Sunday, October 29, 2006

BAD NEWS THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST




BAD NEWS THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST




I do not have much time to blog today about the Middle East as a whole, however as I was reading news from sources all over the world; these selected headlines pretty much sum up the state of the Middle East for this week.

With 9 days to go before the US mid-term elections, it has become very clear that the Bush administration policies in the Middle East are nothing short of a total disaster. The Road Map to peace is dead, Hamas is in power and Palestinians are starving, Iran is getting close to a nuclear weapon each day, Iraq is obviously a total failure and international embarrassment for the United States, Syria and Lebanon are no closer to peace with their neighbor Israel, and US ally Saudi Arabia is still an extreme Islamic nation with little respect for human rights within its borders. There are very few examples of successful democracies in the Middle East and the threat of terrorism against Western countries is just as high today (and perhaps even higher) than it was on September 10, 2001. We need a change in direction in the Middle East and that starts by voting for Democrats to control the Senate and the Congress.

In future blogs, I will post on North Korea, South America, Somalia, Sudan, Pakistan, Cuba and Haiti. The original intention of this blog was to inform my readers about issues going on in the world and how they affect us at home. I also want to write about the growing influences of China, Russia and India, UN Security Council reform and the international economy and how it affects our individual personal finances.

Thank you for reading...

-Darryl







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Saudi Arabia beheads two convicted drug smugglers




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Does al-Qaeda have a new leader?
MARK MACKINNON
From Saturday's Globe and Mail



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US troops call for Iraq pullout
Wednesday 25 October 2006, 21:23 Makka Time, 18:23 GMT
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/1E238F4B-C3D0-4467-AD1E-EC066F31ED8B.htm



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US navy to patrol Saudi oil terminal
Saturday 28 October 2006, 0:15 Makka Time, 21:15 GMT
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/712ADB5A-26A7-4CCE-AE26-62BBCE86BB75.htm


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UK paper: Israel used 'uranium bombs'


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Russia opposes draft resolution on Iran







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Gunmen fire on Iraqi PM's convoy
POSTED: 9:10 a.m. EST, October 29, 2006
http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/10/29/iraq.main/index.html


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Saddam's chief lawyer warns of more violence in Iraq












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Is Mahmoud Abbas planning a coup?









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Pro-Taliban Tribesmen Hold Anti-American Rally in Pakistan
Sunday, October 29, 2006
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,226086,00.html



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Israeli PM Olmert Compares Iran to Nazi Germany
Friday, October 27, 2006
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,225921,00.html?sPage=fnc.world/mideast




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German Soldiers May Have Posed With Skull in Afghanistan
Wednesday, October 25, 2006



http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,224817,00.html?sPage=fnc.world/afghanistan


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Rights group says NATO not doing enough to avoid Afghan civilian deaths
Associated Press






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No Qatar trip for senior Israeli

Saturday, October 28, 2006

Al-Qaeda warns Canada


Al-Qaeda warns Canada

One of the main purposes of this blog is to share articles I believe are important with readers who care about foreign policy and domestic policies. This article should not be taken as an argument for us to withdraw from Afghanistan. I fully support this mission and I feel that Canadian troops are making a positive difference for the people in this nation - especially women. Having said that, we are fighting the Taliban and Al Qaeda forces on the front lines and as a result the stakes are high. When battling these terrorists on their home turf, the hope is that they will not take the fight here. We need to work with our American and European allies to step up the combat role against our enemies so that we are able to begin focusing on rebuilding - a task that will allow us to win the hearts and minds of local Afghans. It is also important that we ensure Pakistan is on side in controlling its borders, curving radicalism and making a positive contribution to peace in the region.
On 9/11/2006, the National Post/Global TV released a poll that stated 58% of Canadians believed that America was targeted on 9/11 because of their foreign policy. Despite recent terrorist arrests, as well as threats from Bin Laden himself; Canadians have never really taken the threat of terrorism seriously with regards to attacks within our own borders. This article proves that we are not immune from attack, and that the stakes are very high for all Western democracies that we are able to be successful in Afghanistan. It also may be time to look at proving some extra security with regards to transportation, landmarks, powerplants, and places where large crowds may gather in Canada.




Thanks for reading...




-Darryl




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Al-Qaeda warns Canada
Quit Afghan mission or endure attack like 9/11, threat says


Stewart Bell, National PostPublished: Saturday, October 28, 2006
Article tools

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Friday, October 27, 2006

Support Andrew Brander for President of OPCYA




Today I am proud to be attending the OPCYA convention for the Ontario PC Party and will be supporting Andrew Brander and his team for President. Andrew is a great campaign asset to us in Newmarket-Aurora and I believe will make a great president. Below is a message from Andrew regarding his objectives. I also encourage anyone who will be voting to visit his website at www.brander.ca

Personal regards,

-Darryl

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TEAM BRANDER – YOUR TEAM FOR VICTORY IN ‘07For the past few months, Team Brander has been working hard all across the province to actively recruit and ready our party for victory in 2007.

Team Brander is committed to making sure that we create winning conditions for Victory in 2007."Victory in '07".

There is nothing more crucial for our party, and as we ready ourselves to contest what will surely be one of the greatest elections in Ontario’s history, the youth of the Ontario PC Party can be assured that Team Brander is ready to go to make sure that when we are called on to help, we will be there in force.

Team Brander commits that Victory in '07 will be the only priority for the new executive of the OPCYA, and we must do everything to make sure that this happens.Team Brander recognizes the challenge we face between now and 2007. We need to make sure that we create a core group of enthusiastic, passionate and energetic youth from across the province who will be there to support John Tory and our candidates. Together we can.

Team Brander knows that this next election is going to be focused on the ground war. Riding by Riding, Voter by Voter. It is our job to deliver the message and we must work in our capacity to earn the trust of young and new voters. Together we can.

Team Brander knows that now more than ever before, the party is counting on us to deliver. Together we can.

And my friends, Together we can elect John Tory Premier in 2007.

Today, we am honored to be in the position to ask for your support in our team’s vision for the future of our party.

Join with us. Our team is dedicated, experienced and ready to work with you to ensure "Victory in '07".


Respectfully Yours,

Team Brander

Thursday, October 26, 2006

Candidates for Newmarket Municipal Election











For anyone who is voting in Newmarket's municipal election...here is a list of candidates from the www.newmarket.ca website. I will be talking a bit more about the Newmarket election as we get closer to the November 13 election day.

-Darryl

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Candidates for Mayor:

John ASHWORTH
Candidacy Filed: September 29, 2006
ContactPhone: 905-888-4727
Business Phone: 416-434-2723
Fax: 905-888-4765
Email: johnashworth@primus.ca

Michael CASCIONE
Candidacy Filed: September 29, 2006
ContactPhone: 905-895-2560
Mail: 58 Denne Blvd. Newmarket, ON L3Y 4H4

Diane SPRINGSTEIN
Candidacy FiledSeptember 1, 2006
ContactPhone: 905-836-0080Email: dspringstein@rogers.com
Mail: 1046 Leslie Valley Drive Newmarket, ON L3Y 7C6
Website: http://www.dianespringstein.ca/

Diane Springstein is...
• 12-year veteran of council and 25-year resident/business owner in Newmarket• Past President of Newmarket Chamber of Commerce• Founding member of Newmarket Home Show, Hospice Newmarket and Newmarket Youth Centre
Diane has chaired and sat on numerous town committees including:
Finance, Corporate Services, Information Technology, Recreation & Culture, Building & Bylaws, Main St. Townwide Visioning Committee, Procedural Bylaw Review Committee and Joint Council Committee for Fire Services.
Diane's priorities include...
• Develop 4-year business plan• Creating a “citizen-first” environment• Creating Mayor's Advisory Committee• Sound financial strategies• Effective management of growth

Wendy THIBIDEAU
Candidacy FiledSeptember 29, 2006
ContactPhone: 905-853-7942Email: tilshilohcomes@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.geocities.com/wendythibideau

Tony VAN BYNEN
Candidacy Filed: January 3, 2006
ContactPhone: 905-898-2876
Fax: 905-898-7191
Email: tonyvanbynen@rogers.com
Mail: 466 London Road Newmarket, ON L3Y 6G5
Website: http://www.vanbynen.ca/

Candidate Profile
Tony's Background:
Tony Van Bynen is married to Roxanne, and they have two married daughters,
A businessman with more than 30 years experience,
A resident of Newmarket for 26 years,
Past president of the Chamber of Commerce,
Active in our community through his church, and as participants in a number of community organizations and charitable fund-raising campaigns.
Tony's Priorities:
Newmarket's revitalization as a neighbourhood community
Using your tax dollars prudently and "business case" rigor for new projects,
Implementing solutions to ease Newmarket's traffic challenges,
A transit system that makes sense

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Candidates for Regional Council:

Cheryl RICHMAN
Candidacy FiledJanuary 10, 2006
ContactEmail: info@cherylrichman.ca
Website: http://www.cherylrichman.ca/

Candidate Profile
About Cheryl Richman
Realtor, Royal LePage Your Community Realty
Education: Business Admin, Ryerson; Fellow, Institute of Law Clerks (ILCO)
Former Director and Chair, Public Relations Committee, ILCO
Former Director, International Right-of-Way Association
Member, Toronto Law Office Management Association
Volunteer Fundraiser, Camp Huronda, Canadian Diabetes Association and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Cheryl’s Priorities
Results through teamwork
Preserve the unique character of Newmarket’s neighbourhoods
Have Province increase funding for infrastructure due to designating Newmarket high density under Places to Grow legislation
Preserve open spaces, protect the environment
Address Police, Fire, EMS and Hospital growth issues
Control escalating taxes

John TAYLOR
Candidacy FiledFebruary 9, 2006
ContactPhone: 905-953-1180
Email: votejohntaylor@rogers.com
Mail: 296 Eagle StreetNewmarket, ON L3Y 1K1Website:
http://www.votejohntaylor.ca/

Candidate Profile
About John Taylor:
Born and raised in Newmarket
Partner in a logistics company
Education includes B.Ed., M.A. and Ph.D.
President of Heart and Stroke Foundation - York Region North
Board member of the Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation
Member of the Site Selection Committee - Habitat for Humanity
Member of Stuart Scott School Council
John’s Priorities:
Preserve the character of Newmarket’s neighbourhoods
Demand the Province understand their growth target for Newmarket is too high as planned
Continued focus on the environment, recreation and arts
Create a task force to address the doctor shortage in Newmarket
Ensure a disciplined approach to your tax dollars


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Ward 1:

Al HELLER
Candidacy FiledSeptember 29, 2006
ContactPhone: 905-830-9094
Business Phone: 416-410-1175
Mail: 748 Highland Blade Road Newmarket, ON L3X 1P3
Email: vote@alheller.ca
Website: http://www.alheller.ca/

Candidate Profile
Hello, I am Al Heller and I would like to represent Ward 1 on Newmarket Town Council.
I am a 13 year resident of Ward 1 and continue to raise my family here. . Ward 1 needs a strong voice on council, someone that can work with the other council members and build consensus. With over 25 years of business experience I know how to get things done. As your representative on town council I will fight for our concerns.
On November 13th vote for Al Heller as Ward 1 Councillor and I will get things done.

Brian JOHNS
Candidacy FiledFebruary 23, 2006
ContactPhone: 905-716-3767
Fax: 905-853-2835Email: bjohns@bellnet.ca
Mail: 575 Skinner Avenue Newmarket, ON L3X 2A4
Website: http://www.brianjohns.ca/

Candidate Profile
Being resident of the Ward, and a partner in Vince’s Country Market, I wish to serve as Ward 1 Councillor.As a business owner in our community, I understand the issues of being Accessible and Accountable with leadership in our town. I will bring confidence to our Ward through quarterly Ward meetings, where we can openly communicate our concerns and deliver them to council with confidence through proper attendance of town meetings.
Fiscal balance, while remembering our past and respecting our future will guide me in the next term.
Please make the responsible choice in electing myself as our representative.

Tom VEGH
Candidacy FiledAugust 29, 2006
ContactPhone: 905-895-7095
Email: tomvegh@gmail.com Mail: 517 Heddle Crescent Newmarket, ON L3X 2J4

Candidate Profile
My name is Tom Vegh and I want to represent you on Newmarket Town Council.I grew up in Newmarket and have been a resident of Ward 1 since 1997. I am raising my family here and have a stake in our community.As an active member of our community and former councilor, I understand the issues that are important to us. I will bring my experience and knowledge gained as an elected representative to address the issues we face.On November 13, please support me in making Ward 1 the best place to live and raise our families.

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Ward 2: (Kerwin Acclaimed)

Dave KERWIN
Candidacy FiledJanuary 3, 2006
ContactPhone: 905-895-8969Mail: 317 Maple Street Newmarket, ON L3Y 3T3

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Ward 3:

John BISSONNETTE
Candidacy FiledSeptember 29, 2006
ContactBusiness Phone: 416-388-7849Email: John_bissonnette@hotmail.com
Mail: 122 Howlett Avenue Newmarket, ON L3Y 5S5

Candidate Profile
As a college professor at Centennial College I commute to Toronto every day, like so many others residents of Newmarket.
As your ward three representative I will fight hard to hold property tax rates without compromising our community services. Our children are the future, and we as parents and a community must work together. Some of the changes I will push for are more stop signs on residential streets near schools, and more crosswalk lanes. I will also promote responsible corporate planning that is in the best interests of the many residents of ward three.
YOU’RE VOICE AT COUNCIL

Jane TWINNEY
Candidacy FiledSeptember 29, 2006
Contact InformationPhone: 905-836-9649Business Phone: 905-853-5031
Email: janetwinney@rogers.com
Mail: 648 Mossbank Court Newmarket, ON L3Y 3B1

Candidate Profile
This past year I have seriously contemplated running for Newmarket Town Council. As a Councillor I intend to be available to listen to residents concerns and I will not hesitate to act.
I live in Ward 3 with my husband Joe and my son Michael. Just like everyone else who lives in this town, I am concerned with what the future brings for him as he grows up.
After University, until age 40, I operated my own business. I bring to Council my business, life experiences, professionalism, and a true passion to work hard and be accountable to you.

Victor WOODHOUSE
Candidacy FiledJanuary 3, 2006
ContactPhone: 905-898-4031Business Phone: 905-853-7526Fax: 905-853-5065
Email: victor@victorwoodhouse.ca
Mail: 320 Harry Walker Parkway, Suite 13 Newmarket, ON L3Y 3H3
Website: http://www.victorwoodhouse.ca/

Candidate Profile
Each of us values a great place to live.
As a committed community leader, my goal is to work co-operatively to address concerns and to explore opportunities that will maintain and enhance Newmarket’s vitality.
As your councillor I will:
promote good planning for Newmarket
advocate for greater decision-making roles for neighbourhood associations
address traffic concerns – speeding and the disregard for stop signs
minimize and work toward eliminating tax increases
communicate regularly with residents through Ward meetings, newsletters and website
ensure that environmentally friendly solutions are part of everyday life
Please visit my website.

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Ward 4:

Larry BLIGHT
Candidacy FiledFebruary 15, 2006
ContactPhone: 905-953-9752
Email: larryblight-ward4@sympatico.caMail: 114 Crone Court Newmarket, ON L3Y 4N9
Website: http://www.larryblight.com/

Candidate Profile
Having been born , raised and educated in Newmarket I feel I have a great passion for where our town has been and also where it is going.
Elected as a Ward Councillor in 2003 I have initiated a number of programs to assist in Traffic Issues, and I was also instrumental in procuring the new Stage-Mobile.
My key issues remain Traffic and Transportation Concerns, Community Safety and Quality of Life. I will focus on “Managing our towns resources” … People – Property – Assets
* Your concerns are my concerns!
* Your Strong Voice in Ward 4

Alex BUSNELLO
Candidacy FiledFebruary 24, 2006
ContactPhone: 905-853-0495Email: alexbusnello@hotmail.com Mail: 388 Salisbury Lane Newmarket, ON L3Y 8A4

Candidate Profile
I have chosen to run in the Municipal election because I feel that Newmarket residents in general, and ward 4 in particular are not receiving the representation that a councillor should provide. With my background of 30 years service in municipal government, the past 20 in Engineering, I am confident that I can provide the quality of representation that the residents expect.

We have to put a stop on free spending. Elected representatives should be the voice of the people. I would welcome the opportunity to do just that. Represent the people with honesty, integrity, and accountability.

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Ward 5 (Sponga Acclaimed):

Joe SPONGA
Candidacy FiledFebruary 24, 2006
ContactPhone: 905-830-9895Email: jsponga@rogers.com
Mail: 339 Millard Avenue Newmarket, ON L3Y 1Z5

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Ward 6 (Ramsarran Acclaimed) :

Dennis RAMSARRAN
Candidacy FiledJanuary 3, 2006
ContactPhone: 905-868-8364Business Phone: 905-252-0370
Email: dennis_ramsarran@hotmail.com
Mail: 638 Gorham Street Newmarket, ON L3Y 1L4

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Ward 7:

Chris EMANUEL
Candidacy FiledMay 16, 2006
ContactPhone: 905-953-1962
Email: chrisemanuel@rogers.com
Mail: 293 Kirby Crescent Newmarket, ON L3X 1H5

Candidate Profile
Newmarket is a strong and vibrant town. I have worked hard to make a valuable contribution to maintaining all that is good about Newmarket, and will continue to do so in order to improve our quality of life. We share the same concerns, I have lived in the Ward since 1989, I am your neighbour.
Last election I campaigned on the need for a fresh perspective and fresh ideas – I think I’ve brought those to the table. I want to continue Working for Ward 7.
I hope I can count on your support on November 13th.

Bradley SNELL
Candidacy FiledJanuary 27, 2006
ContactPhone: 905-868-9621
Email: brad017@sympatico.ca Mail: 172 Currey Crescent Newmarket, ON L3Y 5M9
Website: http://www.bradsnell.ca/

Candidate Profile
Brad Snell candidate for Ward 7 has decided to throw his hat into the municipal circle for the upcoming November 13 election.
Mr. Snell’s main agenda in entering the candidate’s race is the fact that he wishes to maintain the lush greenery of the region, while attempting to control urban growth of the area. Accessible roads, housing are all factors of a growing area, but the infrastructure has to be in place to initiate these changes!” Mr. Snell quotes
“These and other issues have to be addressed in this upcoming election.’’Mr Snell states
Visit Brad at website www.bradsnell.ca

Republicans in Trouble


With 12 days to go before the mid term elections in the United States, it is obvious that the Republicans want to talk about anything but their record. Using fear mongering with their new Bin Laden ads, attacking Canada's foreign policy, questioning Michael J. Fox and his acting during a recent ad about Stem Cell Research. With trillions in deficit, a wide open border, a disasterous war in Iraq, a poor reputation in the International community and the Middle Class falling further and further behind, it is not surprising why Republicans are distancing themselves from a very unpopular President both domestically and around the world. I fully expect you are going to see Democrats take both houses and turn Mr. Bush into a lame duck.

2008 is looking very interesting. Hillary for President, Obama for vice-president, Bill Clinton secretary of state? Seems like a dream ticket to me at this point. Al Gore's movie will be released on November 21, which may give him some traction as Democrats look to see who will lead them in the big 2008 race. Of course it would be tough for any of them to do much worse than what we have seen over the last six years with this administration. It is well passed time for a change in America. Let's hope November 7, America finally changes course and ends this broken government in Washington.

Thanks for reading...


-Darryl


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Poll: Schwarzenegger Leads Race for California Governor
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Fox News

SACRAMENTO — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is leading state Treasurer Phil Angelides in the race for California governor, boosted by support from the heavily Democratic San Francisco Bay area, according to a poll released Wednesday.
Schwarzenegger had the support of 48 percent of likely voters polled, while 30 percent said they supported the Democrat, Angelides, according to the Public Policy Institute of California survey. Thirteen percent of voters, half of them Democrats, said they hadn't yet made up their minds.
One reason for Schwarzenegger's big lead is that he is polling better than Republican candidates typically do in traditionally Democratic areas. In the Bay area, he leads Angelides 40 percent to 34 percent.

Angelides has a narrow lead in Los Angeles, where he has the support of a larger percentage of the city's Hispanics, who make up one in three voters in Los Angeles County.
But Angelides has been unable to capitalize on Hispanic disappointment with the governor. While 25 percent of Hispanics favored Schwarzenegger, just 52 percent said they plan to vote for Angelides. Usually, Democrats get more like two-thirds of the Hispanic vote.




Angelides blamed millions of dollars in negative advertising aimed at him for his low polling numbers.
"We're working against a tidal wave of corporate special interest money," he said Wednesday at a rally with firefighters in Sacramento. "There's no mystery here."
But Schwarzenegger strategist Matthew Dowd said that in the last six weeks, Angelides and the Democrats had outspent the governor on television advertising and that the numbers in the race had hardly changed.
"This race was set in the first 60 days," Dowd said, referring to the first two months after the primary, when the governor's campaign and the Republican Party poured millions into television advertising to undermine Angelides, who had almost no money to respond.
The institute's telephone survey of 1,076 likely voters was conducted Oct. 15-22 and has a sampling error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.

Iraq invasion 'pure failure', Blix says
Associated Press


Stem cell battle reaches fever pitch
It's Michael J. Fox vs. Cards pitcher in ads Canadian star's TV plea to voters fuels U.S. debate
Oct. 26, 2006. 08:33 AM
FRANCINE KOPUN
FEATURE WRITER


The World Series has become the backdrop for a battle over stem cell research in the United States, featuring a heart-wrenching ad by actor Michael J. Fox, who suffers from Parkinson's disease, and a counter-ad featuring sports stars and other celebrities who claim that legislation to allow it will lead to human cloning and harvesting eggs from low-income women.
"Amendment 2 claims it bans human cloning, but in the 2,000 words you won't read, it makes cloning a constitutional right. Don't be deceived," says Jeff Suppan, the St. Louis Cardinals' scheduled starting pitcher for Game 4, in an ad that was to air during last night's game, which was postponed due to rain.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner, Patricia Heaton of Everybody Loves Raymond, and Jim Caviezel, who portrayed Jesus in The Passion of the Christ, also appear in the one-minute spot.
The brouhaha began after an ad starring Fox aired during Game 1 of the World Series on Saturday. In it, Fox swayed deeply from side to side, seeming to control his arms and hands only with great difficulty. He asked Missourians to vote for Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Claire McCaskill. She supports Amendment 2, which would provide constitutional protections for embryonic stem cell research in the state.
Stem cell research is believed to hold the promise of a cure for diseases, including Parkinson's. It is controversial because it involves use of embryonic stem cells derived from human eggs fertilized in laboratories.
In July, U.S. President George W. Bush vetoed a bill that would have lifted a ban on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. It has become a key issue in mid-term elections.
"They say all politics is local, but it's not always the case," Fox said in the ad. "What you do in Missouri matters to millions of Americans, Americans like me."
This week, right-wing radio host Rush Limbaugh accused Fox of exaggerating his symptoms: "He is moving all around and shaking, and it is purely an act," he told listeners of his syndicated radio program, which reaches 10 million people. "This is really shameless of Michael J. Fox. Either he didn't take his medication or he's acting."
Limbaugh was backed by ABC talk radio host Sean Hannity, who told Good Morning America Fox deserved to be criticized.
"Michael J. Fox admits now that he stopped taking his medication prior to testifying before Congress," Hannity said. "You have a right to speak up, but he also has a right to be criticized."
Fox's representatives countered by calling Limbaugh's comments "shameful ... appalling, sad" and pointing out that medication used to treat Parkinson's sometimes produces involuntary movements.
Earlier this year, Fox appeared on Good Morning America, exhibiting similar symptoms.
Symptoms of Parkinson's vary greatly — the disease can produce jerky, involuntary movements, including tremors, or cause muscles to become rigid and stiff. Joyce Gordon, president and CEO of the Parkinson's Society of Canada, said yesterday that medications used to treat Parkinson's can induce involuntary movements.
"This is what it looks like whether (you're) on meds or off meds," she said. "No matter which way you cut it, you cannot fake this."
Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 1991. He was filming the movie Doc Hollywood when he noticed tremors in the pinky finger of his left hand. He went public with his story in 1998. The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research has since raised $80 million.
Born in Edmonton, Fox lived in Vancouver before moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting. He's best known for his role as a teenage Republican on the hit TV series Family Ties, and his starring role in the Back to the Future movies. He now appears in the TV drama Boston Legal.
The ad opposing Amendment 2 was finished Tuesday and immediately posted to the Internet. By yesterday afternoon, it had logged 202,800 hits on the video-sharing website YouTube.com, compared with 1.2 million for the Michael J. Fox ad.
A spokeswoman for Missourians Against Human Cloning said the counter-ad had been in the works for two weeks but production was accelerated after the Michael J. Fox ad ran.
TV audiences are increasingly fractured, given hundreds of channels and new diversions like the Internet, so large audiences are harder to find, says Advertising Age columnist Bob Garfield. "The World Series is not the Super Bowl ... but it does have a large audience."


Trying to Contain the Iraq Disaster (New York Times)
Published: October 24, 2006

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/24/opinion/24tues1.html?ex=1319342400&en=f8c5bb1df9295c47&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss



Democrat wave swells in U.S.
Republicans fear Bush's failure will become their party's as their rivals anticipate victory
http://www.torontosun.com/News/World/2006/10/25/2124354-sun.html/



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Ottawa launches complaint against new U.S. ad
Updated Thu. Oct. 26 2006 8:58 AM ET
CTV.ca News Staff

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20061025/canada_midterms_061026/20061026/






Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Darryl on Insights with Pam McDonald tonight



Tonight I will be a guest on Insights with Pam McDonald. The topic of the show will be municipal races in York Region. Insights will air live tonight at 9pm on Rogers Cable 10 York Region and will replay periodically throughout the week.
For more information about the show please visit the link below:


Monday, October 23, 2006

War on Terror or War on Muslims?

War on Terror or War on Islam?


Given the various wars in the Middle East and the battle to influence hearts and minds among Muslim moderates, I think it is important to strongly address recent comments made about Muslim veils by Jack Straw, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. These comments as well as others made previously from the Pope, George Bush and cartoons printed in Denmark allow extremists to wage a propoganda war against the West by promoting to moderate Muslims that the War on terror is really a War on Islam or a new "crusade". I think it is important to keep the focus on Terrorists and avoid making statements that question our tolerance towards Muslim religous traditions. I agree with the recent Toronto Sun editorial (posted below) that compares these comments to asking Christians to remove a cross or a person practising the Jewish faith to remove their yarmulke. I am proud of Canada's multiculturalism, freedom of religion, freedom of expression and ability for people from different backgrounds to live in peace and harmony. Recent comments from senior figures in the Labour UK Government should also be condemned in the strongest of terms. These comments smack of intolerance and put the lives of our soliders at risk in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East. The also violate the freedom of religion and freedom of expression principles that make up our great society. To say that someone should reject their religious beliefs simply to "fit in more" cannot be justified in any way.
Thanks for reading...


-Darryl



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EDITORIAL: Lifting the veil of prejudice


Imagine if a Canadian political leader was to advise devout Christians not to wear a cross if they wanted to be accepted by the rest of society.
Or a devout Jew not to wear a yarmulke. A devout Sikh not to wear a turban.
There would be outrage across the country, and rightly so. It wouldn't matter if this politician then said he wasn't suggesting anyone should be forced to remove the religious symbols of their faith. Just to do so in order to "fit in."
Most Canadians, we hope, and not just those who are devout Christians, Jews, Sikhs or Muslims, would be deeply concerned about such a fundamental attack on freedom of religion.
Imagine, then, the understandable unease of many Muslims, as a growing number of male politicians overseas have suddenly started advising religiously devout Muslim women against wearing a full veil over their face.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair, former foreign secretary Jack Straw and Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi, among others, have all come out in recent days arguing that if Muslim women want to fully adapt to their societies, they should ditch their veils. Our first question is why?
Most Muslim women don't wear these veils, which cover all but a small portion of the face around the eyes.
There are varying interpretations of whether the Koran actually requires it. Muslims hold different views on that issue, just as Christians, Sikhs, Jews and others disagree internally on the importance of wearing certain types of religious dress.
Save for a few specific situations where making a physical identification of someone is vital -- say, when applying for a passport or driver's licence, or when police need to confirm someone's identity by checking what they look like against their photo-ID -- no devout Muslim woman should ever be pressured by anyone to remove her veil against her will.
It's true that a Muslim woman who chooses to wear a full veil is choosing to set herself apart to some extent from the surrounding society -- but that's her right.
The rest of us should respect that choice, just as most of us would for a devout Christian, Jew, Sikh or anyone else.


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'Remove full veils' urges Straw

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/5411954.stm

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Why Muslim women wear the veil
By Martin Asser BBC News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5411320.stm
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Muslim anger grows at Pope speech

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5347876.stm




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Key excerpts: The Pope's speech

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5348456.stm

Ahmadinejad's Comments Unacceptable



Ahmadinejad's Comments Unacceptable

Unfortunately, once again Mahmoud Ahmadinejad made comments stating that Israel will "disappear" and of course said previously that Israel should be “wiped off the map". He has also constantly questioned the holocaust, despite internationally accepted evidence that 6 million Jews were killed in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. These comments are totally unacceptable and do nothing to convince the world that the Iranian nuclear program is for peaceful purposes or that Iran is interested in being a peaceful influence within the Muslim world. His comments also do nothing positive for Palestinians hoping to achieve a peaceful democratic state side by side with Israel. I condemn these remarks by Ahmadinejad in the strongest of terms.

-Darryl


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Ahmadinejad: Israel will 'disappear'
By HERB KEINON


http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull&cid=1164881801325

Harper's Speech to B’nai Brith


In the past I have been very critical of Harper's approach to the Middle East. On October 18, he made a speech to B’nai Brith that I thought was excellent. For the first time he explained his position and recognized a two state solution to the conflict. I think this speech should go a long way in terms of balancing the Conservative position in the Middle East. Those who read the entire speech should find themselves more comfortable with the party position on this issue. More to come...


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Speech to B'nai Brith at the Award of Merit Dinner



October 18, 2006
Ottawa, Ontario

PLEASE CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY

President Weinstein,
Vice-President Dimant,
Members of B’nai Brith,
Honoured guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Thank you, Ralph/Frank, for that kind introduction, and thank you all for that warm welcome.

I’m pleased to be here tonight at B’nai Brith’s annual Award of Merit dinner.

It is a great honour to speak to such a distinguished organization.

B’nai Brith has been active in Canada for more than 130 years.

And during those 130 years, this organization has demonstrated that it is not only a strong voice for the Jewish community, but also a powerful champion of the values we cherish as Canadians: equality of opportunity, human rights for everybody, democracy for all.

To all who are or have been associated with B’nai Brith over these long years, I say simply thank you for making such an important and lasting contribution to our country, and for the contribution I know you will also make in the future.

Let me talk about our country and the future.

Ladies and gentlemen, since taking office, Canada’s New Government has pursued a focused and active agenda.

We’ve cut taxes, tackle d crime, and introduced sweeping accountability legislation.

Tomorrow, we will move forward on another front – a historic first-step in fact – when we table Canada’s Clean Air Act, the first national regulatory framework for the long-term control and reduction of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

But I think we in the government have all been surprised by how much of our time in office has been consumed with international relations.

Thinking of foreign affairs, I include issues as diverse as resolving the Canada-US softwood lumber dispute, defending Canada’s Arctic sovereignty, and re-committing to the United Nations mission in Afghanistan.

In all of these things, our new government has been actively defending and advancing this country’s interests and values on the world stage.

But as all of you know, one of the most significant and challenging foreign policy issues our new government has had to face is the situation in the Middle East.

Our approach to the Middle East, as elsewhere, has been guided by our values: Freedom. Democracy. Human rights. The rule of law. And the uncompromising opposition to terrorism.

These, my friends, are not new values.

They are fundamental to what this nation has always stood for.

The state of Israel, a democratic nation, was attacked by Hezbollah, a terrorist organization – in fact, a terrorist organization listed - illegal - in this country.

We are fighting terrorists in Afghanistan. We have arrested alleged terrorists here in Toronto.

Thus, when it comes to dealing with a war between Israel and a terrorist organization, this country, and this government, cannot and will not be neutral.

Ladies and gentlemen, I said that this position is rooted in what we have long stood for as a country.

As a boy I was, like all lucky men, most influenced by my father – and one of the great influences on my father’s life was World War II.

He was too young to have fought in the war, but old enough to have absorbed its lessons.

The world was too slow to fully grasp the threat of fascism, too willing to make excuses for it, too blind to see what it meant for all of us.

As you know, this summer, we were attacked mercilessly by our opposition for the position we took on the Middle East. I understand why.

I understand that, with the news reports of the day, in the sound of battle and the images of destruction and the suffering of innocents, it is sometimes difficult to see what is truly at stake.

But the fact is this: those who attacked Israel – and those who sponsor such attacks – don’t seek merely to gain some leverage, to alter some boundary, or to right some wrong.

They seek what they and those like them have always sought – the destruction of Israel and the destruction of the Jewish people.

Why? A thousand complicated rationalizations but only one simple reason – because the Jews are different. Because the Jews are not like them.

And because Israel is different, and alone in a complicated part of the world, it is too easy to embrace the rationalizations and ignore this truth.

And too easy to ignore the greater implications of that truth – which became so evident in World War II.

That those who seek to destroy the Jews will, for the same reason, ultimately seek to destroy us all.

It is why Canada’s New Government has reacted with speed and spoken with clarity on the recent events in the Middle East – just as we have against terrorists in Afghanistan

Why we were the first nation outside of Israel to cut off funding to the Hamas government.

Why we defended Israel’s right to vigorous and effective self-defence against Hezbollah.

And why we opposed a one-sided resolution at the Francophonie. Because it wasn’t right. It wasn’t fair. And it wasn’t the Canadian way.

Now, friends, in this same spirit of truth and with the openness that real friendship allows, I need to tell you that we must also seek a fair and just future for the Palestinian people.

Issues of human dignity, of giving people the opportunity to build their community, to realize their own dreams – as long as they respect the rights and dignity of others – are values we also share.

Our government believes in a two-state solution – in a secure, democratic and prosperous Israel living beside a viable, democratic and peaceful Palestinian state.

We believe in the need for peace … a just and lasting peace.

Egypt and Jordan took courageous steps many years ago to make peace with Israel. They know the benefits of peace.

We think the time is long overdue for others in the region to join them.

And it is, in the end, the only way forward for everyone.

And I have to believe that that is what most ordinary Palestinians, like most Israelis and most everyone else in the region, really want.

The mother wants peace and security for her new child. The father hopes for a happy future for his family and his community.

The young adult seeks freedom, opportunity, and the chance to get ahead.

Other than the terrorists, the extremists, and the fanatics, who wakes up each day and wishes that the public life in their community or their country will be an endless cycle of hate, violence, oppression and corruption?

But, in the end, that is all they will ever achieve, and why we must be ever vigilant against them.

Now, I don’t profess to be an expert on Israeli politics, but it seems to me that the current government of Israel doesn’t want to be where it finds itself today.

It wasn’t elected to wage war but to pursue peace.

This is the great tragedy, because Prime Minister Olmert and Prime Minister Sharon before him sought a mandate to break the mould and to find a new way forward, not to have to yet again wage the same battle over the same ground.

They both said that Israel is willing to make painful compromises for peace.

This is the sort of leadership and vision and commitment that we need – and that we have come to expect -- from the great state of Israel.

In my conversations with the Prime Minister, I have come away convinced that he still aspires to find a genuine peace for his people and with his neighbours.

That, I’ve told him, is what Canada really wants.

And Israel, as a fellow democracy that prefers peace – as true democracies always do – can count on Canada’s steadfast friendship, support and encouragement.

Ladies and gentlemen, I promised I would not speak long tonight.

So let me just say that, in our short time in office, we have been guided by our clear values and interests in addressing the Middle East and other foreign policy matters.

I was guided by them, for example, at the G8. In my speech to the United Nations. And again recently at the Francophonie.

Some have claimed that this is charting a radical new course in foreign affairs.

That is simply not accurate.

Rather than charting a new course, we are restoring Canada t o its traditional and true role: principled leadership in world affairs.

A country that knows where it stands.

Speaks up for what’s right.

And invests in the tools of diplomacy: foreign aid, intelligence and military capability.

Friends, this is a role we have played countless times in our history.

A role we as Canadians should be proud of.

A role we will continue to pursue.

Thank you and good evening.

Shalom, and God bless Canada.

Saturday, October 21, 2006

WILL THE GREENS GET THEIR FIRST MP...WHO SHOULD FEEL MOST THREATENED BY THEIR GAINS?

WILL GREENS GET THEIR FIRST MP AND HOW WILL IT CHANGE CANADIAN POLITICS?

After Garth Turner was booted out of caucus this week for expressing his true beliefs, momentum for the Green Party has picked up and for the first time in their existence they have two real chance of getting a voice in the House of Commons. First of all, this week Garth Turner will decide if he wants to be history's first Green MP in Canada making the argument that his actions will improve democracy for Canada by giving the Green Party the right to participate in nationally televised leadership debates. Secondly, Elizabeth May will likely run for the first time in an open London area riding to replace Fontana running for mayor. What few see is the rising threat of the Green Party as more and more they are being compared to "Red Tories".
Under the leadership of Brian Mulroney, Conservatives were recognized as environmentally friendly with Mulroney being recognized as the “Greenist” Prime Minster in history for his work on acid rain. Under the leadership of Jim Harris, the Green Party went through a transformation in their fiscal policy making them right leaning environmentalists (although there are some credibility problems with issues such as repealing NAFTA). In fact, in a recent Toronto Star poll conducted in August, 36% of Conservative voters said they consider the Green Party their second choice when voting. 1 in 3 Canadian voters period have considered voting Green and today they are polling at 10% of the National Vote, making our support only three times higher. This all comes within months of another upcoming federal election. 90% of Canadian voters feel Climate Change is a huge issue and 91% said they feel a moral obligation to improve the environment.

Here is what May had to say about Garth Turner this week:

"Certainly he's strong on environmental measures; he has been for some time," May said in Ottawa. "He's a fiscal conservative. That matches the Green party approach to the way we would solve environmental issues with ways that are strong for our economy while also meeting the challenges of the climate crisis and cleaning the air."

''He was a board member of the Sierra Legal Defense Fund, ... he's put things up on his website for his constituents of personal actions one can take to protect the environment, and he's clearly persuaded that the climate crisis is real and significant and we need action,'' May said in an interview. ''Those things suggest to me that he'd be a good fit. But that's me talking and who knows how he feels?''

Of course all of this momentum will depend on what Garth Turner does this week. Early indications are that he will continue to be his maverick self going forward. "I have to understand a little more about what the Green party actually wants," said Turner when asked in his riding about his intentions of joining the Greens, ''I'm not all that fond of granola.'' Turner has also said that "I'm a free agent right now," and stated, "I do not believe that I have left my party, my party left me." He ruled out joining the Liberals but did say he will have to make some alliances in order to perform his MP duties affectively for Halton. Independent MPs have little access to resources or opportunities to ask questions in the house. On his former party, Turner said "If it's not inclusive, if it does not send out the message to all folks in the community that they're welcome, it won't be a broad-based strong national party for long."

He did not rule out attempting to get back into the Conservative fold if that is what his constituents want him to do. But lets be clear...joining the Green Party would not be crossing the floor. He was kicked out by us and no longer owes us his future confidence vote.

Pay close attention to this matter on http://www.garth.ca/ this week.

CLEAN AIR ACT MAKES THIS BAD TIMING FOR US:

After 9 months of waiting, it looks like the Clean Air Act is already a dead and Rona Ambrose will continue to have the hardest job in Ottawa. All parties intend to vote against the bill killing it before the details are decided and long before it reaches second reading. Every major environmentalist has slammed it and details are minimal making it tough to sell door to door. So far it seems 2050 isn't soon enough to act on the environment according to Canadians. Will Canadians see the opposition as voting against clean air or voting against a bad plan? Time will tell and it will be sooner rather than later with an election likely following the budget in May of 2007.

If we want any kind of re-election chance, let alone a chance at a majority; it is time for us to get serious about the environment and attempt to broaden the Conservative tent. We are done a great job playing to the base, but have failed to gain any new ground outside of our tent of traditional supporters. Actually we are starting to lose support among those who voted for us last time. Rona Ambrose has the potential to be a huge star in the Conservative Party, now is the time to allow her to shine by putting forth something that will pass in the House of Commons and bring forth tangible results immediately for clean air, smog and green house gases. Again, meeting Kyoto targets is not essential and the economy should never be sacrificed to make unreasonable environmental gains.

This week Garth Turner has the power to inflict far more damage on Harper and the Conservatives, than we have been inflicted on him due to his sometimes opposing views with the PMO. The Ontario caucus did not calculate when they kicked him out that their actions could result in Elizabeth May debating the environment with Harper come this spring's election debate and campaign. They did not factor that Turner could start a trend of blue turning green in Canadian politics among moderate, young, urban and female Conservative supporters. They didn't calculate that perhaps Garth's ability to speak out against the establishment would be welcome by people in the party that are serious about democratic reform and transparency. This week it could all come back to bite us in the ass!

Thanks for reading...

-Darryl

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News References:


New poll has federal Greens feeling red-hot
By ALEXANDER PANETTA

http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=2fa777da-bec1-4ea8-b86a-46cac1ecd16c&k=61061



Ousted Tory MP considers going Green
Tory Turner tossed
Should constituents boot him out?



You can read the full 2006 Green Party platform by clicking below:

http://www.greenparty.ca/platform_2006.html?&MMN_position=141:141

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Green leader to join the race
May will run in London-North-Centre if byelection called
By CHIP MARTIN -- London Free Press

http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/News/Local/2006/10/20/2077654-sun.html


Ousted Tory MP considers going Green
By COLIN PERKEL

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Politics/2006/10/18/pf-2059810.html

New poll has federal Greens feeling red-hot


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An Accidental Canadian Finds Her Environmental Footing

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/14/world/americas/14green.html?_r=1&ref=world&oref=slogin

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Green Party calls on Elections Canada to organize debate

http://main.greenparty.ca/announcement36.html


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Act now on Darfur, says Green Party Leader


http://www.greenparty.ca/index.php?module=announce&ANN_id=180&ANN_user_op=view

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Harper's Middle East policy counterproductive

http://www.greenparty.ca/index.php?module=announce&ANN_id=173&ANN_user_op=view


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Key quotes on the Tory Clean Air Act, introduced Thursday
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=8e305e26-2961-4f54-b8e6-3fe1ab9964a9



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Clean Air Act an illusion: Suzuki

Canadian PressPublished: Saturday, October 21, 2006
Article tools

http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=75fc68c5-0e42-461f-9a8f-2ceec58e3634&k=39277

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Women voters turning away from Tories: poll

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20061021/women_voters_061021?s_name=&no_ads=

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Clean Air Act receives rocky reception from MPs

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20061018/environment_act_061019/20061019?hub=TopStories

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Green may prove fatal colour for Harper
Oct. 18, 2006. 01:00 AM
CHANTEL HEBERT

Friday, October 20, 2006

IN AMERICA CHANGE IS ON THE WAY!


IN AMERICA CHANGE IS ON THE WAY!



We are less than 18 days away from American mid-term elections and it looks like the American political landscape is going to see some real change. After the Foley scandal, constant bad news in Iraq, A lot of people have asked me why I do not support George Bush's foreign or domestic policy. It must be election time as Republicans have pulled out the fear card and released a new commercial featuring Bin Laden and other terrorists. When you don’t have a record to run on, you might as well try the fear-mongering tactic again. It has worked twice...will America fall for it again? I think this time it will backfire because Americans are going to see this as politics in its lowest form. Not only is it obvious partisan politics, this ad reminds me that Bin Laden (the person responsible for 9/11 with a connection to terrorism and seeking weapons of mass destruction) is still on the run. Five years after 9/11 we are no where near capturing him. This ad also airs at a time when more Americans are showing that they trust the Democrats on terrorism and on Iraq more than they trust Republicans according to recent polls.

The time has come for America to stop George Bush and that means either the Democrats must win the Senate or the Congress in order to control one of the houses and push for a change, especially in the direction of foreign policy. If that doesn’t happen, I would rather see deadlock than allow the Bush administration to continue getting rubber stamps from the two houses that are suppose to provide a check on powers. Pick any issue...Bush has failed! Iraq, homeland security, Katrina, broken borders, the war on the middle class, the War on Terror, the economy, outsourcing, the massive trade deficit, failed diplomacy, North Korea, Iran, Lebanon, Corruption, Morals, Securing the borders, Immigration or improving social programs such as reducing the cost of prescription drugs (so that there is no need to use our internet pharmacies) and expanding health care to all Americans, so we don’t see Middle Class families bankrupt to pay for the cost of medical treatment on a serious illnesses. 300 billion has been spent on Iraq, a war that has hurt the super power economically, diplomatically, militarily and morally in the eyes of the world. To be fair I must say that George W. has faced some challenges that Carter, Reagan, Bush and Clinton before him never had to face or failed to face during their terms in office. Having said that, I think most Americans will say that their government is on the wrong track and addressing the wrong priorities when it comes to representing them. They are growing disconnected from the government and as a result indifferent to the entire political process. Lou Dobbs says it best when he talks about the war on the Middle Class. The writing is on the wall…it is time for a change.

Look at these poll numbers coming out of the US this month from CNN, NY Times, Washington Post and Fox News:

*16% of Americans approve of the job being done by Congress

*54% disapprove of the job President Bush is doing

*52% of Americans want Democrats to control the Congress

*37% of Americans want Republicans to control the Congress

*37% of Americans approve of Vice-President Dick Cheney

*50% believe Congress is corrupt

*36% of Americans believe their member of Congress with corrupt

*74% believe Congress is out of touch

*58% believe most members in Congress focus on special interests

*54% of Americans believe it is now impossible to achieve the American dream

*79% feel big business has too much influence in American politics

*54% felt the Democrats would handle the economy best as oppose to Republicans at 35%

*54% felt the Democrats would better handle Iraq vs. the Republicans 51%

*The economy and Iraq were the top two ballot box questions according to Americans with terrorism in third.

*46% of Americans approve of Bush's handling on the war in terror

*Less than 40% of Americans support the Iraq War

*47% of people feel that the Democratic Party best represents their views vs. 38% for Republicans

*54% is the amount of registered voters who actually voted in the 2004 Presidential election. About 70% of voters eligible have registered to vote.

For Democrats to take back the Congress they require 15 more seats. To win the Senate they need to take 6 seats.

CNN has a good profile of the close races to watch. You can read more by clicking below: http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2006/


Tonight Hillary Clinton's debate in New York against former Yonkers mayor John Spencer was quite interesting. Could this have been a preview of the future positions of the next American president? In Canada would it not be interesting to see a joint press conference with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and President Hillary Clinton? Talk about a change in tone, look at the contrast between her position on Iraq vs. that of Bush:

Where I stand on Iraq Thursday, October 12th, 2006
-Senator Hillary Clinton
New York Daily News - http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ideas_opinions/v-pfriendly/story/460752p-387658c.html (also on http://www.hillaryclinton.com/)

We have to deal with the Iraq we have, not the Iraq we wish we had. And the Iraq we have is a deteriorating, violent conflict that, if not technically a civil war, is about as close as you can get. Having been now on the Armed Services Committee for more than 3½ years, the uniformed military has tried to be respectful of the chain of command. They've been unwilling to contradict the secretary of defense when he said, "Well, nobody's asked me for more troops." I mean, it's just flat-out untrue. It's been untrue for years.
There are three big things that need to happen.

Step 1: The Political Track

First of all, the political process has stalled and gone backward. The government promised that they would deal with the constitutional issues, including the very serious concern about how to allocate oil resources. And they won't do it. They keep punting it.

I recommended in '03 — and this went all the way up to [Vice President] Cheney, who shot it down — I recommended, while we were in charge, to create an oil trust, where you would basically say to every Iraqi, "You know what, you have a stake in this. And you can get some payment out of the oil revenue." I thought it would be something that could demonstrate clearly that we were not on the side of the oil companies, we were not on the side of the ruling elites — we were on the side of the Iraqi people.

Nothing like that has been Adone. The Sunnis will not quit fighting until they are assured they're going to get some share of the oil revenue. Otherwise, the South goes to Shiites, the North goes to Kurds, and these people who have dominated not just Iraq, but the region historically, will be shamed and will be rendered second-class citizens.

In the last month, I've seen the president of Iraq, I've seen the deputy prime minister of Iraq, I've communicated with our ambassador in Iraq, and I've asked the same question: "When are you going to get the oil deal done?" And I keep being told, "Oh, it's imminent. We have legislation. It's going to happen." Well, the last thing I heard is they're going to punt it for another 18 months. That means it will not end, on the Sunnis' end.


Step 2: Diplomacy

The second thing that needs to happen is an international public gathering of the parties in the region. Right now, we have sort of private conversations with all these different groups, with the exception of Iran and Syria. So we talk to the Saudis, the Kuwaitis, the Jordanians, the Turks — but we're not bringing them to any kind of resolution about what they will publicly do and get them on record in a way that we can then bank on.

So, there is no understanding. The Turks are massing troops because they're scared to death about the Kurds and the infiltration. We know what the Iranians are doing. The other Sunni countries are playing their double game. And we're basically sort of watching it. Our failure to have even backdoor talks with Iran and Syria with respect to Iraq and everything else in the region is, I think, another in a long line of mistakes on the part of the Bush administration.


Step 3: Phased redeployment

The third thing is phased redeployment. The administration has this mantra: "We'll stand down when they stand up." Well, 350,000 of them have stood up — but standing up does not mean they will fight and defend anything.

The appropriate formula is, "We will stand down anyway, and you will fight to defend Iraq." Because they are basically able to just allow us to take the brunt of the impact.
There are certain groups of the Iraqis that will fight, but the vast majority of the 350,000 are not prepared to stand up and fight for Iraq. They might stand up and fight for their tribe or for their family or for their religious affiliation. And that's not going to change unless they have to face the reality that, guess what, we are going to start, what we call, in the Democratic alternative, a phased redeployment.

Now, that doesn't mean initially, out of Iraq. It could be just moving to the North, because I do think we have an extra obligation to the Kurds not to desert them once again. It could certainly mean just over the horizon in Kuwait. But what we've been doing is not working.
*Clinton met with the Daily News Editorial Board yesterday. These comments are excerpted from her remarks.

November 7 is the first day of the 2008 Presidential election campaigns and the beginning of the George W. Bush era as a lame duck. Will Time cover profile Barack Obama fresh off his endorsement from Oprah Winfrey be a real challenger in the Democratic Party? Will someone like John McCain or Rudy Giuliani show they have what it takes to keep the Republicans in the White House? Personally, I think it is high time that the world saw a female president!
Harper should distance himself from George W. Bush in order to improve his chances of forming a majority government in Canada and also to allow for a good working relationship with the next President whoever that might be.

Thank you for reading…
-Darryl

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GOP terrorism ad sparks Democratic furor

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In Debate, Clinton Deflects Questions About 2008

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Foley Hurting Congress’s Image, Poll Shows




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10/12/06 FOX News Poll: Few Would Change Vote Due to Foley Scandal
Thursday, October 12, 2006



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The Fresh Face
First-term Senator Barack Obama has the charisma and the ambition to run for President. But, as JOE KLEIN reports from the campaign trail, he's not quite ready to answer the tough questions



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New poll says most Canadians blame U.S. for 9/11 attacks
Last Updated: Thursday, September 7, 2006 10:45 AM ET
CBC News




Wednesday, October 18, 2006


INTRODUCTION TO MY BLOG

October 17, 2006

-Darryl Wolk


Thank you very much for visiting my political blog. I am not sure what attracted you here, but I appreciate the opportunity to express my freedom of speech and desire to make a contribution to democracy through this technology. I first want to stress that the views expressed in this blog are those of Darryl Wolk and Darryl Wolk alone. I do not speak for the party, the Conservative riding associations of Newmarket-Aurora or anyone other than myself. I hope this blog is interpreted as an informal expression of my genuine political opinion and thoughts at any given point in time. I am hoping to keep it in tact to see how my views change over the long term. This blog is a work in progress, so please forgive me as I ramble on early to explain my political perspective and motivation for doing this. I first decided I wanted to blog after the January election when Prime Minister Harper selected his first cabinet consisting of Michael Fortier – an unelected senator and David Emerson who crossed the floor after winning an election as a Liberal a day earlier. Being from the riding of Belinda Stronach, I was furious that immediately after the election win, Stephen Harper offered David Emerson a cabinet post in exchange for switching parties. How was this any different than what Belinda/Paul Martin did? What was all are work for? Sure David Emerson is a talented, qualified, great at answering questions in the House of Commons, tends to be right of center, and was able to speed up resolution on the softwood file. Despite his good results, the principle behind the matter combined with the personal embarrassment was crushing on a person level and demoralizing in terms of continuing blindly down the same path. I was shocked how most people in the party stayed silent including Conservative MPs who were pushing for floor crossing related private members bills before the election. Garth Turner was a great exception to the others.


During the January election campaign, I spent weeks working late in to the night during the winter election campaign; putting up signs, donating money to attend party fundraisers, giving up weekends to go door knocking, dropping off literature, and putting my own personal integrity on the line with friends and family as I attempted to encourage them to vote Conservative largely using integrity as the main argument against the Liberals due to the sponsorship scandal and the floor crossing by Belinda. The next day my coworkers, friends and family joked about how much vacation time I wasted to work on the election campaign only to get the same thing results in less than 24 hours in power. "All politicians are the same", how often did Tories here that during the January election. In Newmarket-Aurora our slogan was “it’s all about trust”. ; How could we spin this and remain credible after Emerson? And people still wonder why young people (or any other demographic for that matter) don’t get involved more involved or even vote in elections.? This was especially a kick in the nuts when a few months prior in our riding of Newmarket-Aurora, the politician who we worked so hard to elect in what turned out to be a very close nomination and general election races, crossed the floor without any kind of warning just as we were starting preparation on her re-election campaign as a Conservative due to the chancethe government could have fallen on the budget vote. After Emerson it seemed like that was going to be the final straw for me, I wanted to quit politics and stopped paying attention for weeks, vowing to spend my time doing something elese ;- anything else. Of course we all know politics is like the drug heroin…once you are hooked on it, it is almost impossible to break the addiction and its habits. Maybe this will give me a bit more of a say and a tad more influence than yesterday. Blogs are influencing politics all over the world, here is a chance to be heard as well as to listen to others.This blog gives me the opportunity to express my views and political ideas on what I believe will contribute to a better Canada, Ontario, Toronto, York Region and Newmarket-Aurora. What will differentiate this blog from many others however; is going to be the constant focus on international affairs and Canadian/American foreign policy. I am not any more or less qualified than the next guy with an opinion in this growing blog world. Hopefully some people will enjoy hearing what I have to say and will comment in the section below to spark health dialogue within the party and among a community interested in politics.


Federal:

-Liberal leadership race and how it might influence the upcoming election

-3 strikes and your out law and how it worked in California

-The Green Plan II, environment and the Green Party

-Gay marriage vs. Freedom of Religion

-Guaranteed Wait Times, the fiscal imbalance and the next budget

-Conservative prospects in the federal as well as Quebec election likely occurring in 2007

-Cigarettes, Marijuana, alcohol, and Casinos.

-CRTC, CBC and their relevance

-Democratic Refotm

-The state of Party politics


Provincial & Local:-

Municipal Elections in York Region and Toronto

-Broken promises

-The state of our education system and teachers

-Auto industry and unions

-Nuclear power & Energy

-Transportation

-the Green Belt

-Tourism

-Ontario Municipal Board and Growth in the GTA

-the LCBO


International:

-The upcoming American election in 2006 as well as the next presidential battle in 2008


-The ongoing genocide in Sudan


-The Middle East including the war on Iraq, the war on terror, issues surrounding Iran and their nuclear program, Israel and the Palestinians, and the chances for war as well as peaceful democracies in that region. I will also blog about Syria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Hamas, Turkey in the EU, Hizbullah, Al Jazeera, Danish Cartoons, Veils and the pope’s recent remarks.


-North Korea and their nuclear tests and what is means for the region. -India and Pakistan and the disputed state of Kasmir.


-The rise of China and India as economic powers. -The influence of Pakistan on Afghanistan and the war on terror.


-The Tamil Tigers and conflict in Sri Lanka


-Hugo Chavez, trends in Latin America and the UN Security Council


-Russia, democracy and the EU


Current events, personal stories and the economy:

*As they arrive and warrant a blog posting.


Thank you again for visiting my blog. On the right hand side you can view my picture and profile/bio to learn more about me. You can browse through international news sources by visiting my recommended links section on the right hand side of this web page. There are also links where you can read the opinions of other bloggers from Bloggingtories.ca ; I hope to catch up with you tomorrow or later this week with my first post on the war in Iraq and its implications on American and UN politics. My goal is to keep this blog updated at least once a week.


To be continued...



-Darryl