Reader Tips

53 Replies to “Reader Tips”

1. *
   Whitewashing murder.
   There’s the usual media beatification of everyone involved in this
   sad, sordid affair… who was gifted, who was sociable, blah, blah, blah.
   And good grief, let’s not assign any blame…
   “Lawyer Courtney Betty, acting for the family, said a coroner’s inquest
   would get answers without laying blame and could help kickstart the
   changes needed in troubled neighbourhoods.”
   *

2. Mike Harris, former Conservative Premier of Ontario, has been vindicated. Present Premier of Ontario, Liberal McGuinty, who set up this inquiry, is the loser.
   …-
   Governments, police share Ipperwash blame, probe says
   Former Ontario premier Mike Harris risked pressuring police on the night an unarmed native protester was killed at Ipperwash in 1995, but did not directly interfere, according to the final report into the matter. (google news)
   …-

3. Liz J., re: military funeral. When I was in military, I was the officer who went through the funeral bills. As usual, press has it wrong.
   Family spent $3000 on arena rental and about $4000 on bereavement counselling. These costs are not covered by the pertinent orders. Basic funeral costs, plus all costs associated with transportation, memorial and perpetual care are covered.
   I would get the funeral home to send me an itemized bill for all services, which I would go through and extract every penny I could pay. Anything above that, such as costs of arena rental and bereavement (provincial responsibility?), require higher authority, likely at least Vice Chief of Defence Staff.
   It is a shame family felt they had to go to press, but their letter weren’t answered. Anyway, the family, on Adler today said bills, including subsequent costs, will now all be paid.
   I believe though, that Cpl Dinning’s father is in error with his statement that $250,000 is paid out to spouses in same circumstances. Did some basic checking and Cpl Dinning’s parents would be entitled to two years pay. If Cpl Dinning elected group life insurance (SISIP), then again moneys available to family. I know of no differentiation between married and single, except the spouses of member may elect dependent life coverage with SISIP. I’ve been out for a while but did some research. After reading Gloria Galloway’s article, I’m sure she did no research on this issue whatever.
   Understand Dion made it an issue in HofC today, of course demanding resignation of O’Connor. Harper shot back he will back up O’Connor, given he is an honourable man who wore uniform for his country, before Dion anytime, who never wore a uniform. Ignatieff shot back that Harper wasn’t in military either. Hmm, wasn’t aware he was Defense Minister. Pretty lame comeback anyway.
   I just thought people would like some facts on this issue, rather than the unresearched crap we’ve seen so far.