Monday, December 12, 2011

Daily Digest December 10 - 11, 2011


The DAILY DIGEST: INFORMATION and OPINION from ST. JOHN'S to VICTORIA.
ARCHIVED at http://cdndailydigest.blogspot.com/


OPINION AND INFORMATION

_____CANADA

_____DECEMBER 11 _____DECEMBER 10 _____FOREIGN AFFAIRS

>>>>>>>>>>INFOS <<<<<<<<<<
DIMANCHE 11 DÉCEMBRE 2011
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SAMEDI 10 DÉCEMBRE 2011
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BELOW(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)
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From: Rebecca Gingrich
Subject: Are Canadians among these troops???

BFP Exclusive- Developing Story: Hundreds of US-NATO Soldiers Arrive & Begin Operations on the Jordan-Syria Border
http://www.boilingfrogspost.com/2011/12/11/bfp-exclusive-developing-story-hundreds-of-us-nato-soldiers-arrive-begin-operations-on-the-jordan-syria-border/

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From: Dan Kahraman
Subject: U.S. behind Russian unrest

http://www.activistpost.com/2011/12/russian-protests-western-media-lies.html
   http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/12/09/irony-alert-u-s-calls-on-russia-to-respect-peaceful-protests/

 http://m.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/russias-opposition-unites-in-massive-anti-putin-protest/article2267376/?service=mobile
===================================
From: Ray Strachan
Subject: In regards to Canada-Iran

DD
 
What I fear, is that it matters not what Canadians feel about  Iran or even what Mr. Harper feels about it.
 
It will be what he is told to do, by Our Very Best Friends, that will be the "decider"
 
Ray Strachan

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From: Larry Kazdan
To: editor@vancourier.com
Subject: Letter to Editor re: Smart meters an uncontrolled experiment on public health in B.C., Geoff Olson, December 8, 2011

Re:  Smart meters an uncontrolled experiment on public health in B.C., Geoff Olson, December 8, 2011
http://www.vancourier.com/Smart+meters+uncontrolled+experiment+public+health/5832735/story.html
The potential health consequences of smart meters are indeed troubling, as are several other aspects of this program.  First, the initial installation contract valued at  $73 million went to a company that has a direct connection to a BC Hydro director and has close ties to the BC Liberals. Second, in 2010 the provincial government passed the Clean Energy Act which exempted the Smart Meter Program from the regulatory review process. This meant that BC Hydro was no longer required to justify the project before the the BC Utilities Commission. Citizen opponents of smart meters are now considering legal action including a human rights complaint or an initiative drive to force a referendum. The BC Liberals are repeating the same costly mistake they made with the HST, ramming through their agenda without any public consultation.
Larry Kazdan,
620 E. 23 Ave.,
Vancouver, B.C.
(604) 874-9982
Footnote:


First to Profit from $1 Billion Smart Meter Program: Liberal Insiders

Firm winning $73 million contract is connected to BC Hydro director, has close ties with Libs.

===================================
From: Henry Atkinson
Subject: Fw: What happens when the tide goes out

This is something I had never heard of so I thought you might enjoy watching. 
When the tide is out... under the ice.
Very interesting what natives have done for ages. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=Z0qGvC3vqaA
 
===================================
From: "S.McDowall"
Subject: Microwave Warfare - Barrie Trower

This technology was used by the Russians on the  U.S. Embassy personnel in Moscow.  All employees and their children got cancers.    Now smart meters can be used for this horrific purpose.    This is almost unbelievable but given the current evil behaviour of so many nations well........ It is not far fetched to see this technology being used by countries on their own populations.   It is so bizarre I can't see anyone wishing to raise this matter for fear of looking like a nut.
  http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=kvn-8ITy0oc

===================================
From: "Anthony Silvestro
Subject:  Where the hell has all the money gone?

Where the hell has all the money gone? This is the question that should be asked daily until we get some answers…This is beyond corrupt…wow! This is another big government scam, more money laundering a la ad scam in Kebec (proper native spelling)…

Watch this and pass it on. Don't let this story slide. We are talking about 100's of millions of tax payers money…where the hell is the money??? WE demand answers and even more importantly, we want the bloody money back!!!

http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/video/1305119208001#.Tt0NcPwZ_WJ.facebook

Anthony Silvestro

===================================
From: "Paul Downie"
Subject: Take Heed

Vaccines: ALL are Contaminated - Every Last One of Them
http://www.mathaba.net/news/?x=629563

===================================
From: "S Booiman"
Subject: aboriginals

Joe,
 
Reading Peggy's reply about your view about the aboriginal conditions, fully agree with her.
The problem is, like in Ottawa's bureaucratic empires, full disclosure "where did the money go"/
 
Suan

===================================
From: Rebecca Gingrich
Subject: How long before we have a bankster installed in our 'democracy'???

500 Year Old Global 'Roll-Up' Founders?
http://www.thedailybell.com/3336/Anthony-Wile-500-Year-Old-Global-Roll-Up-Founders

Foreword by the Minister of Finance
http://www.fin.gc.ca/bretwood/bretwd10_1-eng.asp
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Canada says no to helping EU's IMF plea
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Canada%2Bsays%2Bhelping%2Bplea/5839394/story.html

===================================
From: "Jim Calvert"
Subject: Re: Daily Digest December 9, 2011

RE: Mahmood Elahi
and
Subject: High environmetal and health costs of "cheap" fossil fuel and nuclear energy
 
The environmental arguments regarding fossil fuel and nuclear all have some merit.
I would ask Mr. Elahi to expand on the environmental impact of a Candu reactor in Canada as I have been unable to find any.
 
I would also like to point out to Mr. Elahi that there are some facts involved, most of which never come up in these discussions.
 
1. The courts are now hearing arguments about the environmental impact of wind generators and the resulting rulings are starting to favour the people who have to live near them not the corporations that own them.
2. The amount of farmland that is disappearing under Solar Panels is becoming an issue as well, municipalities are trying to wrest back control of local lands from Dalton McGuinty so they can put a stop to this as well. Not much good having hydro if you have no food to eat.
(see ontariofarmlandpreservation.org )
3. What are you going to do when the sun sets and the wind dies down? (happens every day in Ontario) You can't shut down a nuclear reactor for a few hours when it gets sunny. Maybe you can fire up that most inefficient fossil fuel appliance in your basement (the wood stove) and get out your flashlights which contain highly toxic materials that mostly end up in a landfill site.
4. Do you use the compact flourescent light bulbs that Dalton McGuinty is forcing us by law to use in our homes? Did you know that they contain Mercury? Most of them are ending up in out landfill sites as well. Soon we'll start hearing abou how the Mercury levels in our lakes are on the rise...
 
What we should be doing is building Candu reactors all over Canada and moving to electric cars for short trips.
EVERYTHING has a cost.
The solution to most of our pollution problems is in conservation.
Stop wasting so much, turn the lights off when you aren't using them.
 
Jim Calvert
Parry Sound Muskoka
 
===================================
From: Brad Thomson <ottawa@chess-math.org>
Subject: BELOW 30

Joe,

A couple of things.

First, it was wonderful to see my old friend, Al Gullon, reminding us that the true continuation of the party of Confederation is not the party of Stephen Harper. There can be no question but that the Progressive Canadian Party holds this distinction. And it comes as no surprize to me that Peter MacKay continues to lie his way through public life. What I do find puzzling though is the fact that the geniuses in his constituency continue to vote him back into office lie after lie, and election after election.

Secondly, this ongoing debate about the political correctness of saying Happy Holidays, or something to that effect, instead of Merry Christmas, is quite amusing. And the reason is simple. A true and informed Christian will under no circumstances celebrate Christmas in the first place. No mention of the exact date of Jesus' birth is made in the Bible, and furthermore, the book tells us that the only day to recognize is the day of Jesus' death. On top of this, the Bible instructs us not to follow the traditions of men, which of course Christmas, which originated in an old pagan celebration, is. As a result of all of this, it seems to me odd that the people who do not consider themselves Christians are the ones getting upset about been wished Merry Christmas, while it is in fact the true and informed Christians themselves who should be offering up the objections.

Happy New Year!
Brad Thomson
Gatineau

===================================
From: Larry Kazdan
Subject: Warren Allmand on UNPA in Embassy Magazine

Canada should push for a UN parliamentary assembly | Embassy ...
The UN Parliamentary Assembly Campaign has deep Canadian roots The seminal Case for a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly was written by a Canadian Dieter ...
www.embassymag.ca/.../canada_should_push_for_a_un_parli...
--
Larry Kazdan, Vice-President,
World Federalist Movement Canada – Vancouver Branch
lkazdan@shaw.ca

__________________________________________

 Campaign for a UN Parliamentary Assembly
Citizens' watchdog at the UN!

Please read the appeal text and endorse on-line. 

===================================
From: John Feldsted 
Subject: FW: Letters to editor needed - Prostitution does harm many women and children

Dear friends,

In today's Winnipeg Free Press, there is a misleading editorial on prostitution. The editors of the Winnipeg Free Press have made a number of unfounded claims about prostitution that ignore the serious consequences and harms that prostitution has on women and children.

For example they portray assistance and support for women exiting the sex trade as 'vendors' being 're-educated, presumably to help them overcome the false consciousness that makes them believe prostitution is a legitimate career choice.'

The editors also agree that criminalizing the demand may help women and children trying to escape but the rights of choosing women are most important: 'it might help the women who want out, but criminalization also makes it much more dangerous for those who want in.'

I will be sending a letter in response and I would encourage you to send in letters to the editor as well. The editors, and especially the Winnipeg Free Press's readers, need to hear from organizations and individuals who have had firsthand experience in the sex trade or with victims of sex trafficking.

Letters can be submitted here: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/send_a_letter/

I have attached a number of resources and information on prostitution studies. The following sites are helpful resources for accurate information and statistics on prostitution:
http://www.prostitutionresearch.com/ http://www.embracedignity.org/

We must not be silent as the protection and equality of women is at stake today in Canada.

Sincerely,
Joy Smith, MP
Kildonan – St. Paul

===================================
From: "Paul Downie"
Subject: What is Inflation?

Stop Stealing From My Grandkids!
http://www.personalliberty.com/conservative-politics/stop-stealing-from-my-grandkids/?eiid =

===================================
From: "Jim Calvert"
RE: Mahmood Elahi
and
Subject: High environmetal and health costs of "cheap" fossil fuel and nuclear energy
 
The environmental arguments regarding fossil fuel and nuclear all have some merit.
I would ask Mr. Elahi to expand on the environmental impact of a Candu reactor in Canada as I have been unable to find any.
 
I would also like to point out to Mr. Elahi that there are some facts involved, most of which never come up in these discussions.
 
1. The courts are now hearing arguments about the environmental impact of wind generators and the resulting rulings are starting to favour the people who have to live near them not the corporations that own them.
2. The amount of farmland that is disappearing under Solar Panels is becoming an issue as well, municipalities are trying to wrest back control of local lands from Dalton McGuinty so they can put a stop to this as well. Not much good having hydro if you have no food to eat.
(see ontariofarmlandpreservation.org )
3. What are you going to do when the sun sets and the wind dies down? (happens every day in Ontario) You can't shut down a nuclear reactor for a few hours when it gets sunny. Maybe you can fire up that most inefficient fossil fuel appliance in your basement (the wood stove) and get out your flashlights which contain highly toxic materials that mostly end up in a landfill site.
4. Do you use the compact flourescent light bulbs that Dalton McGuinty is forcing us by law to use in our homes? Did you know that they contain Mercury? Most of them are ending up in out landfill sites as well. Soon we'll start hearing abou how the Mercury levels in our lakes are on the rise...
 
What we should be doing is building Candu reactors all over Canada and moving to electric cars for short trips.
EVERYTHING has a cost.
The solution to most of our pollution problems is in conservation.
Stop wasting so much, turn the lights off when you aren't using them.
 
Jim Calvert
Parry Sound Muskoka

===================================
From: Zeb Landon
Subject: the Attawapiskat situation

Joe,
Regarding the Attawapiskat situation, a few comments.  Southerners have almost no idea of the difficulties.

I heard some good comments into CBC Radio's Cross Country Checkup, including from an aboriginal caller who had broad experience in various the challenges of northern remote locations. 

This caller and others from the north managed to squeeze in a few pertinent observations in the cracks left between the strawdogs and flattering of our southern armchair experts. 

One big problem is bureaucratically imposed building standards/designs with air-tightness etc., which may work well for the south, but which has led to housing being good only 5 to 8 years in the north, due to mold.  You also get heaving foundations.  I remember once visiting a house in a remote northern location where all the floors were on horrible slants we would never tolerate in the south. The most attractive housing I ever saw in fly-in northern Ontario was cabins built with local forest material, heated with wood stoves, drinking and washing water obtained from the nearby river, -- portapotties and outhouses relied on for "plumbing'.

Substandard materials are shipped by companies contracted, say in BC, knowing the materials can never be returned because shipping takes too long and is too expensive.  Contractors start work late, need extra time, go past deadlines, etc.  Apparently this may result in the band 'signing off' on their work before completion, just so that it won't be prevented from starting the next annual cycle of funding and contracting. 

Anyone who has lived in the far north ought to know that plumbing even when buried 15 feet below surface can still freeze, and then you must wait until the window of warm weather in summer to get at it and do repairs.  Imagine the cost of digging up your lawn 15 feet deep, and needing to get contractors and equipment and supplies up north, often by air.  Southerners do not think about these things. 

Imagine you, a consultant, fly in and stay in a "hotel" where the basement has a backlog of sewage that can't be dealt with until warm weather.  Maybe it would be more environmental to promote a biological compost toilet system than trying to fit northern life into southern habit. Another CBC caller did mention it's so much easier to get a politician to visit up north than a plumber. People forget that almost anything you might need for repair or renovation must be flown in, probably tripling or quadrupling the expense.


If we want the people to live like modern southerners, making sure their water pipes don't freeze, etc.,  implicitly we are encouraging the abandonment of traplines, fishing, and hunting, since the traditional livelihood requires traveling out in the wilderness for possibly weeks.  Who will keep the heat going while you're gone? 

One caller suggested that social welfare money, etc., ought to "follow" northern individuals who decide to try living in the south, rather than cut off their northern band money if and when individuals attempt a new life in the south.

My suggestion to consider for a community like Attawapiskat is that its geography be divided into a public and a private zone.  The public zone would include a number of (institutionally-run) round-the-clock accessible public buildings with medical care, schooling, recreation, community commercial building, and public baths.  The private zone would be where individuals did their own thing: choose between maintaining a cabin with woodstove and outdoor privy, or, at own expense, establish a more less traditional house with indoor plumbing, furnace, etc. which would be one's sole responsibility.

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Posted by Wanderer at