First Coyne is sued by Tim Murphy, now the Libranos are targeting David Frum;
By that definition, Canadian politics these days might seem very comical indeed. But I am counting on Americans to be less callous than the mordant Brooks–and to recognize that the events now occurring in Canada are serious, even sinister. There is though one warning I’d better immediately deliver to readers: Along with at least four other public commentators, I have recently been served with libel papers by a leading figure in this story. Because National Review is distributed in Canada, and therefore can potentially be reached by Canada’s more restrictive libel law, I have to be a little circumspect in what I say here.
In any sane democratic country, a slap suit against an opinion columnist by a government operative would provoke outrage and non-stop editorials in the mainstream press. The item would be leading the newscasts, with punditry convening soberly on our TV screens. Reporter scrums would pepper government leaders to explain their actions in curtailling that most hallowed (in their eyes) of all freedoms – freedom of the press.
But of course, this is Canada – a nation of “natural governing” one-party rule in which a “living” constitution permits such limits on speech as are consistant with a Liberal Kleptocracy.
So, as the Liberals draft laws that push more and more areas of government operation outside the reach of Freedom of Information requests, weaken protections for whistleblowers, when they brazenly refuse to acknowledge the defeat of their government in non-confidence motions and ignore the Auditor Generals concerns about billions of tax dollars being funneled into unaccountable foundations – the Lloyd Robertsons and Peter Mansbridges busy themselves studiously studying Stephen Harper’s facial expressions and providing Canadians “Better News Through Polling” .
They remain virtually silent on the assaults on members of their own profession – silent, because for the most part, the majority of mainstream media in Canada functions as nothing short of a communications arm of the Liberal Party. In other words, they see themselves as nothing less than an unelected arm of government.
So, when the most compelling critics of the Liberal Party they hold dear face libel actions for simply speaking the truth, the majority of Canadian political punditry breathe a collective grunt of approval, and commission another poll to create new opinions to feed back to the electorate who ensure they stay near the top of all the right invitation lists.
You are absolutely correct, but the people must want something more than what they have in order for the state of affairs to change.
As unseemly as it may seem, Canadians must begin to point the finger at other Canadians. (Or, they must separate from them.)
It’s a mistake to permit the Kleptocrats to function as lightning rods for one’s animosity.
Well whatever works
Coyne has been very quiet lately. Nothing on his blog for two weeks
Suggest you retaliate by getting some KKK relic to sue Joe Volpe for likening them to Tory MP’s. There’s a
guy in Philadelphia whose going to have plenty of time on his hands real soon. And with courtroom experience
Local stories published in the Recorder and Times:
13 item(s) returned. Brockville, Ont.
* Doors shut for revival session By RONALD ZAJAC Staff Writer
City officials and businesspeople will huddle in a closed-door session Thursday to chart a vision for the downtown area’s revival. The meeting at the River Walk Mill, at which about 20 people are expected, stems from a presen
* Published in Section A, page 4 in the Tuesday, June 14, 2005 edition of the Brockville Recorder & Times.
* Posted 4:30:15 PM Tuesday, June 14, 2005.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Pointing the finger at other Canadians:
Why is this meeting being held behind closed doors?
The weasel words: “to chart a vision”.
Whenever two businessmen talk with each other, it’s a conspiracy against the public.
Whenever business people and city officials meet behind closed doors, it’s a conspiracy against the public; an outright raid/plunder of the public tax base.
Exclusive it is: “the downtown area’s revival”. Translation: We are going broke; bail us out at the taxpayer’s expense.
Canada is a kleptocracy.
Lots of fodder for libel lawsuits from the past month or so of the Globe & Mail.
Anonymous sources stories that are outright bogus fabrications that totally assasinate people.
Even Christians were targeted.
If Frum says we have restrictive Libel laws in canada maybe someone should be looking into this?
See Coyne in this day’s National Post re Harper’s leadership.
Excellent.
When will Coyne re-open his Comments?
Has he been served papers to appear in court?
If Coyne ever blogs again, you can add comments ( along with those for Wells, Kinsella and Radwanski
entries) at Comments Please
Calling all attorneys . . .
I may be wrong, and in fact, I probably am, but Frum is an American columnist now. The libel suit has now, in fact, reduced his ability to comment, damaged his economic potential in some form, and probably made many readers think less of him for spurious reasons.
Can he sue down here for defamation of character?
Kate–great post. Our MSM perfectly reflect the saying “pas d’ennemis � gauche”. So you know where they are, “they” in both senses.
Mark
Ottawa
Since I’m an American and probably don’t know any better, I keep asking myself
“When are Canadians going to DO something about this?”
Texan is right, but when Western Canadians point the finger at Southern Ontario, the national, Liberal-sponsored media either ignores it or turns the western message into banjo music.
Canada is becoming three nations, one Liberal action at a time.
David Frum says that he and FOUR other commentators are being sued in canada by the Liberals? Who are the four?
Gary,
“When are Canadians going to Do something about this?” Godd question, Gary, and probably a good answer is “Never”.
Unlike the citizens of your beautiful country, the citizens of my country have been bought with their own money.We no longer hold dear the right to free speech. We swallow all the crap the politicans throw at us because right behind the crap will follow a few tidbits bought with our own money, but the politicans say we deserve these tidbits as long as we let the same politicans tell us what is good for us.
Over the years we have lost the ability to feel anger at corruption. Well, most of us have. The true bloods who stand up for their rights find themselves on the wrong side of Revenue Canada(your IRS)or threatened with a lawsuit we don’t have the money to defend.We have let our Military fall into ruins and have turned law abiding citizens with guns into common criminals.But get a load of this– as criminals we are still allowed to vote for the same politicans who made us criminals.Our children are taught by the highest officials in the land that stealing is OK. Witness the words of former Prime Minister Jean Chretein who said,” SO what if a few million dollars got stolen—” If that isn’t sanctioning thievery, what is?
Our backbones have been painlessly removed, not by surgeons, but by bureaucrats and politicans.We are constantly being told that if we disagree with the party in power, we are un-Canadian.As un-Canadians we wouldn’t qualify for our welfare payments, so why rock the boat?We have no destination as a country. Anyone who tries to provide one gets accused of being “glum” or “angry” and told to get a “sunny” disposition and to learn how to barbeque.Our media backs up the ones doing the telling. I could go on forever.
I think it was an American who said:
“A man without a gun is a subject:A man WITH a gun is a citizen”.
Most Canadians are subjects!
HappyDaze: “Who are the four?”
Precisely my question. I want names!
Gary: When are Canadians going to DO something about this?
Based on past behaviour, I would say… a quarter-past never. But I do have hope things will change. I can’t give in to pessimism and despair. At least not yet! But in order for things to change it will require a great deal from Canadians – such as honest introspection, undying courage, and a heavy dose of moral fortitude. Things sorely lacking in this country for the most part. Let’s hope we can stock up on those things in the coming months. Is there a Costco bulk section for these things?
Behind paper and mirrors, we see 1939.
Hitler’s generals were concerned that plans to invade Poland would cause angry bells to ring across Catholic parishes throughout Germany. Hitler, having the better read on human nature, declared that his invasion plans were firm. He correctly stated that the priests, and the Pope, would do nothing to endanger their “little jobs”.
After the tanks had rolled across Eastern Europe, the bells did eventually ring in Germany. During the war, they pealed on each anniversary of Hitler’s birthday.
If you ever have a few hours to spare, read up on the propaganda techniques used by Joseph Goebbles in the service of the Hitlerian forces. Substitute the word ‘Liberal’ for the phrase ‘Third Reich’.
The monster is a little bigger than most people can even imagine. This is not just about a patch of dirt above the 49th parallel.
The Liberal Propganda Machine with today’s multi media would even put Hitler’s to shame:
They are experts, no doubt about it.
Here is the new Liberal Campaign Slogan:
(beware – you may want to up chuck for the hypocrisy)
As seen on McLellans billboards in Edmonton:
Anne McLellan – Now more than ever.
Respect and Commitment.
How’s that for reverse phsychology – repect and commitment to cover up their disrespect for the citizens and their commitment to personal gain and power.
Sheesh.
We should sue them for false advertising on this one since that is the topic of the day 🙂 .
Anybody know a good immigration lawyer? Or willing to marry so I can get a green card? Really. Seriously. I’ve had enough. Aside from Coyne and those of us who frequent SDA, who in this country is normal? Collection for Frum, anybody?
Tories want budget bill delayed.
OTTAWA (CP) – The Conservatives have offered to let the federal government quickly pass a $4.6-billion budget bill in exchange for a delay in same-sex marriage legislation.
Cnews.
Hey Maz2,
Who the Hell is doing strategy for the CPC?
Nobody?
Am flying to Florida on Sunday for job interview. I hope I get the job. If I do, I am never coming back. Democracy in Canada is finished. The Liberals had better enjoy the feast while they can – the parasite has killed its host.
Like I said a few weeks ago, some Alberta lawyers should get together and make some fun for us all to watch. The targets are almost endless. And these lawyers would become household names doin’ it.
“When are Canadians going to DO something about this?” The answer is when Alberta separates.
Can you see busloads of easterners headed to Alberta, begging the west to stay? Nope. Because this country still comprises upper and lower Canada. The rest is rock, river and mountain, and the poor sods who live there and fund the ongoing right of supremacy between the two. It sucks, and I’m from Toronto, now living in BC. I have to admit, once you cross the rockies, the east, particularly Ottawa, does become totally irrelevant, and it’s hard to fathom what, if anything, is holding the country together. I hate to say it, the west doesn’t figure much in the minds of the east.
I ran across this quote from William Wallace today and wanted to share it with all of you.
WW: I am William Wallace. And, I see a whole army of my countrymen, here in defiance of tyranny. You’ve come to fight as freemen, and freemen you are. What will you do without freedom? Will you fight?
Man: No… we will run… and we will live.
WW: Aye. Fight and you may die. Run and you’ll live – at least for a while. And, dying in your beds, many years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days from this day to that for one chance, just once chance, to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they’ll never take our freedom!
I think I understand it better now, than I did before.
Sorry, Iron Lady, my divorce isn’t final yet. You would probably find San Diego too warm and sunny anyway.
And when Alberta separates (as well as Quebec) the country you now call Canada will then be reduced to the Union of Socialist Republic of Ontario ? PM and JL will have their cake and eat it too … I am moving outta here !!!
Spooky,
William Wallace was a Scotsman, NOT a Canadian.
BIIGGG difference!
As the inimitable Mr Ibbitson put it in the Globe today (looking down his endless nose): “In the culturally and politically homogeneous parts of the country–Alberta and rural Canada–both economic and social conservatism prevails.”
Therefore, amongst many other things:
1) Rural Ontario and Calgary are the same;
2) Pur laine Quebec (i.e. rural Quebec) is the same as Edmonton; and
3) The rural Atlantic Provinces are not addicted to regional development money and EI (including the outports); and Scott Brison was not elected in a rural riding (Kings-Hants: “well-known for its apple orchards and fertile land”).
Acute political analysis. Actually nonsense.
Mark
Ottawa
if you go to the cnews forum here:
http://www.canoe.ca/mb2/messages/cnewsf/3258.html
you’ll see some of the current lawsuits going on… I guess O’Leary’s going after Frum via NP.
After listening to the CPC beak on and on about the evils of the “NDP budget” ever since Layton and Martin wrote it out on a napkin, I can only conclude, after today’s story about the CPC agreeing to pass the NDP budget in exchange for a delay on SSM bill, that the reason for such a deal is that someone high up in the CPC(in other words, a major contributor) will benefit from it.
Monte Solberg, go sit as an Independant or be labeled as a hyprocrite!
Gary, thanks for the thought. I love San Diego. Been there lots for conferences, etc. I feel better. I’ve just applied for a job in Florida, Jeb Bush country, just in case there’s another Librano victory. Nicaso’s speech is interesting, given the venue. Hamilton is mob country, probably the largest haven for mobsters past and present outside the US. (I confess to having very distant relatives who are connected, as they say.)
In the meantime, I have identified another outrageous example of inequality in Canada that I hope our enlightened (as in enlightening the weight of my wallet) Liberals will get busy fixing.
Old Squid,
SSM will pass by a wide margin brought to a vote.
Lib/NDP budget will pass (narrowly), with no money flowing until *at least* August 2006, and only under conditions a)there is a surplus of at least $2B, and b)the Libs actually feel like honoring their commitment. **insert sidesplitting laughter here**
prag�ma�tism ( P ) Pronunciation Key (prgm-tzm)
n.
1. A movement consisting of varying but associated theories, originally developed by Charles S. Peirce and William James and distinguished by the doctrine that the meaning of an idea or a proposition lies in its observable practical consequences.
2. A practical, matter-of-fact way of approaching or assessing situations or of solving problems.
If you print material based loosely on fact, and it is clear that it is your opinion, and it can’t be proven to have done harm to the plaintiff, then the suit is difficult to see through. Keep in mind though,that the burden of proof in civil court is not very high.
There is nothing keeping right-wing politicians and heads from doing the same; and maybe it’s high time they did. Perhaps the way we will get some balance in the MSM is if the Canadian MSM gets nailed once in a while for flagrant anti-conservative Op-ed.
Furthermore, suits of this sort are usually just a tactic to quell Op-ed. There purpose is only short term, but, there is a backfire effect. If Frum or anyone else loses these suits, then the same standard applied to them will be available to everyone… now won’t that be interesting when Conservatives begin going after the Canadian MSM. First up, in my opinion, might be Grewal.
Kate,
This is truly a brilliant post. Canadians who think like you have an uphill battle in persuading other Canadians to open their minds. I am beginninig to believe that the only conservatives who have any chance of impacting the closed minds that currently control public discussion in this quasi democracy are females who are homosexual, black/native, and disabled.
Why is everyone talking about moving? If your friends were being assaulted would you walk away because it’s calmer “over there”?
Stay in Canada and fight.
“William Wallace was a Scotsman, NOT a Canadian.
BIIGGG difference!
Posted by old squid at June 15, 2005 05:05 PM ”
Well, no, actually, William Wallace was a Hollywood screenwriter, but what the hell, the words are still true …
My question is this. I’ve read the 30 or so comments in this thread, and I really can’t disagree with many of them. I’m as sick and tired of the thieves stealing from me as any one else – and I suppose we all fight back n the one way we know how, at the voting booth. To little effect.
So are we having any more effect in this forum? I mean, is anything being accomplished through the constant railing at the Libs here, and in Penny’s blog,and several others? Or are we spitting into the wind. In my heart, I like to believe that the message is getting out to a wider audience via the blogs – but maybe we’re all just preaching to the choir. That is, where choirs are still allowed …
It’s time for someone (are you there, Lewis McKenzie?) to rally the troops somehow. And I can’t say that I really know how that is done. But I’m 47, and in my lifetime, I’d like to see this country grow rather than wilt. I don’t need 1950 again, I don’t need everything the way it was when my Dad and his Dad were off fighting wars so we could whine in peace … but I want to see some progress in the country. How does it happen? How do we move from telling each other what a sorry lot the Libs are, to some postive action that actually has effect? No answers here, just a willingness to take part …
This is just no freakin’ fair… I spend two months deliberately setting myself as a target and others get sued??? Not freakin’ fair at all!
I opposed to all injustices, even emotional ones. Richard, I’m sending a team of lawyers after you.
Since I’m an American and probably don’t know any better, I keep asking myself
“When are Canadians going to DO something about this?”
Posted by Gary at June 15, 2005 03:27 PM
Gary, Since I’m a Canadian and probably don’t know any better, I keep asking myself
*When are Canadians going to start at least protesting in front of Governor General Clarkson’s Mansion.
Thousands of miles seperate me from the neighbourhood, or I would carry a big sign there proudly myself. Bet it would encourage others to join in.
Someone who lives nearby should at least carry a sign. It’s free, it’s within the law, it’s good exercise and it may bring some media attention to what should be obvious.
Gary, I have lived in the major cities of Canada and as a Canadian, I thought protest marches would be happening by now.
I admit it. I do not understand my fellow Canadians. 73s TG
The MSM is horrible in this country, this much is true. The Conservatives, though, we must admit, have not done a good job getting their message out. They have no platform as I can see except to run around the country and promise the same as the Libranos. It is time for the CPC to formulate a precise platform and get it out, a true copnservative vision distinguishing them from the liberals. They have not done this. They should have been doing this all through Gomery, pointing out the corruption and offering a change, a party with a platform and vision. I am a CPC party member but we must admit that they have failed miserably at this. This is not to say we should dump Harper, on the contrary, just get focused on who and what we are and explaining that clearly.
Good article at Laurie Hawn’s Blog – Strong & Free – he is the Conservative candidate in McLellan’s riding:
http://strongandfree.blogspot.com/
Exerpt: CSI, Law & Order and CPAC
Crime Scene Investigation (CSI), Law & Order, and confidence votes in the House of Commons were all on at the same time last night, and they seemed somehow complementary…..
I have to say that Law & Order gave me some hope. The father may have covered up a murder, but he was nailed for “enterprise fraud” in the end and sent to the penalty box. Hmmm ….. sponsorship ….. gun registry ….. HRDC ….. vote buying ….. bribery ….. enterprise fraud ….. the Paul Martin Liberals ….. yeah, we can do better, if enough Canadians demand better and decide to stand up for Canada – now, more than ever.
Take a trip to http://www.conservative.ca; go to “The Party”, then to “Key Documents” and click on Conservative Party of Canada Policy Declaration (pdf). Have a good read about what our future could and should look like.
Stay tuned. Script writers at work.
Canadian fascism
The June 20 National Review includes a piece by David Frum reproduced for non-subscribers here that begins: Mel Brooks once offered these succinct definitions of tragedy and comedy: “Tragedy is when I cut my finger. Comedy is when you fall down an open…
It has always fascinted me that of all the journalists graduated in this country, those who take thier diplomas and wander starry eyed about the land, hoping for that big story, a chance to take down some monlithic and pretentious institution, looking for thier chance to “speak truth to power”, none of them ever do. I now know why; libel. Instead they wander about looking for thier chance to “speak truth to opposition.” And apparently only one party of the opposition is open for thier disaproval; the CPC. The Bloc get a free pass, being from Quebec and all. The NDP get the same pass for being righteous.
Whatever happened to the ideals of iconoclasm.
That said I am happy National Review has finally entered into the fray. If only someone could convince NPR to look into this sad state of affairs. Perhaps we need to embaraass the populace into seeing the light.
Having David Frum take these issues on in the National Revue is a welcome development. The utter non-reaction of Canadian journalists to the suit against Coyne will live in infamy. Coyne’s column was as measured and thoughtful and honest as journalistic writing could possibly be; it was, however, prominently placed in a national newspaper. The suit emanating from the PMO was clearly intended to silence the press, and Papa Mansbridge and the rest played along by working to diminish the credibility of non-Liberals, most notably Stephen Harper.
The fact that the Liberals have gotten away without even once referring to the actual conversations on tape is more than an outrage, it is evidence of national weakness. When Frum writes “…I am counting on Americans…to recognize that the events now occurring in Canada are serious, even sinister” he is simply noticing that Canadians have swallowed the Liberal group-think diet to such an extent that we can no longer be counted on to tell the truth, even to ourselves.
State-think, backed by government thug-lawyers and wicked messenger media has gutted this country under our noses. When our government takes action against our most respected and reasoned journalists, we have gone well past simple partisan politics into a hidden-door system with ominous twentieth century echoes.
Only in Alberta you say? Pity…
Press council plays valuable role in policing papers
The Edmonton Journal
June 14, 2005
I write regarding your story in which CanWest executive David Asper stated that “public faith in Canada’s judicial system is being threatened by shoddy reporting,” (“Society endangered by shoddy reporting: CanWest VP,” The Journal, June 12).” He also found “objectionable” newspaper columnists mixing fact and opinion in columns that run during trials.
As a print/electronic journalist who has worked in five provinces, and written columns and editorials, it’s a given that both are understandably based on facts and opinions. That occurs every time The Journal’s Lorne Gunter, Paula Simons, Scott McKeen, John MacKinnon, etc., present their views.
The media can be fair game for critics, but you cannot tar all journalists with the same brush. If any reporter is guilty of shoddy reporting, or any columnist has crossed the line of fair comment, there are avenues open to anyone who feels vilified. They include writing a letter to the editor or simply calling the editor or reporter.
In Alberta, B.C., Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec, you can contact the press council which will, if justified, launch a full-scale investigation into a complaint. If the offending daily or weekly newspaper is adjudicated against, they must present the press council findings in a prominent position within their paper.
I find it ironic that Asper finds nothing “objectionable” when members of his legal profession use reporters or columnists during trials to present their case outside the courthouse. At Wiebo Ludwig’s trial in Edmonton some years ago, the presiding judge cautioned counsel about overuse of the media.
Funded by the daily and weekly newspapers, The Alberta Press Council — the first in Canada — was commended earlier this year when we appeared before the Senate committee on the media in Calgary. Senator Joan Fraser and her committee were especially pleased with our policies and procedures, and the fact they are posted in Alberta newsrooms. She further asked that they be distributed to all Canadian journalism schools.
We asked that the Senate committee stress the value of Canadian newspapers voluntarily belonging to a press council.
Most of them do in Western Canada. The only exception is Saskatchewan, where there is no press council. With CanWest being such a strong supporter of APC, and the fact it owns all dailies in Saskatchewan, is it not worthwhile consideration for them to organize a Saskatchewan press council, with assistance from the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and others?
Having just stepped down as chair of the Alberta Press Council, I’d be delighted to assist in formation of a Saskatchewan council, another positive step in improvement of the media.
Bruce Hogle, Edmonton
Canada has evolved beyond “Democracy”.
Canada is now a full fledged “Liberalocracy”.
Hail to Martin … Hail to Martin … Hail to Martin … $
Jaw Dropper at http://cnews.canoe.ca/ Martin and Chretien should be exonerated by Gomery. (Liberal Lawyer) by Ross Marowits. 73s.TG
Anyone want to join me in petitioning Bill O’Reilly to bring on Frum to discuss the situation in Canada and the libel suit? Nothing moves Canadians more than seeing Americans notice us…and O’Reilly loves ripping into our “Socialist CBC and Toronto Globe & Mail”.
oreilly@foxnews.com
Maybe Mr. O’reilly can find the identity of the other writers being sued.
The CPC will give up on fiscal conservatives and prop up the social conservatives. That should work. In the end this strategy will get the CPC the NDP budget crap and gay marriage.
Would the grassroots thing to do not be to find a riding in the illustrious GTA, and do our darndest (funds, help, phone calls, etc.) to help get the message out to the people that, apparently, can elect the government?