Apparently I have been targeted by the Arab community in Canada for electoral defeat. This news was given to me yesterday by an Ottawa reporter following up on a media release I have yet to read.
As I was told, the community is (of course) outraged at the Harper government for its pro-Israeli stance and (also, of course) hopping mad at me for the comments I made regarding dual citizenship and the exodus from Lebanon. My understanding is that ridings where Tories won with a relatively small margin, and which have a reasonable-sized Arab community, are going to be battlegrounds. Halton could be ground zero.
So, the reporter asked, what do you have to say about that?
And I said, basically, they can go to hell. That applies to any group which threatens to vote against me in the hope that I will say something different in order to win their support. I mean, what are they thinking? Do I value being an MP more than I value doing what’s right? Am I afraid of having my ass tossed out of my lovely green chair in the House of Commons because one community or another ganged up and tipped the vote? Would a threat make me change my mind?
Sure, I campaigned the hardest in my political life to win this seat. I spend eight months at it, full-time. Tossed my job. Tossed my income. Sold my dream home so I could move a few miles away, into the riding. Neglected and destroyed some important business interests. Walked and walked and walked.
After 13 years of Liberals in a part of the country that used to be 100% Tory, I got it back. But despite all my efforts and 300 volunteers and maxed-out spending, we won this by just a couple of thousand votes. It seems the voters here had some faith yet to gain in this party, this candidate and this leader. They put us all on a short leash. Wise people.
So, after all that work, well publicized as it was, perhaps there is a feeling that Garth Turner would do anything to keep what he won. And if there is, then there are a lot of delusional folks out there. Instead of issuing threats, they’d be better off going and signing up with the Halton Liberals, because that is a cause truly in need of help.
Since getting this job I have tried each day to make the right choice for the people who elected me, and to speak the truth as I saw it. Obviously that decision came with a price. I paid it. Carried on. Getting elected is not a path to re-election, and any politician who wakes up every morning figuring out how to score more votes deserves to wake up scared. The people will always make the right choice, even when a bunch of them have traded in free will for a mob mentality.
So, go ahead and make me a target. Just save a little of the bull’s eye for the last guy to say he’d do the same. Does anyone find it ironic that Israel’s biggest ally, the Righteous Right, and its biggest foe, the Arab community, both have it in for me?
It’s quite amazing how much trouble I get into.
64 comments ↓
Actually I had other plans for today posting, but passionate posting of “Truth†revised my plans (similarly as Hezbollah attack on Israel revised plan of UN security council and G8 meeting agenda on Iran nukes).
Your list of Israeli pacifist, leftists and Arab “historians†books are impressive. If you are so sure that “Palestine, the country, goes back through most of recorded historyâ€, I expect you to be able to answer a few basic questions about that country of Palestine, or find the answer in one of the books from your list:
· When was it founded and by whom?
· What were its borders?
· What was its capital?
· What were its major cities?
· What constituted the basis of its economy?
· What was its form of government?
· Can you name at least one Palestinian leader before Arafat?
· Was Palestine ever recognized by a country whose existence, at that time or now, leaves no room for interpretation?
· What was the language of the country of Palestine?
· What was the prevalent religion of the country of Palestine?
· What was the name of its currency? Choose any date in history and tell what was the approximate exchange rate of the Palestinian monetary unit against the US dollar, German mark, GB pound, Japanese yen, or Chinese yuan on that date.
· Have they left any artifacts behind?
· Do you know of a library where one could find a work of Palestinian literature produced before 1967?
· And, finally, since there is no such country today, what caused its demise and when did it occur?
You are lamenting the “low sinking†of “once proud†nation. Please tell me, when exactly was that “nation†proud and what was it so proud of?
And here is the least sarcastic question of all: If the people you mistakenly call “Palestinians†are anything but generic Arabs collected from all over — or thrown out of — the Arab world, if they really have a genuine ethnic identity that gives them right for self-determination, why did they never try to become independent until Arabs suffered their devastating defeat in the Six Day War?
I hope you avoid the temptation to trace the modern day “Palestinians†to the Biblical Philistines: substituting etymology for history won’t work here.
The truth should be obvious to everyone who wants to know it. Arab countries have never abandoned the dream of destroying Israel; they still cherish it today. Having time and again failed to achieve their evil goal with military means, they decided to fight Israel by proxy. For that purpose, they created a terrorist organization, cynically called it “Palestinian people†and installed it in Gaza, Judea, and Samaria. How else can you explain the refusal by Jordan and Egypt to unconditionally accept back the “West Bank†and Gaza, respectively?
The fact is, Arabs populating Gaza, Judea, and Samaria have much less claim to nationhood than that Indian tribe that successfully emerged in Connecticut with the purpose of starting a tax-exempt casino: at least that tribe had a constructive goal that motivated them. The so called “Palestinians†have only one motivation: the destruction of Israel, and in my book that is not sufficient to consider them a “nation†— or anything else except what they really are: a terrorist organization that will one day be dismantled.
In fact, there is only one way to achieve piece in the Middle East. Arab countries must acknowledge and accept their defeat in their war against Israel and, as the losing side should, pay Israel reparations for the more than 50 years of devastation they have visited on it. The most appropriate form of such reparations would be the removal of their terrorist organization from the land of Israel and accepting Israel’s ancient sovereignty over Gaza, Judea, and Samaria.
That will mark the end of the Palestinian people. What are you saying again was its beginning?
You are absolutely correct in your understanding of the “Palestinians’†murderous motives. I am afraid however that you, along with 99% of the population of this planet have missed the beginning of WWIII (the enemy call it Jihad) quite a few years ago. The siege of the US embassy in Tehran in 1979, an event to which the latest Nobel Peace Prize winner had so miserably failed to respond, can be very well used as the day WWIII stepped out of the pages of the Koran and into the current events. I pray the United States and Israel lead the world to victory in this war. Come to think of it, there is no choice, be you a Christian, a Jew, or even, believe it or not, a Muslim.
Alex Crow, Toronto
Garth: Perhaps it is your “they can go to hell” attitutde that irks not only the Arab community but perhaps other “special interest”groups, including the “Righteous/religious right”.
I believe you have the ability to empathize with the beliefs and positions of constituents with diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.
Empathy involves understanding and acknowledging the differences. It does not mean capitulating or compromising what you truly believe to be right.
Do you want to keep Garth Turner as the Conservative MP for Halton riding? Well you can help by making a donation to the Halton Conservative Association.
The Halton Conservative Association will have to fund another election campaign in the coming months and we need your financial help to ensure that Garth Turner remains our MP in Halton.
If you would like to make a donation, please send us an email to info@haltoncpc.ca or visit our website: http://www.haltoncpc.ca
Hey, how did this commercial get in here?? — Garth
Well now…
If they run for the Liberal Party, they will have to ‘pretzel’ themselves explaining how they support the Hezzbolah. The Liberals have already also admitted that they are terrorists.
No doubt a question or two will revolve around their love, and loyalty, for THIS country, above all.
They may as well face someone who truly does know where he stands.
Canadians are finding they like knowing where their representatives stand, especially knowing that they love this country best, and first….without reservation.
It will be one heck of a showdown…
Good Day Sir
As a member of the Arab community I find it very offensive that you said “they can go to hell.” Be cause I for one as an active member heard nothing from anyone. Point #2 is that the Arab community is extremely diverse and there is no one group that represents its interests. I’d be interested in where this reporter got his info.
Ahmed, I say this comment – as I clearly wrote – to any group threatening such action, not just the Arab community. It is the least effective form of political influence possible, and will not work with me. You also raise an excellent point of diversity within any group and the irresponsibility of “community leaders” in claiming one voice. — Garth
Garth, you can’t please everybody. I guess that’s just the way of life, not just for us citizens but for you MPs as well. Especially when your comments no matter what the topic is always under constant scrutiny.
Mr. Turner
Perhaps now would be a good time to tell “Elections Canada” to do there job and do it properly.
“Voter Information Cards” should only be issued in Canada’s two Officail Languages; English and French and nothing else with only one card being issued.
On voting day make sure everyone that votes shows up with proper “Canadian Citizenship” ID and failure to do so send them away until they show up with it.
Last election had quite a few unbelievable stories. That of people in some ridings voting twice (Oliva Chow’s riding) because voters where given more than one Info Card, one in Canada’s Offical Languages and another in some sort of Chinease writing, so they would go two seperate times and vote. And if Elections Canada does this sort of thing for the Chinease Immigrant what other immigrant group are they doing it for?.
There was even an American student who was able to get to the actual voting booth, he spoiled his ballet but how did he manage to get to the actual booth.
I guess in your riding or any riding with a high Arab population the wearing of the “Burka” or whatever it’s called should be disallowed at the polls. After all anyone could hide underneath one of those things and vote as often as they want and would proberly get away with it. I wouldn’t be surprise one bit if this practice hasn’t been done already.
But Garth if your re-election in your riding doesn’t look good you are more than welcome to push the “Mute” we have up here in Barrie, ON out of the way. I would definalty vote Conservative than.
Hi Garth–I just read you blog and good for you in telling them to go to hell.You are making a stand for the good of everyone and you are making a difference! The Liberal vote buying schemes of the past almost destroyed our country.Any citizen of Canada no matter what nationality who doesn’t understand the basic truth about right and wrong has very little to say worth listening to anyway. I thank you again for being a true representative of the people and admire your courage.—John M.
Quick question for you Garth….do Muslims (or Moslems) go to hell when the misbehave? And conversley, do they go to heaven when they vote for you?
Not just Muslims. — Garth
One more question Garth…from all reports, you are a multi-millionaire. Please tell me why you want or need our financial donations to help you keep your job when you have the resources to do that on your own.
Ask Elections Canada. — Garth
Good for you, Garth. It’s really refreshing to know there is at least one MP who is always willing to do the right thing, no matter what.
So then Garth, if I have this right, a vote for you is a ticket to heaven. There’s going to be a whole lot of Baptists and Pentacosts out there that are really peeved that they got taken in by that whole ‘born again’ stuff when really, all it takes is something so simple.
Garth and Esther – read the Globe and Mail today. You will be suprised that most people think. I am blown away by your arrogance and your ignorance “they can go to hell’ in your blog.
You as an MP should be listening to the concerns of your constituents rather than dictating to them. You were not voted in to office to be a dictator. Last week I came into your office and I have already commented on how I felt that I was not heard or that Esther really cared about what I said – see my previous posts. Then when I wrote to you about my concerns with the treatment at your office and how I thought the Liberal office I went to afterwards I received much more professional treatment.
The vast majority of people – even in the Globe and Mail which is the most Conservative of the three big newspapers – are for a cease-fire + neutrality + multilateral peace process. Even inthe Globe and Mail do people think that this issue could cost the Conservatives the next election. A minority government should go out of its way to listen to the citizens – not like this government.
Only 32% back PM on Mideast
BRIAN LAGHI – From Tuesday’s Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20060801.wpoll01/BNStory/National/home
OTTAWA — Stephen Harper’s decision to support Israel in the current Middle East crisis appears out of step with the majority of Canadians, according to a new poll. The survey finds that a majority of Canadians want their government to be neutral on the conflict and that Mr. Harper has tilted away from the traditional Canadian position. Moreover, they believe that the Conservative government is taking its cues from U.S. President George W. Bush. According to the poll, 45 per cent of voters disagree with Mr. Harper’s support of Israel’s actions, while 32 per cent support it, and 23 per cent don’t know or neither agree nor disagree. In Quebec, 61 per cent are against the Harper position, with only 17 per cent behind it.
Ignatieff criticizes Harper, suggests immediate ceasefire
JANE TABER SENIOR POLITICAL WRITER
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20060801.IGNATIEFF01/TPStory/
Mr. Ignatieff, who has agreed with Prime Minister Stephen Harper in the past on controversial issues such as extending Canada’s military presence in Afghanistan, says that on the crisis in the Middle East, the Harper government “has failed to grasp just how serious the situation has become.” He writes in an op-ed article in today’s Globe and Mail that it is time for Canada “to do its part in stopping this march to the abyss.” He suggests that if Canada lines up with the Europeans and moderate Arab states in calling for a ceasefire, “Israeli forces would withdraw, aerial bombardment would cease and Hezbollah would stop rocket attacks and incursions into Israeli territory.” “In this terrible struggle, Israel cannot win,” he writes, arguing that Hezbollah wants to engage Israel into a “wider conflict which would result in its ultimate destruction.”
Garth – you think you are cool? No you are not.
Garth, Be careful what you say. Even the strongest bear in the wilds can be driven insane by blood thirsty black flies. Unfortunately, the only way to escape is to swim out to your own island. Since you cannot do that as an elected politician, you can however use a good repellant… try pissing on yourself instead of others.
Garth, keep speaking your mind. It’s refreshing to hear what a politician thinks, and not just the ‘media funneled’ response that is so typical these days.
As for Harper’s stand on the current conflict, you have to give the guy credit – at least he has taken a position. I was quite tired on the old ’stay neutral and try to appease everyone’ attitude of the last dozen years.
Let me first say I’m not gay or am I generally in the habit of sticking up for people who can compentently defend themselves but with your latest rewritten headline you’ve really crossed the line, “Meanwhile in Sodom…”.
Really? Sodom?
How homophobic can you get? Apparently there’s no upper limit.
I can pretty much guarantee that you, especially having worked in television, have committed the act yourself so it’s a bit harpercritical to envoke the names of cities destroyed by god in the bible. Who do you cast as Lot, Michael Fornier?
On the heels
Huh??? What are you talking about? — Garth
Zeljko, also in the same poll:
“Interestingly, when asked if they thought the government is neutral or supporting one side, the majority of respondents, 49 per cent, said they didn’t know or wouldn’t answer.”
Half the people polled HAD NO CLUE ABOUT WHAT WAS GOING ON!! We all know that you can make polls say anything you want by forming questions a certain way and polling specific groups ets..polls mean absolutely NOTHING!! (and by the way the Globe & Mail is FAR from being a Conservative newspaper, they only endorsed the Conservatives during the last election when it was apparent that they were going to win).
I definately don’t want to side with “world” or “popular” opinion since they have always been on the wrong side, below an excerp from Dennis Prager’s latest column:
“World opinion” has little or nothing to say about the world’s greatest evils and regularly condemns those who fight evil.
The history of “world opinion” regarding the greatest mass murders and cruelties on the planet is one of relentless apathy.
Ask the 1.5 million Armenians massacred by the Ottoman Turks;
or the 6 million Ukrainians slaughtered by Stalin;
or the tens of millions of other Soviet citizens killed by Stalin’s Soviet Union;
or the 6 million Jews murdered by the Nazis and their helpers throughout Europe;
or the 60 million Chinese butchered by Mao;
or the 2 million Cambodians murdered by Pol Pot;
or the millions killed and enslaved in Sudan;
or the Tutsis murdered in Rwanda’s genocide;
or the millions starved to death and enslaved in North Korea;
or the million Tibetans killed by the Chinese;
Are you being thick on purpose?
“Meanwhile in Sodom… news from the ‘Right’ “. This is the new title you’ve given to the article at lifesite.com titled “Montreal Officials Prepare for Gay Outgames by Amassing Emergency HIV Drugs”.
You’ve called Montreal by the name Sodom. I assume it’s because you characterize it as a city chock full of fornicators (there’s a Michael Fornier joke in there somewhere), the french and about 12,000 gay, lesbian, and transgendered atheletes competing in the gay games. Sodom and Gomorrah were two cities destroyed by god as detailed in the bible. The only good man, Lot and his family, were told by angels to leave before it was destroyed. Wife gets turned into a salt pillar. You know, Sodom.
As to my insinuation that you should have an intimate knowledge of the act of sodomy because you used to work in television, that’s just really to amuse me but probably true nonetheless. A surprisingly large number of straight men have engaged in anal sex (Sodomy – although the term includes in its definition beastiality and any form of sexual perversion. I suppose buggery is more accurate but it doesn’t have the same cache that sodomy does) with partners, including their wives.
I am distrubed by the message your sending by refering to Montreal as Sodom simply because it’s hosting the gay games (and has made the wise decission to stock up on HIV drugs and anti-infection drugs for the event – alcohol and parties having the same affect on members of the gay community as it does on the straight. That is, they make you careless and stupid). That, to me, is homophobic.
How would you characterize the sentiment of equating a city to the biblical city of Sodom? A compliment?
Have you ever heard of sarcasm? I am dissing the homophobic fools at LifeSite News. — Garth
ZELKO
You say:
“Garth and Esther – read the Globe and Mail today. You will be suprised that most people think. I am blown away by your arrogance and your ignoranceâ€.
From this it seems that you consider yourself to be non-ignorant on the subject.
“You were not voted in to office to be a dictator†No Zelko, he was voted into office democratically, to vote in the house of commons basis his conscience., that is what he does. For those who disagree with him, they can if they so choose, vote against him in the next election. That is how democracies function, not dictatorships. Israel is a good example of a democracy. Syria is a good example of a dictatorship government. Hezbulla is a good example of a terrorist organization as are the Taliban, Al Qaeda and Hammas. These organizations are all enemies of the western world including Canada, if you think otherwise, I would suggest to you that it is you who is ignorant.. Appeasment of the terrorists will not work any better than it did with Hitler, maybe you are too young to remember Chamberain. I remember Chamberlain and I also remember well the NDP of the day (the renamed CCF) the majority of whose members voting against Canada going to war against the beloved Hitler.. Had the western world taken the same attitude against Hitler that the Dippers and Lefty leaning Libs are taking today, we may all be speaking German today Zelko, you included.
“that Mr. Harper has tilted away from the traditional Canadian position.â€
Such nonsense, our traditional position if we really have one, is to attempt to mediate between waring states. The rest of the time our PM’s at least Chretien and Martin, waffled, double talked, flip flopped and tried like hell to not offend anyone.
Although Hezbulla are a defacto state-within a state in south Lebanon, they are not the democratically elected government of Lebanon. They were reluctantly declared a terrorist organization by the government of Canada (not the Harper government).
“The vast majority of people – even in the Globe and Mail which is the most Conservative of the three big newspapersâ€
The Glob and Fail are a Conservative paper, surely you jest Zelko?. Your judgement is becoming even more suspect.
Zelko I have serious doubts as to using appeasement on radical, murderous,terrorist organizations whether they be Hezbulla or Hamas particularly since they are backed by a ruthless regime who swears to wipe Israel off the map-of course that would be Iran wouldn’t it Zelko.
“and Hezbollah would stop rocket attacks and incursions into Israeli territory.â€
Zelko, will you blindly believe everything that Ignatief is going to say on the subject?
Didn’t it ever occur to you that the Hezbulla have been shooting rockets into Israel for years (during a period wherein the shooting was only done by the Hezbulla) and now you think that for some ubknown reason they will stop doing so because Israel decided to shoot back. If and when they do stop, I suggest it will be because the Israelis have inflicted such damage to them.
Me thinks that both you Zelko and Mr. Ignatief are living in a fools paradise.
Zelko, and you earlier stated that you were a Canadian peacekeeper sometime in the past, I am curious to know if it was in Bosnia-Herzagovina or Kosovo. I remind you and the other bleeding heart lefties that it was NATO, led by the US, with Canada joining in, that bombed the hell out of the Serb forces in those brief wars, in defence of the Muslims in Bosnia and Kosovo, that brought about the defeat of the ruthless regimes of Milosovic and company?
As a peace loving peace keeper, did you also object to those brief wars Zelko? If you were a peacekeeper previously in the middle east, you might know that there is no analogy within Canada (Quebec’s grievances which you spoke of) comparative to the hostilities between Israel and the terrorists, give your head a shake Zelko.
As to your complaints about your treatment in Garth’s office, suggest that you go back to the dearly beloved Liberals and quit your moaning about an MP who has the balls to stand up for what he believes in. If you don’t like his views then find someone else to vote for in the next election. If you can’t handle the heat Zelko, get out of the kitchen.
BTW, I was not really a Garth fan prior to the Lebanon conflict, but his standing up and being counted attitude has won me over.
Lewis
Apparently, unsurprisingly, the post Garth made about blowing off special interest has been taken, meant to offend all arabs, and as a rallying cry for people who seem to want to kick out or make second-class citizens of every minority in Canada.
Dont worry Garth, a few of us actually read the whole sentences, not just skim and match words to make offensive statements.
I find it disgusting that so many groups feel they have to organize to vote AGAINST someone, rather than finding a candidate they want to vote FOR.
The sad thing is that some candidates will promise the voters ANYTHING in order to get the votes, then adjust their policies once in power (eg Chretien on GST and FTA, McGuinty on every-policy-in-the-book). Why do they do that? Because it gets them elected.
So I fear that the various extremist groups are easy prey for an opportunistic politician who will promise anything. You then have a candidate supported by a core group party adherents, supplemented by a coalition of single-issue lobby groups, none of which have popular support on their own. That is a disfunctional situation.
I prefer Garth’s approach. Tell people what you believe in and what you will do in office, and if some don’t like it, they can vote for someone else. But are there enough voters like me?
But Garth, the article is not biased or slanted despite appearing on lifesite. It’s rather factual. You’re the one who introduced the comparison to Sodom.
And yes, I have heard of sarcasm. I’m a great fan of it, you’re just not any good at it. You have a poor grasp of how to use it and an even weaker grasp of the appropriate place and timing to use it in. The ‘Right’, as you term them, are your party’s constiuents and this kind of inflamatory title is exactly the sort of thing that feeds them. For most of them, they don’t even need to read the article. Most of them already believe the Quebec is ruled by an effete elite and Sodom is, for them I imagine, an apt nickname.
Stick to your guns, Garth. If the Arab community (and I am of Lebanese descent) can’t take it, tough. Resorting to blackmail of this sort is childish and unproductive. Perhaps the spokespeople and organizers for the Arab community should take a good hard look at themselves before reacting like a bully.
Good for you, Garth, for having the cojones to stand up and say what most of us Canadians are thinking – for expressing the real Canadian values, not those that the other parties have decided are Canadian values.
Mikael C and Paul Armstrong have it right.
“…a few of us actually read the whole sentences, not just skim and match words to make offensive statements.”
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
Garth, people who respect you and the fact that you have principles KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU ARE SAYING. The rest, I suspect, do as well and it worries them that you are making sense to a lot of people, and not just to Halton voters. The bile that spews forth from your political enemies is so predictable.
No worries…
Of course they hate you. They hate everyone, including their neighbours. The problem is not a racial one, but a religious one and unless you believe exactly what they believe, they will hate you.
The Arabs I have met while living in the middle east are nothing short of CHILDREN. They are not able to think for themselves and need someone to tell them what to eat, sleep, pray and generally think. When they have a problem (and they always do – where in the world do Muslims live that there is no problems caused by them – I use to think Canada was one), they blame the USA, or whoever that it is in style to hate that week.
One of the problems with the West is we treat them like thinking adults and assume they will act accordingly.
The people in the Middle East are not a product of US foreign policy or a Zionist conspiracy, but product of ignorance and brainwashing by their meglomaniac political and religous leaders.
With all this in mind Jean Cretian (not my favourite person, however) said something profound. “we in the west need to take responsibility for what the people in the Middle East think of us”…why, because they are children.
To all Canadians: “Quit whining”
(excuse the misspellings)
The problem with most politicians is that the words coming out of their mouths does not correspond with their actions.
We support the Lebanese people but we cannot support a ceasefire.(until unattainable conditions are met )
We support the fragile Lebanese democracy, but we did not provide the financial support for that democracy to succeed.
It is always the BUTS that nullify credibility.
I guess our statements on a “sustainable ceasefire” will be carved in stone until our P.M. is directed otherwise.
“offensensitivity”
…definition: to describe the extreme overreaction to a non-existant slight.
….courtesy of Berke Breathed creator of Bloom County.
Canadians love to use the following adjectives to describe themselves……
“neutral, peace keepers, uncommitted, undecided, multicultural, non aggressive, liberal, progressive, unoffensive, etc etc….basically meaning “we enjoy our insignificance and stand for NOTHING”………UNLESS……of course we are refering to our neighbour to the south…..then we use adjectives like…..”bastards…warmongers…haters…
.destroyers…selfish..arrogant….sons of bitches etc etc etc…
So we tolerate terriorists but choose instead as our national past time to criticize the nation directly responsible for our security and prosperity…..Proud Canadians indeed!
Stay the course Garth…we may not always agree…but…continue to have a backbone and your opinions and never become another mindless, liberal, placating kiss ass…
Cheers!
…and, like I said, you can’t please anyone. :]
keep truckin Garth!
Dear Mr. Turner.
For about 20 years or so I have been a big admirer of yours.
It is with the outmost regret and outrage when I read your comments saying to the Arab community “to go to hell”.
No polititian or a member of the public have the right to say so to members of a community who have seen their country being demolished on a daily basis and hundreds of innocent children, women and the elderly being killed and maimed.
I am not a supporter or fan of the prime minister but I can see now why in a silent way Mr. Harper has shown you the door and effectively told you “go to hell”.
Looking forward to your next tirade and making a fool of yourself
Yours truly
Costa
May be I will be also be told “to go to hell”
But…But…But how is Hezbollah supposed to regroup, reload, and replenish their missile supply if there is no ceasefire? eh?
Zeljko Zidaric, how nice of you to give a snippet of the GM’s poll. However, please look more deeply into the “poll”. Quebec is the only province that doesn’t support Stephen Harper’s stance. The majority of the rest of Canada does!
And quite frankly, this rhetoric about “aligning” with the USA or “Bush” on foreign policies is getting stupid. These people should ask themselves – would they prefer if Canada to align themselves with Syria and Iran? Or how about Hezbollah? or how about Hamas?
Given the chaos that seems to ensue everywhere in the Middle East I’d suggest the “Arab community” spend less time plotting against an MP here in Canada and more time trying to figure out why there’s such a culture of death pervading their homelands. The people of Canada have nothing to learn from Arab society about political leadership.
just a point of clarification:
Muslims and Arabs are not one and the same thing. The Muslim community is a very diverse one. There are millions and millions of Muslims living in such places (including the arab and western world) as afica, china, russia, the indonesian area – just to name a few.
the reason i bring this up is because i am a muslim. i am also canadian. i was born in england and my parents and grandparents are from east africa.
(furthermore, the problems in the arab world are not mine because i happen to be muslim. now, if i was arab it would probably be different.)
so, to those of us who are ignorant (including me and most of you), please understand that the muslim community is diverse and comes from many ethnic, cultural and even religious histories and backgrounds. i am sure the same can be said of all if not most other religions/ways of life.
thank you and have a great day!
karim
Garth,
I received my pay stub for July and as of July 1 my net pay decreased and personal tax increassed. What happened to the conservative promise to REDUCE TAX? Why did the conservatives raise tax by .5%.
The Liberals promised to reduce tax and they stayed the course. The conservatives promised to reduce tax and they reduced the gst but raised the personal tax resulting in more tax to the individual.
When is the next election? I lost trust in the conservative phony promises. Do you blame me?
I’d say that any politoc who can alienate both the “Righteous Right” and the nutters among the Arab community ahs gotta be doing something right. As always the key is to avoid catering to the lunatic fringes of society; something far too many of our politicians forget.
Catherine
Canada has always tried to act as an honest broker. You can’t do that if you are constantly quoting Condelezza Rice and George Bush. We need to position ourselves above the “fray”
Karim, “ignorant” is a pretty strong word to use against Canadians.
We suddenly have centuries of the minutea about each dispute thrown out for our digestion, as it was passed on, from one generation to another.
The variations of each memory, or take on any event is different, usually starkly different.
We are being called ignorant for not getting it right away, when what we really hoped for, was to have it left outside the door.
What about the responsiblity of those coming here to learn of the relative calm and balance of this country?
***And what it took to get us there?***
Canada offered a safe place to bring in families from all those places of strife.
We mediate, send our young men and women to the center of the conflicts, and assist, often out of proportion to our population, with recovery and rebuilding.
Has any of that ever changed the tensions in those countries?
Point out one where it has been sustained, then come back and tell us that how ignorant *we* are!
So excuse us if we are taking a little longer to cotton on to the very perplexing ‘appreciation’ of such hate.
We had assumed, naively, that newcomers would affix their loyalty here, to this place….for its security, benefits, and strengths.
Any representative that can define ***what Canada deserves now***, is the go-to guy!
Can any of you read!! I am talking about those that felt the term “can go to hell” was directed at the arab community?
Garth was simply stating that no group can bully their way into changing his mandate.
I think that is the main problem with people. They are just so blinded by their own views that they are hell bent to paint every comment as a negative one(ya I’m talkin to you Costa…).
Great work Garth!
I’ve not agreed with Garth on his Blog on a few things, but after today, I’m ready to donate $100.00 for his re-election bid.
Jim O.
Medicine Hat, AB
Mr. Turner,
For far too long I, and my Wife, have remained mute on the subject of a justice system which is clearly failing .
Each and every day we watch and read of the criminal actions perpetrated by people who have had many previous dealings with the law. Up until recent times we have always thought the Courts were intended protect us from those who are predisposed to violence and other anti-social behaviour.
It has now become painfully obvious to us that the Courts are not fulfilling their mandate as society’s guardian. We are tired of hearing about the social and root causes of crime. We are now looking to the Courts to start imposing ‘meaningful sentences’, and; if need be, the construction of more and larger detention facilities. Perhaps then levels of recidivism would be more properly managed. We truly believe criminals have no fear of any serious consequences for their actions and it may be time for our Judges and Justices get the message out that serious violent crime will no longer be tolerated.
Mr. Turner, I truly respect your common sense approach to politics and government and it seems that you have a strong and sincere commitment toward doing the right thing. I look to you to voice our displeasure, with a failing justice system, to your colleagues and associates at Parliament Hill.
Please Sir, spear-head some change, any change.
Respectfully,
Ron and Debbie
Milton, Ont.
Hi Garth,
Does it really surprise you that the Arab community has made threats to you regarding the next election? They have been using the same tacticts to help keep the Liberals in power for years. What they need to consider is that government speaks for ALL the people of Canada and not just one particular ethnic community. Sometimes what is right for all of us will cause anger and resentment with a few of us.
I think you will find that there are alot more people on your side and the government’s side than the media would lead you to believe.
Whoha. Let’s hang on, here.
Garth gets second-hand news about a press release that hasn’t even been issued yet and that he hasn’t read. This was apparently issued by who-knows-what organization, but apparently, an “Arab community”. Next thing you know, Garth is telling people to go to hell and posters are all in a blather about Muslims
Wouldn’t it be wiser to read the release first, find out which organization has issued it, think about it,count to ten, and then let fly if need be?
I just counted. The principle is unaltered. Those who seek to change a politician’s mind by threatening him or her with block voting either (a) find weak MPs to manipulate because they want to retain office or (b) get told to go to hell. You pick which kind of leader you want. — Garth
Garth, while we are in complete agreement on your principal, we do not know if these people (whoever they are)have threatened you yet.
If if turns out that these people are threatening a block vote, or threatening to run a golden retriever in your stead, you can give them an extra “go-to-hell” from me, too
Just not before I get the facts.
Right on Garth!
Excellent blog, but have to tell you that this “Harper-pro Israel” line that the left and Liberals are pushing is political B.S. What Harper is trying to convey is that he is anti-terrorist. What the hell is wrong with that.
The responsibility for the bombings and killing in Lebanon has to fall at the feet of the Lebannese people themselves. Correct me if I’m wrong but didn’t they allow Hezbollah to hijack their country and use it to build up a arsenal to use against Israel. How could these same Lebanese people allow Hezbollah to use their women and kids as human shields to hide behind. The more women and kids killed the more the media plays the anti-Israel card. Wouldn’t you think this same Arab community, which is blaming Israel for the devastation, be wondering why Hezbollah is not trying to protect their women and children instead of using them as sacrificial lambs for their own propaganda purposes.
Sometimes I’m amazed how easily these Arabs can be duped. It seems like nomatter if Israel is right or wrong…..in the Arab world’s eyes…..they’re always wrong.
Anyways Garth, for thirteen years the vocal minority, and the left wing media would always influence government policy…..now we finally have a government and leader with stones. The new conservatives are doing what’s right, what’s good for the country….and not making decisions by which everway the wing is blowing.
regards….Fred
Hi Garth,
Well you certainly have away of stirring up the granola people.
I haven’t seen as many fruits and nuts in one place since my last trip to downtown T.O.
Lewis,
Firstly, what make you think that Zeljko is not fluent in German? We both know the role of Croatia in the WW2.
Secondly. Here are two quotations:
1. “Anti-Americanism and Anti-Semitism are the last refuge of incorrigible villains of our time.†– Helen Bonner, soviet dissident, wife of professor, Dr. Andrew Saharov, soviet dissident, father of soviet hydrogen bomb.
2. “Pacifists, socialists and liberals are nothing more, than “useful idiotsâ€.†– Vladimir Lenin, first leader of USSR and Russian Communist party.
I value my time to waste it on attempts of convincing individuals who belongs to either of group above.
Alex Crow, Toronto
Alex: When your hero is the former leader of the Communist Party I will reserve judgement on the veracity of your posts.
Gary, I guess Hezbollah will re-arm and reload if there is a ceasefire, the same way Israel will get their next shipment of bombs from the U.S.A.
Perhaps the U.S. planes aren’t arriving in time with the new stock.
Alex, as always another really good post!
Kevin, you claim we should go back to being an “honest broker” (another term I am sick and tired of hearing) but WHEN HAVE BE EVER BROKERED ANYTHING? Nobody gives a damn about what we think on an international scale, NOBODY, and they NEVER WILL!! You are deluded to think we can be any kind of “broker” of anything. Nobody asks us for opinion or input, especially since the Liberals eroded our relationship with the U.S. so badly (since the only way we would have had any kind of international influence at all would have been through our relationship with the U.S. and our ability to influence them).
It’s just like the old tired theme of saying we should keep with our traditional “Peacekeeping role”…please!! We haven’t been “peacekeepers” for a very long time (ask any forces personnel) but the Liberal government insisted on promoting this common misconception for their own political ends. We have a very proud military history (including lots of combat) and should not be shamed into believing that it’s bad to want to protect our freedom and way of life (after all tens of thousands of soldiers gave their lives to do so in WWI & WWII!).
On a sidenote, I was reading that, according to a recent study conducted of armed forces personnel who faced active duty abroad, the psychological damage to a soldier is much worse
Judy,
I got you. I new you mainly belong to the second group. However, in relation to you I would remove the adjective “usefulâ€.
Alex Crow, Toronto
Charley, any chance you could share a link to that study you mentioned?
I’m interested.
Janine, I’ll see if I can backtrack and find the link to the study. My post above got cut off somehow, the rest goes:
..the psychological damage to a soldier is much worse because in combat at least the soldier can ACT (do something) while on a peacekeeping mission he has no authority to do anything other than observe and report in most cases (i.e. stand around and watch people get butchered.).
I am sure Romeo Dallaire can attest to this!!
Charley, that would be nice.
My husband served for Canada in both combat and peacekeeping missions and has expressed exactly the same sentiments. Peacekeeping is definitely the more difficult job of the two.
Janine, I read about the study a few weeks ago here:
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/514286.html
However, you can only go back 7 days on the stories unless you are a subscriber.
There was lots of discussion about it here:
http://www.rabble.ca/babble/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=005843
But, unfortunately, since rabble is “unapologetically left-wing” you’ll read a lot of hate mail mixed among their so-called tolerant idealogies but there are a few good posts!!
Let’s start from a joke:
A man is slowly tap-dancing along a crowded street in the busy downtown Toronto, loudly snapping his fingers in time with each step. A passer-by asks him,
“What are you doing?â€
“Scaring away the tigers,†the man responds without skipping a beat.
“But there are no tigers here,†the passer-by says.
“Right,†the man replies, “And now you know why.â€
This joke comes to mind every time I hear that our invasion in Afghanistan and Iraq is the reason why there has not been a major terrorist attack on American and Canadian soil in the 5 years since 9/11. Unfortunately, people who hold this view never even attempt to explain how our invasion has made us safe.
They say that now potential terrorists can see what will happen to them if they ever try anything like 9/11 again. But what exactly has happened to them? Two of the most odious regimes in the world were deposed, which is good, but how is that making us any safer than we were before? While our soldiers are fighting and dying thousands miles away from home, our enemies invade our land without a single shot, and nobody thinks of resisting their invasion.
The immediate perpetrators of the 9/11 attack were Saudis and Egyptians; both Saudi Arabia and Egypt remain on the list of American allies. Even worse, considering that Americans have completely lost the support of the Europeans, their betrayal of Israel during Clinton administration time has turned a true friend into an ailing vassal, Russia remains as much their enemy as the great, late Soviet Union was at the heights of the Cold War, and China is as openly hostile to them as it was during the Cultural Revolution, Saudi Arabia and Egypt are just about the only allies they have left. Besides Libya, of course.
Bin Laden remains at large and keeps himself as busy as ever. In Afghanistan, everyone, with the single exception of the Honorable Mr. Karzai, dutifully supports Islamic democracy by day, but loyally serves the Taliban by night. And the Iraqis, whom Americans have so selflessly (and, therefore, senselessly) liberated from a tyrant almost as brutal as Castro are using their newly found liberty to blow each other to smithereens at every opportunity, which, in my view, is the only positive development we have seen since 9/11, because the victims usually hate us as much as the murderers do.
If you disagree with me, then I’d like to ask you to make a list of measures the US and Canadian government have undertaken that have impeded the ability of the Muslims to do us harm. Since the list is bound to be very short (my own version of it is simply empty), I won’t burden you too much if I ask you to explain exactly how each of those measures achieves its desired goal. I also expect you to explain why the terror alert indicator is as orange today as it was when Mullah Omar and Saddam Hussein merrily reigned over their respective circles of Muslim hell.
Yes, all was calm on the Western front, until recent events in Lebanon, but not because the Muslims are no longer able to attack us. Considering how the Muslim population of the United States and Canada has grown since 9/11, we must be more vulnerable today than ever before in the history of all our conflicts with any enemy.
Canadian authorities have recently arrested a large terror cell, whose members had amassed three times as much material needed to manufacture explosives as Timothy McVeigh used to prepare the crowning accomplishment of his life. The British cops are looking for a chemical bomb allegedly built by their Muslims.
The terrible truth is that all was calm on the Western front simply because we have already capitulated.
We haven’t even put up a fight. President Bush capitulated when, in the immediate aftermath of 9/11, he cowardly, secretly ordered the evacuation of Osama bin Laden’s relatives from the United States. His next act of capitulation took place just a few hours later, when he announced that Islam was not the enemy, although everyone, both the Muslims and the rest of humanity, knew that it was precisely Islam that we had to fight against if we wanted to survive. Everyone knew that Islam was the ideology behind every terrorist act in recent history, with the exceptions of the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, the Atlanta bombing in 1996, and attacks on abortion clinics and their employees.
I can’t list our every act of capitulation in this limited space. But we must understand that the removal of the Ten Commandments from public display was yet another one of those suicidal acts. Jews and Christians believe in the Ten Commandments; Buddists, Voodooists, or Hindus never objected to them. The only religion that opposes the Ten Commandments is Islam; by hiding them from view, we granted Islam another undeserved victory.
Celebrating Ramadan in the White House is as much an act of capitulation as celebrating Hitler’s birthday would be during World War II. Condoleezza Rice’s saccharine praises to the non-existent benevolence that’s she pretended to have found in the heart of Islam, is as much an act of capitulation as praise of the Nazi humanitarianism would be on the day Auschwitz was liberated. The addition of the Koran to the White House library is as much an act of capitulation as the addition of the Meine Kampf would be on the eve of D-Day.
What’s worse, much, much worse, is that We, the People, have capitulated as well. We capitulated when we placidly agreed that Islam was not the enemy. We capitulated again when, instead of turning against the growing number of observant and, therefore, inevitably hostile, Muslims on Canadian and American soil, we decided to fight jihad in a nice way, by carrying Canadian and American flags on our cars. That, of course, was a very impressive move, but not as impressive as carrying the Canadian and American flag to the enemy land and rising it over the ruins of Mecca would have been.
You may feel better if I tell you that we did not capitulate alone. Israel capitulated when, instead of prosecuting the founders of “Peace Now” as traitors, its government allowed it to become a powerful national drive for surrender. The “Oslo Accords” were an act of capitulation. The surrender of Gaza was an act of capitulation. The upcoming surrender of Judea and Samaria, which will be followed by the surrender of the Kotel and granting the Arabs the right of return to the land that does not belong to them, will be the final acts of Israel’s capitulation.
Europe has capitulated without a fight, but that’s what Europe has always done. What is truly astonishing is how quietly and thoroughly Great Britain capitulated. Without the slightest attempt to resist, the Brits allowed avowed jihadists to establish their headquarters in English cities. The goal of the relatively modest mass murder of 7/7 was to show the Brits who the boss is. Their Prime Minister responded by obediently announcing to the world how proud he was of the British Muslim community. He never mentioned their deeds that made him so proud.
Today, while Scotland Yard is desperately looking for the chemical bomb assembled by British Muslims, British academia is enthusiastically organizing a boycott of Israeli universities and scholars. Essentially, that boycott is a modern, politically-correct form of pogrom. Historically, pogroms have been used as a tool to distract people from their problems. And when people are distracted from their problems, the problems can only become worse. The boycott of Israeli universities is a sign of capitulation, one of many.
That boycott, by the way, clearly shows the role played by the benign moderate majority as opposed to the malignant extremist minority. What do British moderates do while British extremists organize their anti-Semitic boycott? Nothing. They mind their own business. They couldn’t care less. Have you heard of a British citizen, either a Jew or a Christian, who pulled his kids out of a college in protest against the anti-Semitism of the British educational establishment? I have not. Nor do I expect to.
In the meantime, the British Muslims protest against the British flag. They have decided that the red cross so prominently featured on the Union Jack is a symbol of bloody crusades, and that’s something they are not willing to put up with. Before the capitulation, an immigrant expressing blatant disrespect for the host country and its symbols would be promptly invited to leave and never come back. But that was before. Now, the Union Jack is banned by the Drivers and Vehicles Licensing Agency, and is removed from display by several corporations.
The latest act of capitulation here, in the United States, was inadvertently triggered by Representative Tom Tancredo, a Republican from Colorado, when he suggested in an interview that in response to the next Muslim attack the United States should destroy Islamic holy places, including Mecca. Not so long ago, the concept of repelling a mortal enemy with lethal force was considered trivial. In our enlightened times, it has become revolutionary, not to say, subversive. The New York Times (June 3) describes what happened next.
When Ms. Nayyera Haq, a spokeswoman for the Colorado Democrat John Salazar, heard Mr. Tancredo, she, in her own words, “realized something was very wrongâ€.
I understand Ms. Haq. She is a Muslim, and her loyalty belongs not to the infidel country, but to her religion. Her religion mandates jihad, a “holy†war whose openly stated purpose is to establish Islamic hegemony over the world. If the United States responds to Muslim attacks with appropriate force, jihad would end forever within a few hours, and Muslim dreams of ruling the world would end forever along with it. Obviously, Ms. Haq does not want that to happen.
It is my civic duty as a citizen to vote. I say that it is their duty as our leaders to give me a viable choice of candidates. If they fail, I have no obligation to drag myself to the booth and decide which of the candidates disgusts me the least. I am no longer going to vote for the lesser of the two evils. I promise not to vote for any candidate, regardless of the party affiliation, who does not clearly state his or her position on immigration and citizenship policy, opposition to Islamic Jihad as an ideology of conquest and genocide. I am asking you to do the same.
Alex Crow, Toronto
Charley,
Thank you. Much appreciated.
Alex, while I agree with you that “the Western world” has certainly capitulated to a large degree (especially in Europe), I believe that the Islamic threat is starting to get recognized by the citizendry of many countries and may slowly start to change (hopefully it won’t be too late).
As the Islamic extremists become more shrill (as they are lately), they will be seen more and more for what they truly are – murdering thugs with no respect for life! People who have no peaceful vision of a future but one based on submission of others by violence.
I was listening to a local radio call-in show this morning (Lowell Green) and was, once again, astounded at the sheer number of Middle Eastern CANADIANS who were calling in to support Hezbollah and when asked if Canada were to have to fight directly with Hezbollah which side would they be on…they answered Hezbollah! Very, very, scary!!! However, listening to this along with thousands of other Canadians…it has got to be a real eye-opener and people will, hopefully, continue to support our Conservative government’s position
on this issue and vote them in as a majority the next time. Then they could make the appropriate changes to the Immigration and citizenship policies that are such a HUGE MESS right now!!
I really, really fear what would happen
to this country if, heaven forbid, we go back to a Liberal government. I guess I’ll be moving to my sister’s in Florida!!
Garth, hopefully when in Cornwall you will receive the support of your fellow MPs on your Canadian vision and thank the PM for taking a stand and not sitting on the fence.
As a nation it is time we stand up and demand what is good for Canada and Canadians, not every immigrant group that comes here demanding their own way of life from the home land. We should not be changing our laws, religions or believes to satisfy those that immigrate to this country. Lets take this country back from the special interest groups that want to change it for their own benefit.
To Alex Crow:
Thousand times Thank You!
Finally, the true and realistic position on the unacceptable political blindness and the unforgiveable tolerance of the western civilization and the western governments towards Islam.
The growing presence of Islam in the western countries, including Canada, is nothing less than a time bomb.
And it’s painfull to see that instead of raising the awareness about the real actual threats of Islam, the western goverments lead us towards becoming the hostages of that hostile religion with every passing day.
SUPPORT YOUR OPINION AND POSITION FOR 100%
THANK YOU!
Alex, I find your posts generally well thought out and articulate, though you’re prone to exaggeration, hyperbole and paranoia. You also demonstrate a shocking ignorance of the Koran and Middle East history which is disappointing.
Of course they hate you. They hate everyone, including their neighbours. The problem is not a racial one, but a religious one and unless you believe exactly what they believe, they will hate you.
The Arabs I have met while living in the middle east are nothing short of CHILDREN. They are not able to think for themselves and need someone to tell them what to eat, sleep, pray and generally think. When they have a problem (and they always do – where in the world do Muslims live that there is no problems caused by them – I use to think Canada was one), they blame the USA, or whoever that it is in style to hate that week.
One of the problems with the West is we treat them like thinking adults and assume they will act accordingly.
The people in the Middle East are not a product of US foreign policy or a Zionist conspiracy, but product of ignorance and brainwashing by their meglomaniac political and religous leaders.
With all this in mind Jean Cretian (not my favourite person, however) said something profound. “we in the west need to take responsibility for what the people in the Middle East think of usâ€â€¦why, because they are children.
To all Canadians: “Quit whiningâ€
(excuse the misspellings)
By Z on 08.01.06 1:42 pm
THIS has got to be ONE of the most uneducated posts on this site. I stress the word ONE, because there are many, unfortunately.
Alex:
Your posts are very…interesting. I’m not sure where you get your information from, but its rather unfortunate. Islam DOES beleive in the 10 commandments, for one. I would love to sit and chat about all the incorrect information you have provided to us, but my day is too busy for that. You are clearly in support of a particular side, which is fine, but I insist that you actually understand and know what you are talking about.
Now have an insightful day
RM
You’d be more useful if you’d point out exactly which passages are incorrect, rather than accusing him of “a shocking ignorance…” That adds nothing to the discussion.