48 Replies to “Reader Tips”

  1. “A badly injured soldier who saved two comrades after a double bomb blast in Afghanistan has received the Military Cross from the Queen.
    “Colour Sergeant Paul Baines, 35, of 1st Battalion The Coldstream Guards, was blown over by a roadside bomb which took off the legs of one member of his 24-man unit. As the Taliban bombers opened fire, CSgt Baines went to the aid of his comrade before a second, larger device exploded. It blew him 10ft in the air and severely damaged another soldier’s legs.
    “CSgt Baines suffered shrapnel wounds to his head, back and legs but continued to apply tourniquets and administer morphine – while returning fire with his pistol. When a helicopter arrived he helped carry the wounded men to safety, refusing to go to hospital himself until later when he was given stitches.
    “His family only learned of his bravery when he returned to the UK on scheduled leave three months later.”

  2. At what point in this Afghan mission does Canada decide that the lives of our fighting troops are worth more than the lives of a seventh century goat shagging, opium growing society?

  5. You talking about these people, Chris?
    Don’t judge the courageous, non-Taliban Afghanis based on the thuggish countrymen they’re trying to escape from.
    Suggestion: play the video (at the link) while you look at the photo below it.

  6. “W was right. We fight them there or we fight them here. Take your pick”……a different bob
    But they’re already here……less the goats + the taxis.

  8. I am conflicted. On the one hand I don’t want the effort spent so far in Afstan to be wasted by a premature departure. There’s always the “if we stick it out we can still win” feeling, and even recent history, the surge in Iraq, shows that this can be true.
    On the other hand I don’t really believe we are effecting lasting change. I feel all we are doing is buying the Americans cover. It’s clear the West does not have the stomach for this war, and as such we cannot win it. A stopgap measure like “more training troops” is not going to make the difference.
    No easy answer, but right now I am against further sacrifice of blood and treasure in Afghanistan.

  9. Another point – the longer we stay in Afghanistan, the more Afghan refugees Canada will get stuck with. That, invariably, is the outcome of any time we poke our nose into some third world hellhole.

  11. Erm, smite them:
    “Police have arrested a 23-year-old man on suspicion of encouraging Islamist extremists to attack MPs.
    “The individual is thought to be involved with a website that praised the stabbing of the MP Stephen Timms and published a list of other MPs who voted for the war in Iraq, along with details of where to buy a knife….The website, Revolution Muslim, was hosted in Bellevue, Washington, and was taken down by the Americans at the request of the Home Office. The website praised Roshonara Choudhry, who tried to stab Mr Timms to death during a constituency surgery in Beckton, East London.
    “Choudhry, 21, who was jailed for life last week, is thought to have radicalised herself over the internet. She told police she had visited the Revolution Muslim website and watched videos on Youtube by Anwar al-Awlaki, one of the leaders of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsular.
    “’We ask Allah to keep her safe and secure, to hasten her release and to reward this heroine immensely,’ it said.
    “’We ask Allah for her action to inspire Muslims to raise the knife of jihad against those who voted for the countless rapes, murders, pillages, and torture of Muslim civilians as a direct consequence of their vote.’
    “The statement added: ‘If you want to track an MP, you can find out their personal website after typing their name in this website.’
    “‘In their personal website, you can usually find the time and location of their surgeries where you can encounter them in person.’
    “The site then listed the 139 Conservative MPs that voted for the war and the 244 Labour MPs.”

  12. You talking about these people, Chris?
    Cute video EDB. But what have these people done for themselves after all these years of NATO intervention?

  13. A Belgian boy salutes Canadian troops,
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDMzHlkB-Yg
    One day an Afghan child may well do the same.
    God bless all the soldiers and their families esp the families of the bereaved. I was at the Museum of the Regiments ceremony today in Calgary. There just wasn’t enough room for everyone attending to actually observe the ceremony, yet they come anyway. There is hope.

  14. EBD, thanks for the video.
    The Telegraph news item shows why this fourth world war will continue and increase in intensity and why we need to stay in it for the long haul and just like WW II and WW III (Cold War), it will be fought around the globe.

  15. There are reasonable arguments on both sides, Chris, but it’s not reasonable to -in effect – say that the Taliban thugs are “the people of Afghanistan.” The majority of Afghanis – poll after poll has consistently shown it – hate the Taliban and want NATO troops to stay. To call these people who are hoping for a modern democracy and freedom “seventh-century goat-shagging opium (growers)” is like saying that, I don’t know, Torontonians are a bunch of Jamaican drug dealers.
    Reader Tip: Take a look at a the face of a hero.

  16. DrD – dittos – more than I’ve seen ever – the services there used to be sparsely attended – I had a hard time finding a place to park. It was awesome.

  17. I just sent the following message to Mothercorp. It will probably give the bastards a good laugh but, nevertheless, it might arouse a little attention if a lot of other people sent in complaints. Maybe a note to the CBC Ombudsmean would be more useful.
    ——————–
    “On Remembrance Day, in London, a group of Muslim demonstrators, protected by a police cordon, interupted the two minutes of silence with shouts of “British soldiers burn in hell”, and “British troops are murderers”. They burned a poppy and brandished anti-British signs.
    The event has been well reported by the British and European media but somehow escaped attention of the “highly motivated investigative journalists” and producers of The National.
    I can well imagine the CBC response if, for whatever reason, a group of yobs staged a violent demonstration in front of a mosque. The uproar and ensuing riot would have led the broadcast and overshadowed your report on the Remembrance ceremonies at the National War Memorial. Shame, shame, shame!”

  19. After spending Rememberance Day as we usually do, honouring our troops and our fallen with prayers
    and ceremonies for our troops around the world we follow with stories of the wars and hear from our veterans.
    Of particular interest today was History Televisions presentation of Convoy and Storming Juno.
    As in every year, we come to renew our appreciation of their sacrifice and effort to see to it that we remained free.
    How young they were. How afraid. Yet our Canadian troops performed so admirably and they did the job they were sent to do.
    I hope we never are ever involved in a world conflagration because of a couple of maniacs or three. Those who allowed themselves to be led in Germany, Japan and Italy came to rue the day they made us go over there.
    Now we have troops all round the world again.
    Once again, politicians seem incapable of respecting human life enough to actually get off their asses and do this job right. We have at our disposal the most sophisticated and technically advanced weaponry known to man , yet we continue to value it above human life. Our troops are worth more than toying around with ‘political correctness’ and it is particularly offensive when it results in our troops getting killed.
    I like those drones. They do a good job and the next time they have 400 Taliban in their sites they should take advantage of the situation.
    If there is one lesson we should learn from the wars , especially WWll. Our soldiers are worth everything. We lost over 55 million people in WWll and it need not have been so. One can see why Truman made the decision he did.

  20. Lovely video. I wonder if the producers got permission to use the audio from Band of Brothers or if they ripped it off.
    Andrew

  21. Think about what “Racism Free Edmonton.” would have to say about this? Let alone the PC Police today. Considering what was done today by people burning the poppy.
    A Poem from another Century, before the spirit of an age was broken. No age See’s it own hypocrisies wholly. Nor its strengths.
    If nothing else it tells a tale that when you lose faith in your society, only a long hopelessness is left.
    JMO
    To me in this era. White is not a color, but anyone with an attitude for freedom, liberty & especially civilization period. Unlike those today that “cannot be Named” with others just longing for a dark age.
    Rudyard Kipling
    A Song of the White Men
    1899
    Now, this is the cup the White Men drink
    When they go to right a wrong,
    And that is the cup of the old world’s hate–
    Cruel and strained and strong.
    We have drunk that cup–and a bitter, bitter cup–
    And tossed the dregs away.
    But well for the world when the White Men drink
    To the dawn of the White Man’s day!
    Now, this is the road that the White Men tread
    When they go to clean a land–
    Iron underfoot and levin overhead
    And the deep on either hand.
    We have trod that road–and a wet and windy road–
    Our chosen star for guide.
    Oh, well for the world when the White Men tread
    Their highway side by side!
    Now, this is the faith that the White Men hold–
    When they build their homes afar–
    “Freedom for ourselves and freedom for our sons
    And, failing freedom, War.”
    We have proved our faith–bear witness to our faith,
    Dear souls of freemen slain!
    Oh, well for the world when the White Men join
    To prove their faith again!
    We need to not only fight for Canada but keep it alive as a free Land. To many have died for our freedoms. Are still dying. God bless our service people.

  24. Update: Liberal Iggy’s O’Harvard buddy.
    Mistah O, he dead duck.
    …-
    “So riled are some liberals about the Bowles-Simpson plan that, privately, several suggested that if Mr. Obama were to embrace its major parts, he would invite a primary challenge in 2012.”
    “Debt Plan Ideas Draw Scorn of Liberals and Tea Party”
    http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/12/us/politics/12fiscal.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
    …-
    “Obama given chilly reception at G20 summit”
    “Barack Obama, heralded as a hero abroad when he was elected U.S. President, is getting none of that treatment at the G20 Summit in South Korea.”
    http://www.financialpost.com/news/Obama+given+chilly+reception+summit/3814823/story.html

  25. Compare/contrast Mistah O, he dead* and Mr. Harper**, he Alive.
    …-
    “**Canada, India open free trade talks”
    “**Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in a statement. “These people-to-people ties can only be enhanced by a new Canada-India agreement on trade.” Harper and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh agreed on preliminary talks last fall when Harper travelled to New Delhi.”
    http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2010/11/12/16101721.html
    …-
    *O: on “chilly reception” ice. O’not cool. Failed.
    “And, in another major blow, he* [Mistah O, he dead] failed to seal a free trade deal with South Korea, a pact that would have marked the United States’ biggest trade pact since NAFTA was signed in 1994.”
    “Obama given chilly reception at G20 summit”
    http://www.jacksnewswatch.com/

  26. I marched in yesterday’s Remembrance Day Parade up main st to our Cenotaph here in Owen Sound Ontario. The turnout again at our Cenotaph was in the thousands.
    The local Dutch Church & School kids presented at the end of the ceremonies each Holland Liberation Veteran that was there with a bouquet of flowers & a special pin, That was very touching moment.
    Video can be seen at this article
    http://www.owensoundsuntimes.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2842082

  27. In Ontario November 11th is not a stat day, There are only 3 Provinces in which this is not.
    A private members bill has been introduced in the Ontario Legislature for this to be a stat.
    Mixed feelings on this, And the RCLegion has stated they do not agree as they feel that many would not go to the Cenotaph’s & with it being a school day student classrooms attend. I normaly use a day off my holidays in order to attend & parade This in Remembrance to my family members that served & gave the Ultimate Sacrifice.
    I was one who agreed with this for yrs, However i now feel looking at the dwindling number of Veterans from WWII, Korea & Peace Keeping Missions.
    And now with Afghanistan i think it is even more important to get out to the local ceremonies.
    I do not know how the turnouts are in the provinces that do reconize this day & would like to know, So any of those out there that live where the 11th of November is a stat how are your turnouts. And do not know if this was a stat in Ontario would the kids & adults still attend? I dont know.
    thanks all have a great day

  28. Over 7,000 attended in Saskatoon’s arena, which for years has been Canada’s largest indoor ceremony. I’ve missed it once since 1994 – and that time because I was running a Basic Training Course on that weekend.

  29. Mississauga Matt, thanks for the video. Brought back memories of parades gone by. Aren’t those Harvard trainers? Hard to tell from the bottom view.

  30. Hereabouts we have an enthusiastic Harvard Club, which for many years has provided a missing man low fly past over woodstock a few minutes past 11:00.
    The roar of those big Pratt & Whitney Wasps provides an appropriate touch….

  31. Brianr@9:17
    Here in Calgary, Ab., we have three Remembrance Day locations. I was at the Museum of the Regiments location, yeterday, and I would judge the turn-out as greater than ever, especially for a mid-week event. Couldn’t park within 4 blocks, all around. Many parents with their youngsters. Heart-lifting!

  33. We had good turnouts for the ceremonies in all venues here. I think people are starting to realize what a precious resource the Greatest Generation is,and that they won’t be around much longer.
    My opinion on keeping the troops in Afghanistan; sure,do so, but change the rules of conflict so we never have to endure another travesty like the case of Capt. Robert Semrau.
    And it would send a clear message if the PM were to call Layton and Ignatieff “traitors” for their pro-Taliban comments.
    The pendulum is swinging back,finally,and people are sick to death of moral relativism.

  35. The British could easily deal with these Islamists if they chose to without doing anything that is outside current law. Anyone who tries to stab MPs or advocates for it could be charged with treason and hanged. Its that simple.

  38. minuteman @1212:
    I agree with the sentiment, but I do think it would be fitting that they be convicted of treason before being sentenced to death. Due process, and all that. It’s what distinguishes us from them.
    And traditionally, traitors were beheaded in the Tower of London. Muslim traitors would feel right at home, don’t you know?

  40. Thanks EBD!
    re. my comment @1:35 – the link seems to take about a minute to come up properly, but I think it’s worth it.

  41. The NY Times’ David Brooks blathers on & on.
    Mark Levin was very direct to him: “Oh shut up. What a bore.”
    My thoughts are a little more verbose:
    But David, sooooo many people on the Left absolutely Hate America First. They’ll never criticize Muslim terrorists or Communists [anywhere] but as for America … they hate its current incarnation with every fiber of their being! 🙁

  44. Researchers discover something that’s blatantly obvious to anyone who’s ever had a cat:
    “Cats extend their tongues straight down with the tip curled backward like a capital “J” to form a ladle, so that the top surface of the tongue touches the liquid first.
    “The speed of the tongue is quite incredible,” co-author Pedro M. Reis, an assistant engineering professor at MIT, told CNN”
    http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/11/11/how.cats.drink/index.html?hpt=C2
    Stolen from Ace of Spades HQ

  45. The natural end result of O’socialism: no Hope; all Fear.
    PET Cemetery Mole has advice for Liberal Iggy.
    Sell your villa in Provence, France/European Union ASAP.
    Bad news in Ireland, Iggy:
    “Irish taxpayers will be worked to the bone”
    http://www.presseurop.eu/files/images/article/SCHRANK_Panic-Euro.jpg?1289574833
    Socialism: GlugIggygluglugIggy …….
    …-
    “Debt crisis
    All hope lost on the good ship Euro?”
    “Not since the Greek crisis in the spring of this year has one country appeared so vulnerable to negative market sentiment. With an Irish bailout an increasingly likely prospect, the European press worries about the consequences for other members of the EU.”
    ““Ireland headed for a new financial crisis,” announces Frankfurter Runsdschau, as the fate of the Irish economy, weakened by debt and burgeoning interest rates, has prompted a growing sense of alarm in the eurozone.
    Portugal could be the next
    “The refrain for the heart-rending second act of the euro crisis was launched by Wolfgang Schäuble,” writes Berliner Zeitung. The German Finance Minister wants the holders of sovereign bonds to foot the bill when one eurozone state has to be rescued by the others. “This is major change of tune for investors,” remarks the daily.
    “Until now, they assumed that the eurozone would pay up for its members. […] Now the belief that they are subject to greater risk has led them to demand higher interest rates.” The newspaper quotes a member of the board of the European Central Bank (ECB), who points out that “German plans inevitably result in speculative attacks that aggravate the crisis.”
    “The surge in interest rates could force Ireland and Portugal to demand assistance from Europe,” points out Diário de Notícias in Lisbon. “The EU is preparing to help Ireland, which is now facing interest rates in excess of 9%. Portugal could be the next country in need of assistance if the markets do not calm down.” As economist Antonio Nogueira Leite explains – without a change in the perception of risk in sovereign debt markets, the probability that Portugal will able to avoid such a fate “is increasingly remote.””
    http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/article/387841-all-hope-lost-good-ship-euro

  47. In BC it is a stat holiday and all the cermonies were very well attended.
    I was moved by the scene of a young girl standing against a building wall at the back of the crowd saluting. A lot of young people and children and young parents with small babies. All ages. Thousands in attendance both in Vancouver and Victoria. May it always be so.

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