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January 10, 2009

Reader Tips

Good evening ladies and gentlemen, welcome to SDA Late Nite Radio. Tonight, for your delectation and pursuant to our Friday night old-time radio crime-detective show, here is the Music To Die By episode of Casey, Crime Photographer (1948, MP3, 6.6 MB, 28:36), brought to you by the Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation. Interestingly, perhaps, the last word in the show, before station identification, is Canada.

Your Reader Tips are, as always, welcome in the comments.

Posted by Vitruvius at January 10, 2009 12:01 AM
Comments

Please, somebody, give us tonight's Coren show with Sid Ryan.

Posted by: glasnost at January 9, 2009 10:46 PM

Quote of the day.

"In related news, Obama, who hasn't even run an office in his life, will be making all the big decisions about the economy for at least four years."

"MSM response: But he's the smartest person to ever live and the mere thought of him sends thrills up our rectums." Posted by: TheQuietMan

http://minx.cc/?post=280869

Posted by: Sounder at January 9, 2009 11:16 PM

Please, somebody, give us tonight's Coren show with Sid Ryan.

It's on its way ...

Posted by: Mississauga Matt at January 9, 2009 11:17 PM

Sounder-good one.
I believe the scientific term is to "set one's sphincters all aflutter"

Posted by: Rich at January 9, 2009 11:25 PM

First part:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EddlF4mmFJw

Posted by: Mississauga Matt at January 9, 2009 11:32 PM

Like Kate, I'm blessed to have some pretty eloquent commenters from time to time. I received one such comment today and it's worth a read.

Posted by: Robert W. at January 9, 2009 11:33 PM

What's with the huge whinefest over at Ezra's WRT the HRC's? Believe me ...I followed this issue long before it hit the blogosphere. Gwen Landolt was the frontrunner on calling the HRC's for the shams they are.
So why are so many so-called CPC'ers caving and turning their backs on PMSH over one interview?And in the interview PMSH acknowledges the abuses.
The past election was not a 'single issue' campaign.PMSH did not make any empty promises before the election. Does anyone know if Lynch has NOT been warned or raked over the coals by Nicholson?
The comments at Ezra's are unbelievable....they are all ready to vote for Iggy...in spite of the fact that the HRC's are Trudeaus baby, and the sacred cow of the Lib party.

Kate...you have been quiet about this.

waiting.

Posted by: bluetech at January 9, 2009 11:37 PM

bluetech,

I think Kathy has it right:

http://www.fivefeetoffury.com/:entry:fivefeet-2009-01-08-0008/

Posted by: Mississauga Matt at January 9, 2009 11:44 PM

Kathy's posting was just what I needed after the disappointment of the Harper interview.

But it still hurt to read that interview.

Posted by: Lori at January 9, 2009 11:55 PM

The comments at Ezra's are unbelievable....they are all ready to vote for Iggy...

bluetech, I share your frustration and the frustration of the doubters that you refer to. But I also agree with Ezra's admonishment to be patient because legislation doesn't change overnight (usually).

None of the dissenters at Ezra's site will be voting for the Liberals. It’s all frustration-bravado.

Posted by: glasnost at January 10, 2009 12:05 AM

Mississauga Matt, please sir, can I have more?

Posted by: glasnost at January 10, 2009 12:15 AM

The other Michael Coren segments are being uploaded. Just keep checking my account - I'm going to bed.

Posted by: Mississauga Matt at January 10, 2009 12:15 AM

Kate's in the lead @10:58 MST!

Ace of Spades 6994
Little Green Footballs 4148
Small Dead Animals 7104

It's just like an Illinois election... vote early, and vote often at
http://2008.weblogawards.org/polls/best-conservative-blog/

Posted by: C_miner at January 10, 2009 12:56 AM

Not waiting for the asteroid:


http://www.cbc.ca/money/story/2009/01/09/globelayoff.html

Posted by: Stillman at January 10, 2009 12:58 AM

I'm watching Micheal Coren - Part 2. Though Sid Ryan comes across as soft spoken, he truly is nothing short of a Bureaucratic Little Nazi, isn't he?!

In many way he reminds me of that HRC twit who was interviewing Ezra Levant. She appeared to be as nice & reasonable as could be, but yet she was there to possibly take away Levant's right to free speech.

I did love how Coren exposed Ryan's hypocrisy on this whole matter. Never once has he ever considered condemning or boycotting Hamas of Hezbollah or the IRA (in days past). Nor China or Cuba or North Korea or Russia either. Somehow, in his mind, they're just not so bad.

God Help Us!!! (to the atheists out there, "Nature Help Us!!!")

Posted by: Robert W. at January 10, 2009 1:11 AM

Guess what? We have loonies in Winnipeg too:

http://www.winnipegsun.com/news/winnipeg/2009/01/09/7965036-sun.html

Posted by: allan at January 10, 2009 1:16 AM

Shouldn't Ryan be more concerned and busy with what's currently going on in his own industry as a union leader rather than spouting-off about international politics?

One might think that a union leader would be really busy these days trying to help solve the current economic crisis that threatens to put thousands of his minions, err, um, members out of a job.

Then again, priorities are priorities, and those who Ryan supposedly represents don't have much of a say in the matter, do they.

Posted by: PiperPaul at January 10, 2009 1:28 AM

7158 to 7083 for our gal. 10:31 PST
Bon chance Kate!

Posted by: celina at January 10, 2009 1:31 AM

Oops, my bad. I was wrong.

I was under the impression that Ryan was with the CAW.

In my defence I offer: similar animal, different breed, same lefty outlook.

Posted by: PiperPaul at January 10, 2009 1:41 AM

Robert W wrote: "I did love how Coren exposed Ryan's hypocrisy on this whole matter."

Coren corrected Ryan by saying "The most basic tenet of a democracy is voting" (Ryan claimed it was "freedom of the press").

Freedom of the Press as long as it's saying what I want it to.

Freedom of the press is a great thing, but when the press has been co-opted, becomes partisan or just stupid, freedom of speech has to come into play.

Posted by: PiperPaul at January 10, 2009 1:55 AM

Paul,

Sid Ryan has a personal right to say whatever he wants and boycott whoever he wants. But when challenged about why he isn't applying the same morality to other governments he offers a pathetic non-answer.

I have several friends who work for unions. Almost every one of them would leave their union if they could. But they can't and that is a tragedy.

I'm more than a little worried about what will happen this weekend. When you have such fervent HATRED in the hearts of so many protesters, violence can easily erupt. Let's all hope it does not.

Posted by: Robert W. at January 10, 2009 4:17 AM

Mark Steyn's latest

Read it slowly. Read it carefully. But read it all.

Posted by: Robert W. at January 10, 2009 4:25 AM

Well, it looks as though jadewarr, warren kinjerkoff and the poseurs at the HRC's finally had their wish come true.

We have nazis in Canada all right, and the f@#$ers are protesting against jews in Toronto.

Well done you filthy pieces of librano/moonbat/dipper garbage.

Keep up the good work!

VOTE REFORM !
GO ARMY !

Posted by: kingstonlad at January 10, 2009 6:49 AM

Goreacle's dinosaur footprints.
...-

"Germany is experiencing one of its coldest winters of the past 100 years, with the mercury dropping as low as minus 34.6 degrees Celsius (minus 30.3 degrees Fahrenheit) in the mountains in the south."
...-

"Madrid airport closed as Europe seized by frigid weather"
http://tinyurl.com/7chsmq (breitbart)
...-

"YouTube - Al Gore: The North Polar Ice Cap Will Disappear in 5 Years
13 Dec 2008 ... Five Years. Mark it down.Al Gore spoke to a German audience this week at the opening of a dinosaur park. In this German news clip you can ...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrPCUWWjh0c"

Posted by: maz2 at January 10, 2009 7:03 AM

Israeli smoke rounds... though containing phosphorus covered felt wedges , are not designed as anti-personnel rounds or anti-material rounds.
"The M825 White Phosphorus (Felt-Wedge) is a 155mm base ejection projectile designed to produce a smoke screen on the ground for a duration of 5 to 15 minutes. It consists of two major components, the projectile carrier, and the payload. The projectile carrier delivers the payload to the target. The payload consists of 116 WP-saturated felt wedges.After ejection, the WP felt wedges fall to ground in a elliptical pattern. Each wedge will then becomes a source of smoke. The projectile is ballistically similar to the M483A1 DPICM family of projectiles."
Yes there are phosphorus rounds of a very different nature but the claim is that they are not being used.
http://confederateyankee.mu.nu/archives/280740.php

Posted by: Rich at January 10, 2009 7:04 AM

"the role of artists and intellectuals* in occupied France."

"Collaborative Artists

The French cultural establishment's inglorious response to Nazi rule

The history of France under German rule during World War II is a depressing tale of collaboration, corruption and subsequent denial that taxes the will of even the most determined Francophile. Perhaps not surprisingly it was not a French scholar but an American one, Robert Paxton, who produced the first serious examination of the period (1940-44), followed by the Swiss historian Philippe Burrin and a group of young French historians working out of the Institut d'Études Politiques in Paris. Now comes Frederic Spotts, a British writer known for his studies of German history. With "The Shameful Peace" he lifts the lid on one of the least known -- and most shameful episodes -- of the period: namely, the role of artists and intellectuals in occupied France."

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123093585883950029.html
...-

The Treason of the Intellectuals:

"Trahison des clercs in politics. ... trahison des clercs. (1927- ). Term originally used by the French philosopher and novelist JULIEN BENDA (1867-1956) to ...
www.politicsprofessor.com/politicaltheories/trahison-des-clercs.php"

Posted by: maz2 at January 10, 2009 7:27 AM

Exxon supports carbon tax

http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/calgarybusiness/story.html?id=e8aecbbb-16c6-412d-8054-7e64e2b176ef

A trading program, known as 'cap and trade,' "inevitably introduces unnecessary cost and complexity" that reduces effectiveness, said Tillerson. They require a vast expansion of regulation, he said. a carbon tax "can be more easily implemented" and is the "most efficient means of reflecting the cost of carbon," said Tillerson.

"Such a tax should be made revenue neutral," he said, which requires other taxes to be lowered so that the overall tax burden isn't increased.


Please someone (gord tulk,RIK,philip shaw?) ANYONE help me out with This one !!!

Does Exxon want the tax for upstart capital to drill at todays oil prices?
Or are they going green?
Or is this just a decoy for Obama?

This one really messed up my brain HELP!

Posted by: G at January 10, 2009 8:11 AM

Robert W, Mark Steyn's latest needs to be sent off to Sid Ryan.

With such vile hatreds allowed to be showcased, how long before we witness violence in our streets?

Posted by: Liz J at January 10, 2009 8:44 AM

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Five of the Somali pirates who released a hijacked oil-laden Saudi supertanker drowned with their share of a reported $3 million ransom after their small boat capsized, a pirate and port town resident said Saturday.

Pirate Daud Nure says the boat with eight people on board overturned in a storm after dozens of pirates left the Sirius Star following a two-month standoff in the Gulf of Aden that ended Friday.

Posted by: Bruce at January 10, 2009 8:47 AM

The Michael Coren links are:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EddlF4mmFJw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C525Mc0fyiQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--9SzAIW3YQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rY61MUCOE1M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4_9KRhhbvA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QTldeXGZmc

Posted by: Mississauga Matt at January 10, 2009 8:56 AM

CBC = Radio-Canada.

CanPress puts up 18 paragraphs re slur to O.
Canpress puts up 2 paragraphs at the bottom re slur to PM Harper.

CBC/Radio Canada not "sorry" for PM Harper "lobotomy" "joke".
...-

"CBC sorry for Obama racial jokes
By Nelson Wyatt, THE CANADIAN PRESS"

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/MediaNews/2009/01/09/7975951-cp.html

"Véronique Cloutier, producer and president of Novem, and Louis Morissette, executive producer in charge of content for Bye Bye 2008, speak at a press conference in Montreal Friday, Jan. 9, 2009. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes"

Posted by: maz2 at January 10, 2009 9:01 AM

Further to Mark Steyn,

5,000 Muslims march through Milan, make impromptu stop at Catholicism's 3rd largest church and conduct a mass Muslim prayer that is seen as intimidation by the Milanese:

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/024324.php

"The sight of ranks of men and boys kneeling in prayer in the piazza directly in front of the Gothic building incensed many Italians, with photographs carried on the front pages of many newspapers.

A member of the right-wing, anti-immigration Northern League opposition party said the mass prayer, in protest against Israel's military offensive in the Gaza Strip, was "an incredible provocation".

Mario Borghezio, who is also an MEP, said: "The prayer to Allah recited by thousands of fanatical Muslims is an act of intimidation, a slap in the face for the city of Milan, which must remain Christian." Muslim leaders now want to meet with Milan's archbishop, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, to "clarify" what happened at the weekend, when the demonstrators diverted from their previously agreed route and staged the impromptu prayer to Mecca."

Posted by: Mississauga Matt at January 10, 2009 9:02 AM

A few questions/comments:

1) do the dead pirates get 72 virgins?

2) how do you spell surrender monkey? C I T I Z E N O F F R A N C E

3) it would appear that the polar ice cap has moved to Kingston, as it was minus 26 at 0630 this morning

4) Liz....with jerk off's running around Toronto praising hitler, the violence in our streets should be here any time now

VOTE REFORM !
GO ARMY !

Posted by: kingstonlad at January 10, 2009 9:19 AM

Mississauga Matt, what message could we take from a horde of Muslims praying at a Catholic church, 'we are taking over'?

Those fanatics know how to provoke intimidate and gain the support of Leftists around the globe.

How long before western democracies weed out extremist fanatical elements, or, is the horse already out of the barn?

The large anti Israeli demos in our streets are an ominous sign.

Posted by: Liz J at January 10, 2009 9:29 AM

Cross posted last night at Angry in the Great White North:

'Just watched Sid Ryan trying to talk his way out of a paper bag with his back against the wall.

He didn't do it. But he sure tried. He kept insisting that a "civil society" needs to speak out against the suffering in Gaza and didn't mention at all the suffering in Israel. It disturbed him that the Israelis had more sophisticated weapons and seemed able to more successfully (with more casualties) counter the Hamas assaults. In other words, Sid endorses "equality of outcome" not equality of opportunity. Never mind that the Gazans could better protect their citizenry and provide for their educational, literacy, and medical needs, if they chose to allot more of their resources to these concerns. Instead, Hamas spends most of their resources on weapons with which to fight the Israelis.

None of these facts were relevant to Sid. When challenged as to why academics in Canadian universities from countries other than Israel whose human rights records are dismal (Sudan and China as two examples) weren't being targeted for boycotting, Sid had no logical or plausible answer. He did, however, congratulate "academics" like Judy Rebick for speaking out.

He looked whipped. I hope he knows that his job is on the line. His credibility is already in total tatters.


Posted by: batb at January 10, 2009 9:30 AM

Stand By Me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us-TVg40ExM

Posted by: Alan at January 10, 2009 9:41 AM

A MUST SEE interview showcasing the Canadian Media at it's finest.

Tonda MacCharles of The Star shows the hard-hitting interview style that catapulted her and such contemporaries as Jane Tabor and Kady O'Malley to the pinnacle of Canadian journalism.

Michael Ignatieff faces the type of embarrassing questions and embedded editorial innuendo that Liberal leaders must always face when they meet the National Press Gallery as leader for the first time. Serious journalism with a big J.

Sadly, per usual, I suspect some of our media's reflexive anti-Americanism crept in, as this interview was noticably tougher than previous Liberal Leaders had faced.

This interview should become a staple at journalism schools across the country, as it is a beautiful example of the Canadian Media interrogating a Liberal Leader in a way that only they can.

Stephen Harper couldn't imagine this type of treatment in his wildest dreams.

http://vidego.multicastmedia.com/player.php?p=a39h4k9v

Posted by: bud at January 10, 2009 9:42 AM

Poetic Pirate Justice

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090110/ap_on_re_af/piracy_3

Posted by: jcl at January 10, 2009 9:49 AM

Syd Ryan's buddies . . . let you be judged by you friends

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i08L09V0_sg&eurl

Posted by: Fred at January 10, 2009 10:05 AM

And so it begins. Libs and Cons in dead heat:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090109/wl_canada_nm/canada_us_politics_poll_canada_1

Posted by: jcl at January 10, 2009 10:19 AM

I see the scrawny Ace Hordes have launched another of their morning counter attacks.

They are to be commended for their abject relentlessness. Thought we had seen their last gasp yesterday. Ahead a full point now.

Now they're using Japanese hooters to gain unfair advantage..

Back to the barricades and counter attack their counter attack!

Posted by: Agent Smith at January 10, 2009 10:28 AM

Both Claire Hoy and Michael Coren stated that they didn't think that Ryan was a bigot nor antisemitic. I think they have made an error in judgment.

Ryan himself new he was wrong on this one and he looked the part. He appeared to be like a schoolboy who was caught smoking in the boys room and sent to the stern principals office. He didn't have his usual self righteous indignation which is so prevalent amongst the lefty moonbats.

If I may, please add my thanks to Mississauga Matt for posting the links.

Posted by: Largs at January 10, 2009 10:35 AM

Its a Nanos poll jcl, and everyone in Canada knows Nick Nanos's nose is so far up any liberals butt that is handy, a hard turn could break his face in half. His quesrions are along these lines, "If Ignatieff could cure your sisters cancer, would you vote liberal". Toronto just love it.

Posted by: bartinsky at January 10, 2009 10:38 AM

G:

Re exxon "supporting" a carbon tax.

1. They want to get on BO's good side politically especially as they are one of the few companies that is still making money. They do not want to become a sacrificial lamb.

2. Given a choice btwn C & T and a tax a tax is indeed the better and most efficient method of reducing carbon emissions.

3. Taxes are however, massively unpopular - just ask steffie. Therefore if you don't believe in agw supporting taxes is your best choice because it is the least likely to happen.

4. Follow the money. A big part of carbon taxes is that they are to be reinvested in reducing emissions. Exxon could be a huge recipient of funds to do research on reduction tech. And then use that tech to make more money.

4. Cap and trade would be a nightmare for a multinational like exxon to administer and their is no money in it.

Posted by: Gord Tulk at January 10, 2009 10:49 AM

CBC gets a participation ribbon..kinda.
http://www.bluelikeyou.com/2009/01/10/cbc-a-tax-sucking-failure/

Posted by: Speedy at January 10, 2009 11:07 AM

For those of you who haven't voted today for kate, get to work. The Ace of Death is ahead of the Dead Animal by about 400 votes. Get to work. Beat death and allow the Animals to LIVE!

Posted by: ET at January 10, 2009 11:10 AM

Pull the other one...

(Via SWJ) Peter Spiegel and Jeffrey Fleishman, Gaza Strip tunnels prove daunting for Israel

Some of them are said to be big enough to accommodate railroad cars. They may reach a depth of 60 feet, and are reported to be equipped with cables and electric motors that move food, fuel -- and probably some of the heaviest rockets that Hamas aims at Israel.

They also are one of the main reasons fighting is continuing in the Gaza Strip...

For residents of Gaza, however, the tunnels bring far more than arms. The territory's borders have largely been sealed since Hamas took control of the territory in 2007. The tunnels are the main conduit for normal commerce and a lifeline for food and medicine.

Smuggling through the tunnels is also a primary source of income for Bedouin tribes long neglected by the Egyptian government. One smuggler, who gave his name only as Abu Mohammed, said that gasoline and food made up the bulk of his business...

Posted by: Charles MacDonald at January 10, 2009 11:12 AM

Right on, ET! Some of us have already done our duty...

Posted by: Charles MacDonald at January 10, 2009 11:13 AM

Gord Tulk:
Owe you one and thanks. I didn't see this one coming.

"A big part of carbon taxes is that they are to be reinvested in reducing emissions" Like Gordo Campells Suezucci slush fund? and Olympic funding ripoff?

This smells bad.
I see your points above and agree to the lesser of many "evils:, BUT ... Exxon is going to eat this tax (which they will pass on to the consummers) and still pay out to sequester CO2 thus rising the price of oil for
the Goreball?

I'm trying to follow the money on this one and it gets screwier. The low price of oil is killing Russia and opec faster than anything I could think of. Why screw with that via a tax on a premise that is falling apart (AGW/CC)?

Thanks again for the input. I'm just messed up right now. Some introspection is in order

Posted by: G at January 10, 2009 11:17 AM

Exactly - those tunnels bring in not only the military supplies but also, food, gasoline, medicine etc - all in limited and low supplies since Israel set up the economic blockade in 2007.

So, by setting up this blockade, Israel hasn't stopped the movement of guns, missiles etc. Instead, it has increased the emotional Will to bring them in and use them.

What would have happened if Israel had instead, rather than setting up the blockade, interacted directly with the Palestinian workers (NOT Hamas) and enabled them to continue to produce their fresh fruits/vegetables etc, and ship them to Israel. Allowed the Palestinian workers who had jobs in Israel to continue to work there (yes, checkpoints would be necessary as they are at our airports).

Would a population have turned to anger and tunnels and Hamas? Or would Hamas have been cut off at the knees, so to speak, by going around it - and working directly with the local Palestinians, to enable them to economically live and prosper?

Posted by: ET at January 10, 2009 11:22 AM

Glasnost wrote... "Please, somebody, give us tonight's Coren show with Sid Ryan." (Jan 9, 10:46PM)

Just watched it on tape. The hypocrisy of Sid Ryan is incredible. Coren, who disagrees with Sid's opinions on the conflict, gave Ryan the first 2 segments of the 1-hour program ALL TO HIMSELF (approx 20 minutes), in spite of two other guests on the panel.

Sid used his, um, uninterrupted free speech time to justify his view that those whose opinions on the conflict he disagrees with should face punative measures.

Irony is lost on this man.

That said, it was a good program. A lot of heated exchanges.

Good thing it's The Michael Coren Show and not The Sid Ryan Show. If it was the latter, the other 2 guests, as well as Coren himself, wouldn't have been on the show if Sid had his way.

Posted by: ken at January 10, 2009 11:29 AM

G:

The taxes are supposed to be given back tp citizens and companies - via reduced income taxes - so they can reinvest in the reductions via Exxon et al technology. No doubt the government will skim funds for their own purposes (see: the recent SC finding that Martin and Chretien stole from the EI fund).

Remember that Exxon - a compnay that I consider to be the finest and best run of all the big oilcos because it never forgot the philosophy of it founder John D. Rockefeller - is in the energy business. Right now it is gasoline/diesel that are the source of choice. It used to be kerosene (for lamps). In the future it could be hydrogen, compressed NG or some form of stable liquified fuel that is cleaner than gasoline/diesel. whatever it is Exxon wants to lead the parade in producing it.

On a different topic:

the ever ditzy Barbara Yaffe has a puff piece in the VTC entitled "Canadians should enjoy liberal-leaning Obama -
As we enjoy one president getting the boot(s), new U.S. leader should flourish"

http://www.vancouversun.com/columnists/Canadians+should+enjoy+liberal+leaning+Obama/1162251/story.html

In it she quotes the following:

"According to the Conference Board of Canada, Canadians to date have exhibited "a positive, if somewhat innocent attitude" toward the coming administration of Barack Obama."

Further on she demonstrates the she is one of the innocent/ignorant by stating this:

"Obama has shown little interest in or knowledge of Canada. He grew up in Hawaii and Indonesia and was senator for the northern state of Michigan."

Michigan? How could she possibly screw that up especially after all of the goings-on with the scandal surrounding BO's replacement as a senator from Illinois?

Posted by: Gord Tulk at January 10, 2009 11:32 AM

and how did the Editors miss it?

Posted by: Gord Tulk at January 10, 2009 11:36 AM

There is an Ipso poll out showing that a majority of Canadians think Canada is on the right track.
A few weeks ago the coalition was taking credit for the coming budget and deficit. But in Halifax the great unelected interm leader of the liberal party said it is a conservative budget, not ours.
He can't have it both ways but will try.
Re PMSH saying there will be two parties on the next ballot, the conservative and coalition. What will the coalition do if they have to do with a lot fewer seats than now. Quebec will be about the same, as some Bloc might go liberal or vice versa, same number of opposition.
Toronto will also stay the same, with ndp/lib changing. Same number of opposition.
They will not get a majority.
Wait till Jan 27 to see liberals rush to support the throne speech and budget, leaving Layton all by his lonesome. Of course he and Gilles could form a coalition opposition.

Posted by: MaryT at January 10, 2009 11:46 AM

Was anybody else somewhat shocked when Michael Ignatieff said yesterday that, in essence, It was not HIS job to give ideas for the budget. It was not HIS budget. HIS job is to criticize it - not to help produce it.

Sort of like the school teacher who only grades papers but does not do the work to produce one.

As in, those who CAN -Do. Those who CAN'T-TEACH.

Here is an excerpt from the National Post's article on Iggy's writings today. It appears that this man has always been just a critic - he can point out problems but has no capacity to develop solutions.

Scary that he wants to lead our country when he has never even managed anything but his own career???

From NP:
"The thing with Ignatieff the reporter, though, is that he’s a provoker of thought rather than a solver of problems. Good journalists are skilled at that: raising issues, asking questions, pointing out contradictions.

Solutions are someone else’s business, and the journalist reserves the right to criticize those as well.

That makes assessing Ignatieff the politician based on Ignatieff the writer a difficult task: Yes, he has an artful eye in identifying problems and assessing their roots. Is he any good at devising a remedy? That’s what we don’t know yet"

Posted by: Marie at January 10, 2009 11:55 AM

Epitaph: "``elegant executioner,''".

Location: The PET Cemetery, Ad$Cam Row.
...-

"Jean Pelletier, confidant of Jean Chretien, dies of cancer

Jean Pelletier, a close confidant of Jean Chretien who was dubbed the ``elegant executioner,'' died of cancer on Saturday. He was 73" (nnw)

Posted by: maz2 at January 10, 2009 12:03 PM

Hysterically inverted?
Will the "historical cold" reach Goreacle's domicile/houseboat*?

"historical cold is forecast for the coming weeks across most of the midwest and eastern US."
...-

"10 01 2009
Mid-Winter Report Card
Guest post by Steven Goddard

We are almost at the half way point for the meteorological winter (December through February) and it is a good time to evaluate how the NOAA CPC (Climate Prediction Center) and UK Met Office winter forecasts are doing so far. As seen below, CPC forecast the highest probability of warmth for Alaska and the upper midwest."
[...]

"Looking at the results, it appears that the CPC forecast map was approximately inverted from what has actually occurred. The near record cold air which has been sitting over Alaska, is now pouring into the upper midwest. As of this morning, the temperature in International Falls, Minnesota is -22F, and historical cold is forecast for the coming weeks across most of the midwest and eastern US.
Here is the Month of December: [...]

"On the other side of the pond, The Met Office famously forecast another warm season for the UK.

Trend of mild winters continues

25 September 2008
The Met Office forecast for the coming winter suggests it is, once again, likely to be milder than average.

Their scorecard is doing equally well, with the UK having it’s coldest winter in decades, as reported by the BBC."
http://wattsupwiththat.com/ (Vote for WUWT)
...-

*See Al Gore’s Houseboat | Skeptics Global Warming
See it here: http://dirtyharrysplace.com/?p=3478 Update: It evidently didn't have solar panels until a local whistleblower ratted him out. So only now.
www.skepticsglobalwarming.com/global-warming-myth/politicians/al-gore/see-al-gores-houseboat/

Posted by: maz2 at January 10, 2009 12:19 PM

That CBC clip at Blue Like You is a must see.
I understand the so-called CPC'ers are turning their backs on PMSH because he hasn't done enough WRT the HRC's.
The CBC is more of a prioirty IMO.
fire.them.all

Posted by: bluetech at January 10, 2009 12:34 PM

Tusk, tusk. Who eats the tusks? Beeb doesn't mention ivory.
The valuable ivory tusks rise to the apex of Mugabe's socialist pyramid.
...-

"Zimbabwe troops 'eat elephants'

Zimbabwe has more elephants than its parks can hold

Zimbabwean soldiers are being given elephant meat for their rations, a wildlife campaigner* has told the BBC."

"It is cheaper and easier to use elephant meat
*Jonny Rodrigues"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7820885.stm

Posted by: maz2 at January 10, 2009 1:16 PM

Please explain something to me, ET...

There are two countries bordering Gaza. BOTH countries have sealed their borders. Why is only ONE of those countries being criticized by you for sealing the border?

If Israel is a big meanie in causing Gazans to suffer by closing its borders, Egypt is EVERY BIT AS BAD when they close theirs. Why are you silent about Egypt's role in this?

Posted by: Eeyore at January 10, 2009 1:17 PM

Just watching the remainder of the Sid Ryan videos now. I think I've gained some insight into the Radical Left mindset.

A Fundamentalist Muslim is anti-Jewish and is not a Leftist.

A Radical Leftist is not inherently anti-Jewish but rather is ... wait for it ... anti anti-Hamas.

There is actually a difference but we all know the old saying, "My enemy's enemy is my friend." So at this time in our devolution (sic) there is indeed a marriage of convenience between Jew Haters and anti anti-Hamas people. The fact that the latter group denies this is beyond laughable.

Let me repost something I wrote last night:

With apologies to Martin Niemöller, let me provide a modern version of his famous poem:

First they came for the Jews.
I remained silent, for I was not a Jew.

Then they came for the Christians.
I remained silent, for I was not a Christian.

When they came for the conservatives,
I remained silent, for I was not a conservative.

When they came for the atheists,
I remained silent, for I was no longer an atheist.

Then when they came for me,
I expected someone to speak out,
But there was no one left to defend me.

Posted by: Robert W. at January 10, 2009 1:20 PM

"In a surprise move, it seems likely the first genetically engineered animal approved for commercial use ... "

Frankengoat:

http://tinyurl.com/9cx7os

Posted by: ural at January 10, 2009 1:27 PM

Does O realize he married 2 women? 'Course he doesn't.
But, it's "at least temporary".
As Henny used to quip, "Take my wife—please! My wife is a light eater. As soon as it's light, she starts eating. My wife wanted her face lifted ..."(quotes)
...-

"Mom-in-law moving into White House

Get ready for the in-law in chief. President-elect Barack Obama's mother-in-law, Marian Robinson, is moving into the White House at least temporarily to join Michelle Obama and the two children, transition officials said Friday."
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2162220/posts

Posted by: maz2 at January 10, 2009 1:31 PM

eeyore - I criticize Egypt for sealing its border but not for the same reason. Egypt doesn't have a networked economy with Gaza.

My criticism of the Israeli closure of Gaza is because the economy of Gaza and Israel were intimately linked. Gas, hydro, water supplies all come from Israel; these were cut off to minimal. Importantly, the money-earning economy was completely destroyed.

Gaza's economy has been intimately linked to Israel acting as 100% consumer of its goods. The goods were primarily fresh fruit and vegetables and furniture. The fresh fruits/vegetables came from both the land and the greenhouses.

The greenhouses had been built by the settlers. When the settlers left, they insisted on payment for these greenhouses or they would demolish them. The Gates foundation purchased some of them; about half were left - half demolished by settlers and also by Palestinian looting (not all Palestinians, eg, Hamas, want Palestine/Gaza to succeed).

The ones that were left, along with the other farms, provided a key part of the Gaza economy, for all the produce was exported to Israel.

In addition, other Gaza residents worked in Israel. This was ended.

When the gas, hydro, water supplies were reduced, and the export economy ended, and the work rights ended - that meant that Gaza was economically reduced to nothing. That meant that Hamas could move in like a tornado and sweep up the anger and despair.

That's why I criticize Israel for shutting the border. OK?

Posted by: ET at January 10, 2009 1:35 PM

If we study all of us human
and may be small as one in compare with big population of world

just being similarity of all of us are human and must act human
give us similarity of action we can share and

give us the way live together as society

All purpose of relgion culture jews christian and Muslim or hido or budsim came to save
human right human sprituate and human life

for better or best way to live

it is good to live in GOOD way
and some may have better life
and some live in the best life so many wish for

We are here to talk about people who live in bad and worst senario and their life as bad or worst made all rest of us in trouble and for some reason link us and we may stock here for that purpose and all world stock to
HOW to resolve issue such as I-P
feeding all world at least
how to stop crime rate
and so on
etc...

If we focus to goal then the rest will come follow after that

Posted by: new at January 10, 2009 1:37 PM

Canada’s Police among Worst Offenders for Freedom of Information Compliance.....

As in previous years, the CNA’s 2008 audit finds that officials across Canada are disturbingly inconsistent in their compliance with laws that underwrite the public’s right to know.

“Information freely available from some government agencies was denied by others. And when it wasn’t denied, prohibitive fee estimates often took it out of the reach of all but the wealthiest requesters,” he said.

The full audit is available on the Canadian Newspaper Association website: http://tinyurl.com/9r263y


Hat Tip Evening Telegram

The Canadian Newspaper Association (CNA) audit - undertaken in conjunction with the University of King's College in Halifax - gave the province (NL)a grade of C+.

http://tinyurl.com/75gsea

Posted by: Glenn at January 10, 2009 1:41 PM

"In the future it could be hydrogen"

No it won't. H2 is an energy carrier, not a fuel. And it's not dense enough ("bang-per-buck") as compared to other energy storage solutions.

Yes, it's cool and science-fictioney.

The best way to store liquid hydrogen (for, say, space shuttle applications or later compression to 3000 PSIG) is in hyper-insulated tanks at -428 degrees. Unless it is used promptly it will boil off into the atmosphere.

Piping that carries LH2 is so cold that the exterior of the pipes' surfaces actually liquefy the surrounding air, creating 'liquid air' that drips - this is NOT condensation, it's actually air in a liquid state. Fun stuff.

H2 molecule size is also problematic.

Posted by: PiperPaul at January 10, 2009 2:31 PM

Interesting post ET. I had not realized that the settlers destroyed some and that the "Palestinians" also destroyed some of the greenhouses. Remember though that Jews have a legal right to live anywhere between the Jordan and the sea (no legal right to live in Jordan).

Question: Was Israel's sealing of the Gaza border a hateful whim? Or was it provoked in some way? If provoked, what would the better solution have been? Recall, the wall -- which also seriously harmed the "Palestinian" economy -- went up only AFTER about 1000 innocent Israelis were murdered by homocide bombers, most from Judea-Samaria.

Posted by: Me No Dhimmi at January 10, 2009 2:32 PM

Canada to be Obama's first foreign trip as president. AP

G&M
http://tinyurl.com/a4g3lq


Look how the MSM try to downplay the meeting down further in the article..

Obama meets Monday with Mexican President Felipe Calderon, his first in-person meeting with a world leader since winning election. (So Harper's meeting with O isn't the "first" meeting.)

U.S. presidents typically use Canada as their first international trip. (Nothing to see here folks.)

Posted by: Glenn at January 10, 2009 2:38 PM

ET wrote: "What would have happened if Israel had instead, rather than setting up the blockade, interacted directly with the Palestinian workers (NOT Hamas)..."

Depends. Are they unionized? C'mon ET, lately you've gone all edmucational and ivory towerish.

Hello? Hello? Reality is calling, but we seem to get a recorded voice message.

Posted by: PiperPaul at January 10, 2009 2:38 PM

How many gigloles you wan in your "live streams"?
...-

"Technology casts newspaper in new role
Sat, January 10, 2009
The Free Press live streams the Tavares news conference"
http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/News/Local/2009/01/10/7979841-sun.html
...-

"New York Times hires U2's Bono"

"Bono called the gig "an honour," and joked that he's "never been great with the full stops or commas.""

"Times editorial page editor Andrew Rosenthal said Bono "is an extraordinary man who thinks deeply about his art and the major issues confronting the world." (nnw)

Posted by: maz2 at January 10, 2009 2:39 PM

"Barack Obama's mother-in-law, Marian Robinson, is moving into the White House"

He's screwed already. I have to feel sorry for the guy.

Posted by: PiperPaul at January 10, 2009 2:47 PM

So Mr Iggy thinks it's not his "job" to give ideas for a budget, my, how rich is that! In other words they can criticize but have nothing better to offer. That, in spite of the fact a "Coalition" was concocted by Layton and Duceppe, with the Liberals all signed on, to present themselves to the GG as ready to govern!

Ready to grab power and fly by the seats of their pants, grabbing goodies for their special interests, is more like it.

Posted by: Liz J at January 10, 2009 3:00 PM

Piper:

I'M not saying hydrogen is the fuel in a gaseous form but it could be what is combusted in the cylinder or fuel cell how the hydrogen is stored could be any number of ways such as in a liquid that releases it's hydrogen component via some kind of enzyme or catalytic reaction or perhaps from another more easily transproted gas such as natural gas.

Posted by: Gord Tulk at January 10, 2009 3:34 PM

Sigh.

ET - "My criticism of the Israeli closure of Gaza is because the economy of Gaza and Israel were intimately linked. Gas, hydro, water supplies all come from Israel; these were cut off to minimal. Importantly, the money-earning economy was completely destroyed."

ME - If Gaza hadn't launched terror attacks and lobbed rockets indiscriminately into Israel, maybe Israel wouldn't have done this. You know, don't spit into the wind, don't tug on Superman's cape and all that.

ET - "Gaza's economy has been intimately linked to Israel acting as 100% consumer of its goods. The goods were primarily fresh fruit and vegetables and furniture. The fresh fruits/vegetables came from both the land and the greenhouses."

ME - So the Gazans started terror attacks and rocket attacks on their ONLY customer? There's some good planning!

ET - "The greenhouses had been built by the settlers. When the settlers left, they insisted on payment for these greenhouses or they would demolish them. The Gates foundation purchased some of them; about half were left - half demolished by settlers and also by Palestinian looting (not all Palestinians, eg, Hamas, want Palestine/Gaza to succeed)."

ME - So, you don't think people should get paid for stuff that they built and then were forced to leave? And you think that Israel should be held accountable for Hamas destroying what was left? How does THAT make sense?

ET - "The ones that were left, along with the other farms, provided a key part of the Gaza economy, for all the produce was exported to Israel. In addition, other Gaza residents worked in Israel. This was ended."

ME - Again, I would say that it was highly unwise for them to p!ss off their only customer. Why can't they sell their crap to Egypt?

ET - "When the gas, hydro, water supplies were reduced, and the export economy ended, and the work rights ended - that meant that Gaza was economically reduced to nothing. That meant that Hamas could move in like a tornado and sweep up the anger and despair."

ME - Boo frickin' hoo. If you can't handle the punishment, don't do the crime. And no, not ALL of them are guilty...blah, blah, blah. THEIR government that THEY voted in acted in THEIR name and THEY didn't object...they're complicit. I have no sympathy for them.

Anyway, I don't want to pick or pile on you, ET. I enjoy and appreciate your contributions here and I don't deny that you make valid points about the Middle East situation...but I can't for the life of me see the logic in defending people who have set their own house on fire and then cry when the get burned.

Posted by: Eeyore at January 10, 2009 3:37 PM

"China's Communist Party leaders have long sought to sway public opinion by controlling what the media can report.""

>>> "paid "internet commentators""? How much you pay to scoul intelnet?
...-

"China's internet 'spin doctors'
bbc ^ | 16 December 2008 | By Michael Bristow

China is using an increasing number of paid "internet commentators" in a sophisticated attempt to control public opinion.

These commentators are used by government departments to scour the internet for bad news - and then negate it.

They post comments on websites and forums that spin bad news into good in an attempt to shape public opinion.

Chinese leaders seem aware that the internet - the only public forum where views can be freely expressed - needs close attention.

China's Communist Party leaders have long sought to sway public opinion by controlling what the media can report."
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2162226/posts

Posted by: maz2 at January 10, 2009 4:36 PM

eeyore (and me no dhimmi) - I tried to link three articles about Gaza, but as usual when I insert links, even the tinyurls - I get sent to the corner. I'll try again, taking out a few points.

www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=45884

The above shows that Palestinians and Israelis work just fine together; the Palestinians are also afraid of the fundamentalists in their area.

Here's another one. Don't know if it will work.
www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2005/10/31/greenhouse_project_endangered_in_gaza/

Posted by: ET at January 10, 2009 4:41 PM

Confusion say, STOPIGGY.
...-

"Iggy to the The Rock

St. John's Mayor Dennis O'Keefe has learned that Michael Ignatieff will soon be visiting the province, and he looks forward to meeting with the Liberal leader." (nnw)
...-

"Iggy skips The Rock" (nnw)

Posted by: maz2 at January 10, 2009 4:42 PM

Just to change the subject, but.....
I've been waiting all day for a report on the so-called demonstration in support of the Palestians
in Toronto today, but so far have seen squat.
Anybody out there know what happened?
CBC, CTV, Red Star, G&M etc.-Nada.
Could it ever be that (horrors) nobody showed up?

Posted by: Ralph at January 10, 2009 4:45 PM

Taking Chance

After they are brought to Dover Air Force Base, all fallen soldiers, Marines, airmen, and sailors are escorted home to their families and loved ones by a uniformed member of the U.S. armed forces. In mid-April 2004, 38-year-old U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Michael R. Strobl, a manpower analyst assigned to the Combat Development Command in Quantico, Va., accompanied the body of a young Marine killed in Iraq to his final resting place in Wyoming. Strobl wrote the following description of his journey to Wyoming in a small, spiral notebook on his way back to Virginia...

Posted by: Charles MacDonald at January 10, 2009 4:45 PM

http://tinyurl.com/8hozsh


This hour has 22 minutes spoofs Iggy @ Halifax

....little advice on the coalition, in my experience 3 ways never turn out the way you fantasize. You get 2 people who are really into it and the third guy just watching it...even Harper'll secretly videotape it too.

Posted by: Glenn at January 10, 2009 4:59 PM

Kickass musician not from central Canada. April Wine's also not Torontois.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randy_Bachman

Posted by: PiperPaul at January 10, 2009 5:01 PM

I went to the rally in Saskatoon today. There was no counter protest. These people pretty much ignore the actions of one side and blame Israel for everything. It's all about the occupation. There were some pretty naive signs and only one that I'd call really Anti-Semitic. It had a star of David with a swastika in it. The naive one said 'If you don't believe in peace it will never happen.' C'mon people let's believe! I missed the rally part at city hall, I only caught the march to River Landing and the speeches there.

Posted by: soup at January 10, 2009 5:02 PM

Here's more about Gaza. Since I so often get sent to the corner if I provide a link, it's in the NY times July 15, 2005, by Steven Erlanger

"About half the greenhouses in the Israeli settlements in Gaza have already been dismantled by their owners, who have given up waiting to see if the government was going to come up with extra "payment as an inducement to leave them behind, say senior officials working on the coordination of this summer's Israeli pullout from Gaza."

And he also writes:

Under international law, that includes removing the settlers' houses, including the rubble. Last month, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice reached an "agreement in principle" that the Israelis would destroy the houses and then pay the Palestinians to deal with the rubble, but the Israelis have refused to accept the rubble for disposal in Israel and the Palestinians have refused to accept it for disposal in Gaza. Now Israel is negotiating with Egypt to take the rubble - which would include dangerous materials like asbestos and fill at least 60,000 truckloads - and bury it in the Sinai Desert."

There's more links, and I hesitate to post them; Israel had shut off the water after the purchase, so the crops already in the greenhouses died. August 29, 2005, Aaron Klein, WorldNet Daily.

"After months of intense negotiations recently culminating in a deal allowing for the transfer of Gaza's high-tech Jewish greenhouses to the Palestinians, several former Jewish residents who briefly returned to their farms told WND they were shocked to find most of their produce has died because Israel turned off the water in the area.

"I couldn't believe it. Almost all of my crops are dead, and the rest is dying," Anita Tucker, one of the pioneer farmers of Jewish Gaza told WND. "I hope the Palestinians aren't expecting fresh produce. ... A fortune in crops is now all gone."

My points? The whole scenario is complex not simple. It's an error, in my view, to reduce this complexity to X is good and Y is bad. Complex reality doesn't work that way; there are errors on both sides, there are multiple agents and actors in the whole situation, each with different agendas and contrary actions...It's not that simple that we can relax and make absolute conclusions.

Posted by: ET at January 10, 2009 5:07 PM

From an article in today's TorStar:

"Farid Ayad, president of Mississauga's Palestine House, says it is unfair to say Israel 'drops' bombs ('it sounds peaceful') while Hamas 'fires' rockets'."

http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/562219

I had a previous commitment to an elderly parent today and couldn't make the demonstration on Bloor Street. I did my bit, however, trying to persuade said-parent that Sid Ryan was not "a nice man" of whom said-parent was "very fond." Said-parent doesn't even KNOW Sid Ryan. Give me a break!

I also spent an inordinate amount of time countering pro-Palestinian arguments (one being that obviously the Israelis were the aggressors because they killed far more Palestinians than Palestinians killed Israelis and because the poor Palestinians' weapons were of inferior quality) coming out of both sides of said-parent's mouth.

I'm not sure why I even tried. I don't respond to trolls on blogs and my parent was using all the trolls' arguments and was impervious to the facts I reiterated many times.

In the TorStar article, pro-Israeli groups feel no need to launch public demonstrations seeing as the government's position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict seems to be supportive of Israel.

As far as the assertion by Jenny Peto, a member of the Coalition Against Israeli Apartheid, that the Toronto demonstration will show "the Conservative government that its position on Israel's military operation in the Gaza Strip 'does not represent the majority of Canadians,'" I don't think so. A large pro-Palestinian demonstration launched by all the usual suspects does not represent a majority opinion. It simply demonstrates one view of a very biased group which likes to use inflammatory language such as "Israel's massacres" when referring to the Hamas-Israeli conflict. No mention, of course, of Hamas firing rockets into Israel.

Posted by: batb at January 10, 2009 5:59 PM

Posted by: G at January 10, 2009 8:11 AM

Exxon is just ahead of the curve. Gub'mint expands and taxes more, just ask Harper.

In terms of levying a consumption tax upon carbon, you can do it through cap & trade (commoditize emissions, really a production tax), or one can tax carbon itself - a consumption tax.

The latter is more equitable by being progressive.

Europe got burned 2x by installing a production tax (cap & trade). Entities game the system, exemptions bought (wind power & alt fuels), and administration requires far more expensive bureaucrats. Lots more friends for the politicians to hire.

That's why the Cons are going the weaker of the two routes.

Business simply want stability in budgeting and regulatory environment. Politicians want power and money.

Posted by: hardboiled at January 10, 2009 6:04 PM

Bravo Eeyore!

ET - you mean those mean old greedy "obstacle to peace" settlers didn't just want to hand over their hard earned greenhouses,infrastructure, lucratice businesses to the very people who want to kill them? Shocking.

I'm sure there are many here among us who would gladly hand over their houses and businesses to people who had been firing rockets at them? Wow, those "settlers" (read people who think that Jews should be allowed to live everywhere and anywhere) really are bad.

It isn't X all good, Y bad (how about X mostly trying to do good, sharing our values, acting as our ally,etc, while Y mostly not?) Why shouldn't we pick a side in this battle? If one side definitively wins, doesn't that mean an end to hostilities?

Here's what Robert Spencer said about handing over greenhouses in 2005:

Rewarding jihad terrorism with charity

"How Old Friends of Israel (Mortimer B. Zuckerman, real estate magnate and publisher of The Daily News and James D. Wolfensohn) Gave $14 Million to Help the Palestinians"
Moral blindness, dhimmitude, naivete, and more. Will the recipients of this largesse now realize that the Jews are not as bad as they have thought? No. They will laugh at their weakness and continue the jihad.

Posted by: ex-liberal at January 10, 2009 6:15 PM

ex-liberal, for heaven's sake, calm down. My posts said nothing and implied nothing about the settlers 'being obliged' to hand over their greenhouses.
What this post was, was a continuation of the debate about the greenhouses; I had previously posted that the whole set of greenhouses didn't come into Palestinian control; about 1/4 were dismantled by the settlers, about 1/4 were looted by Palestinians; that left half in operation. OK?

Please don't assume, in your mind, what other people are debating and posting about.

And if you bothered to read the links, and you obviously didn't, you would have known this. You would also have known that Palestinians and Israelis working in those greenhouses got along very well.

Try gathering some facts rather than opinions; there's a difference between the two.

Posted by: ET at January 10, 2009 6:26 PM

ET: Link embeds: tutorial. Hope this is OK Kate.

(a href=

"http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=45884"

)Your comment or title(/a)

1. replace round with pointy brackets in same direction
2. delete spaces for full line wrap
3. Preview to see if it works. Don't worry about "no follows" that show up.
4. Your link should show with your comment/title, underlined.
5. Click on it in preview to see if it works
Note: put quotes around link; get your link from the navigation bar when you're at the site, copy-paste.

Palestinians: Get us out of Gaza

Posted by: Me No Dhimmi at January 10, 2009 6:31 PM

ET,
the impression I get is that you think Israel should supply Gazans with water, electricity, etc no matter what gets fired out of Gaza and no matter that Hamas want to destroy Israel. What normal sane person/country would do that?

Again from Robert Spencer: May 2008

Gaza dumps raw sewage into sea, UN blames Israel

Step back for a moment and consider: the Hamas regime in Gaza has made no secret of its intention to destroy Israel. In response, the UN expects Israel to supply Gaza with electricity, uninterrupted, no questions asked. Did the League of Nations scold Poland for not supplying electricity to Nazi Germany?

"The Palestinians have been pumping partially treated or untreated sewage water into the sea for years, and not just since the beginning of this year. The State of Israel assists in various ways to the pumping and water distribution and to the continued operation of the sewage treatment plants. That assistance includes approval to transfer most of equipment the Palestinian Authority has requested - the rest is in the process of being verified - and all the diesel fuel necessary to run the plants," Schor said.

"Israel is very much assisting in the approval, funding [$45m.] and in executing a large project to deal with northern Gaza's sewage, despite the continuing situation," he said, "Likewise, the construction of a large treatment plant in central Gaza has also been approved, and Israel is willing to help build two more plants in the southern region of the Strip."...

Posted by: ex-liberal at January 10, 2009 6:46 PM

me no dhimmi - many thanks. I'm a computer and mechanical idiot and can't figure out the most basic tactics. I'll try to deal with links.

ex-liberal, yes, you are right. I don't think that Israel should cut off water, electricity, gas to Gaza. Why not? And don't make it sound as if these supplies are free; they are paid for by Palestine. But why should these basic systems be maintained - apart from the fact that the infrastructure is that these supplies come only from Israel?

Because stopping them doesn't stop Hamas; it actually increases its recruitment capacities and activities because it drives the Palestinians into a dead end where they have no economy, no hope of an economy, no ability to live (water, electricity, hydro).

You refuse to acknowledge that not all Palestinians are radicals; quite a large number reject the fundamentalists.

The way to deal with radicals is twofold. Yes, you must confront and fight back and reject their agenda. But above all, you must, absolutely must, acknowledge that they do not speak for all people. And it is these other people that you must reach out to and attempt to work with.

So, if Israel were to focus on the average Palestinian, not the radicals, but the average, and assist them, openly, constantly, daily, in developing an economy - then Hamas and the ranks of Hamas would weaken and wither. But to treat them ALL, as 'Hamas' - that drives all of them into either joining Hamas or allowing Hamas to control them.

Posted by: ET at January 10, 2009 7:04 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akn6K1DGKCs

Put on your thinking caps for this one.

Sadly only 4 of thousands of readers will click the link.

Posted by: PiperPaul at January 10, 2009 7:10 PM

ET,

I have never said that all Palestinians are radicals or fundamentalists. As the article linked to by MND describes (and I'm sure you could find countless similar accounts), Israelis/Jews work, employ, celebrate with Arabs all the time.

Your argument that fighting terrorists just makes more terrorists actually enables the bad guys and gives them a chance to fight another day. Should Israel just continue to receive rocket attacks and do nothing? Several times a day, the sirens go off, and then there is 15 seconds to get to a bomb shelter. Would you like to live like that? Or might you insist that your government do something, shut the border, turn off the electicity (even if they pay for it), and finally after some 4000 or more rockets take military action?

If we continually do nothing and/or reward Hamas, we do not help the non-radical non-fundamentalists among them.

Posted by: ex-liberal at January 10, 2009 7:20 PM


"Lorianne

The NY Times actually reported this?
Freaking Amazing!"
...-

"A Gaza War Full of Traps and Trickery
New York Times

The grinding urban battle unfolding in the densely populated Gaza Strip is a war of new tactics, quick adaptation and lethal tricks.

Hamas, with training from Iran and Hezbollah, has used the last two years to turn Gaza into a deadly maze of tunnels, booby traps and sophisticated roadside bombs. Weapons are hidden in mosques, schoolyards and civilian houses, and the leadership’s war room is a bunker beneath Gaza’s largest hospital, Israeli intelligence officials say.

Unwilling to take Israel’s bait and come into the open, Hamas militants are fighting in civilian clothes; even the police have been ordered to take off their uniforms. The militants emerge from tunnels to shoot automatic weapons or antitank missiles, then disappear back inside, hoping to lure the Israeli soldiers with their fire.

In one apartment building in Zeitoun, in northern Gaza, Hamas set an inventive, deadly trap. According to an Israeli journalist embedded with Israeli troops, the militants placed a mannequin in a hallway off the building’s main entrance. They hoped to draw fire from Israeli soldiers who might, through the blur of night vision goggles and split-second decisions, mistake the figure for a fighter. The mannequin was rigged to explode and bring down the building.

In an interview, the reporter, Ron Ben-Yishai, a senior military correspondent for the newspaper Yediot Aharonot, said soldiers also found a pile of weapons with a grenade launcher on top. When they moved the launcher, “they saw a detonator light up, but somehow it didn’t go off.”

Every soldier, Israeli officials say, is outfitted with a ceramic vest and a helmet. Every unit has dogs trained to sniff out explosives and people hidden in tunnels, as well as combat engineers trained to defuse hidden bombs."
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2162411/posts

Posted by: maz2 at January 10, 2009 7:47 PM

God Bless George Bush, POTUS.
God Bless America.
...-

"Ballots take the place of bombs in Iraq

The city’s name is synonymous with some of the fiercest fighting in the Iraq war. Five years later, the battles have long finished and the ballot rather than the bomb is the buzzword as campaigning begins for a provincial election at the end of the month.

“I want to vote because it is important for our future,” said Mohammed Abdul Wadood, 29, a labourer clearing rubble off the city’s pavements.

Blast walls erected to protect shop-fronts and houses from explosions and gunfire during the darker days are now covered by posters of candidates, each with a slogan promising improvements to voters’ lives.

Election teams go from door to door, encouraging people to vote – a novel concept for many who were either too afraid or mistrustful to take part in the first election in 2005 when security was still dire."
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/iraq/article5484993.ece

Posted by: maz2 at January 10, 2009 8:04 PM

Thanks, PiperPaul, got it, to be featured at SDA LNR later.

Posted by: Vitruvius at January 10, 2009 8:28 PM

ex-liberal, if you would bother to read both the links and also what I actually wrote, you'll see that I didn't say to NOT fight radicals. I specifically said to fight them, but I also said that Israel ought to assist those non-radicals in developing a viable economy.

You have a different opinion. That's that.

Posted by: ET at January 10, 2009 8:50 PM

Israel goes out its way to help non-radicals, but for some reason you just don't see it, or it is never enough, or you think something about X good, Y bad. While the rest of the Arab/Muslim world does nothing, you think Israel should do more than it already does to help develop a viable economy for people who vote over 80% for Hamas (and the other 20% vote for Fatah and its Holocaust denying leader/Arafat sidekick). You must think Jews are either superhuman or crazy.

Yes indeed we have a different opinion.

Posted by: ex-liberal at January 10, 2009 10:27 PM
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