disease and hunger, and through good works. That way we can inspire people. This is much more effective than violence, coercion, or war.
In short, imposition of values from outside is anti-democracy.
For democracy to succeed, it must come from the people itself, a people who are inspired by positive examples. This happened in Indonesia where people took to the streets and overthrew their country's dictatorship. This is happening now in Pakistan where dictator Pervez Musharraf is increasingly finding his back against the wall.
In India, Mother Theresa's good works had more influence on the people than two-hundred years of British rule. A few hundred Mother Theresas, saints and reformers can make everlasting changes for the better in human history, and can be more effective than any mighty army. A lot can be achieved through positives example where coercion and mighty armies fail.
Changing the mind-set of people is very essential to avoid prejudice and oppression. A good example is Pierre Poilievre, who made disparaging remarks about Aboriginal peoples on the same day as Harper’s apology -- Poilievre ignored the suffering facing Aboriginal peoples, attributing their problems to lack of "hard work and independence and self-reliance" rather than to centuries of systemic discrimination and oppression.
Let's stop the violence, stop the oppression, and stop the slaughter.
P.S. In response to Scott Tribe here is my take on Pierre Poilievre:
Friday, June 13, 2008
Tim Russert of NBC Dies of Heart Attack
He was an extraordinary journalist, Meet the Press was a staple for me. His death is very sad.
Recommend this postScarlett Johansson: The New Obama Girl
Lucky Barack, I'm very jealous. Therefore I declare my candidacy for the Presidency in 2012 ;)
Scarlett: I'm Engaged to Barack
Actress Scarlett Johansson claims she has regular email contact with Barack Obama
Recommend this postThursday, June 12, 2008
Keith Olbermann's Special Comment on John McCain and his Flip-Flops on Iraq
It's heart-wrenching how the soldiers and their families are paying such a high price in this illegal war. Watch this comment and draw your own conclusions.
Recommend this postMegyn Kelly and Sean Hannity of Fox News
What's Fox New selling? News or sex? Given the number of attractive women, and the way they dress and are displayed, one wonders. Recommend this post
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Kucinich has the right idea
After listening to the speech by Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) on impeaching George W. Bush, I feel strongly that Bush and his cronies belong in a secured place where they can no longer harm anyone. With the way they lied to the American people, with the murder and mayhem they unleashed on Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, there is no doubt they are a grave danger to society and to the World.
Over 4,100 American soldiers are dead (not to mention dead soldiers from allied countries), tens of thousands (maybe hundreds of thousands) of Iraqis are dead - the majority of whom were innocent women, children, and ordinary citizens. Millions of other Iraqis were displaced and many live in deplorable conditions.
The same goes for the suffering in Afghanistan. Bush and his regime have committed abhorrent crimes against humanity and must be punished.
Recommend this post
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Impeachment of George W. Bush
Introduced by Rep. Dennis Kucinich and seconded by Rep. Robert Wexler. There was not a thing about this on CNN.
Click here for a text of all the articles of impeachment. Below is a video of Kucinich presenting the Articles of Impeachment to Congress:
Kucinich Offers Impeachment Articles Against Bush
Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) introduced 35 articles of impeachment against President Bush on Monday night, reading the resolution into the Congressional Record. Kucinich, who unsuccessfully sought the Democratic presidential nomination this year, unveiled a litany of alleged illegal and improper acts by Bush, including war crimes. Click here to read more.
Julie Couillard and Maxime Bernier: The possibilities
Soon to be released, potentially an international hit.
Click here to read the latest on the Couillard affair
Recommend this postMonday, June 09, 2008
George W. Bush's Legacy: Too much blood on his hands
Over 4100 US soldiers killed in Iraq in an illegal war. Tens of thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands, Iraqis killed - the vast majority of them women, children and innocent civilians. Millions of Iraqis displaced. Tens of thousands of Afghanis killed in a prolonged, atrocious and mismanaged war. Millions of Afghanis displaced.
Recommend this postSunday, June 08, 2008
Hillary Clinton Concedes
Hillary Clinton:
The Democratic primary race is now over, finally. This time we can say it with confidence.
There were some worrying signs for party unity on Tuesday, the night Barack Obama clinched the Democratic nomination, when Hillary Clinton gave a defiant "non-concession" speech. However, she made up for this on Saturday with her gracious and passionate concession speech where she both praised Barack Obama, and called on her supporters to back him in the upcoming Presidential race.
During the primary race, there were definitely some serious missteps Hillary Clinton made, including her complacency at being the "inevitable nominee", her negative attacks on Obama when the race wasn’t going her way, and her twisted use of delegate math to try and deny Obama the nomination even when he was clearly in the lead. However, despite these negatives, one cannot underestimate the positives of her campaign, in particular the historical precedent she set by being the first woman candidate with a serious shot at the Whitehouse.
Hillary's campaign was an inspiration for many older women - many were born at a time before women could vote, and came of age at a time when women were barred from realizing their full potential. Hillary Clinton's campaign also sent a powerful message to younger women that they too could aspire to be President, and that there is no barrier they should let get in their way to realizing their goals.
Hillary Clinton, through her strength and perseverance, proved that a woman could be commander in chief of the most powerful country on the planet. This will be an important step in encouraging more women to get involved in public life.
Americans and Democrats thus have a lot to be proud of. The primary race broke important ground by fielding both the first African-American and the first woman candidate with a serious shot at victory. Both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton will have a special place in history for their trailblazing candidacies.
I strongly believe that Obama will be a great President, and that Hillary Clinton will have a bright future in the Democratic Party.
Recommend this post
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Friday, June 06, 2008
Cadman Affair: Stephen Harper has a problem
The voice on the tape was very clear, "financial consideration" were there for Mr. Cadman if he voted with the Conservatives. James Moore cannot merely explain it away by saying that the tapes were tampered with.
This all reminds me of Nixon's Watergate tapes.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Obama Winning the Democratic Nomination - Witnessing History Being Made
OBAMA CLINCHES THE NOMINATION:
On Tuesday, watching the US election coverage of the final primaries was exciting. I had the chance to watch, before my eyes, history unfolding. For the first time in American history, an African-American became the nominee of a major American political party (and he is likely the favoured frontrunner for the Presidency as the shadow of Bush's unpopularity is cast over McCain).
This is also the first time in modern history that someone of non-European descent is leading a major political party in a Western country.
Obama clinching the Democratic nomination is amazing considering that, a little more than four decades ago, African-Americans were fighting for the most basic of rights -- the right to go to the same universities and schools, to sit at the front of the bus, to drink at the same water fountains, and for equal voting rights. Four decades is within the lifetimes of most North Americans, including within the lifetime of Barack Obama himself who was born in 1961. Obama's nomination is thus a monumental step forward.
For Americans, this is a moment where they can be truly proud of their democracy, they have made true the notion that anyone – regardless of ethnicity or class background – can become President. Obama’s own background is humble and his father was a foreign student from Kenya, so for Obama to be on track to the Whitehouse is truly an extraordinary achievement.
The whole World is watching this Presidential race, and in countries from Kenya to Germany to Canada, Obama’s candidacy has generated great excitement, and great energy.
If Obama becomes President, America will provide a wonderful example to the World of democracy in action, a much better example than Bush’s cowboy diplomacy of militarism and war. Obama’s preference for diplomacy rather than confrontation will be a welcome change from Bush’s disastrous and militaristic foreign policy. We have been embroiled in destructive wars for too long, and it’s about time that we start working towards peace in the World, for our sake and for the sake of future generations.
Overall, Barack Obama has run an amazing campaign, he's inspired and energized youth and restored faith in the American system. Obama went from being a longshot candidate for the Presidency to defeating one of the most powerful political machines in modern American politics, the Clintons.
If Obama can defeat Bill and Hillary Clinton, then no doubt he will make easy work of John McCain who doesn't have the enthusiastic backing of his party and who is campaigning under the dark cloud of Bush's unpopular Presidency.
I believe that Barack Obama has the potential to be a great President, and to go down in history with other great Presidents. We are truly witnessing a powerful moment in history.
Recommend this postWednesday, June 04, 2008
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Obama Clinches the Democratic Nomination: CNN Confirms
Barack Obama is the first African-American nominee of a major American political party. This historic moment, I think, will carry Obama to the Whitehouse. If he can defeat the Clintons, who are powerful campaigners, then he can surely defeat McCain.
Click here to read more.
Recommend this post
Monday, June 02, 2008
Scott McClellan: Bush seeing things... nightmares
Impeachment is in order, but there is too little time left for this lame-duck President. He is afraid of his own reflection in the mirror now.
McClellan provides a glimpse into Bush regime's machinations
Any look behind George Bush’s Iron Curtain is a good look. So, Scott McClellan’s new memoir, What Happened, comes as a breath of fresh air from the house of silence, where, as McClellan tells us that full “campaign mode” press on the public (and press) was always on. And that a “political propaganda campaign” was always running like an old mimeograph machine, most notably to “manipulate sources of public opinion” and “downplaying the major reason for going to war,” which, as I see it, was all about oil and control of the Middle East. Click here to read more.
Sunday, June 01, 2008
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