The Righteous Right held their second of two organizational dump-Garth meetings in the riding tonight. This time they had a bouncer. Bruiser’s job was to challenge people at the door, and ensure they were coming to “the Defend Marriage meeting.†He wasn’t too busy, though.
We had just one guy there, although just about the whole Conservative board wanted to attend, mostly for comic relief. After all, Charles McVety, the inspiration behind this attempt to scoop off the nomination by stacking our September 11th meeting with pious people turned into instant Tories, has been working the media pretty hard. To listen to the guy on talk radio shows across Canada, dissing me for a string of unholy acts and devil words, you would think his followers would drink enough of his Kool-aid to jump at the chance to take on a heathen such as I.
Alas, apart from the seven or so organizers present, just ten people showed up who actually live in the riding, counting my agent and the man who wants to kill me off and steal my job, D’arcy Keene. Small in numbers, they did manage some memorable lines, though. My fav: “All Turner is, is a yapping dog we’ve got to get rid of.†Better a yap dog, than a lap dog.
Anyway, they cut me up for an hour, distributed blank memberships, and set a goal of 500 people to be signed up in the next 72 hours. Keene, the hot-tempered political loser who is taking his second run at Halton in less than 16 months, claimed to have already garnered 150 to 200 supporters. But still, he is coy about officially becoming my opponent. The rules require him to do so by Sunday night, at which time (should be go for it) I’ll be free to tell you what I think of, and know of, the guy. You’ll be thrilled.
Can these disciples of McVety and his evangelical sidekick Rondo Thomas (failed Conservative candidate in Ajax-Pickering in 2006, and the man who can tell you how old Adam and Eve would be today) pull this off? Can they duplicate the stunt they achieved in Ajax when they stacked a nomination meeting with congregants and stomped on experienced Parliamentarian Rene Soetens? After all, they already have a campaign-in-a-box strategy they’ve been trying to take across Canada, so every riding can elect an anti-gay, pro-family, evangelical Christian Conservative candidate with a McVety agenda. Can they take Halton?
Sure they can. Did it once. Can pull if off again.
Especially since the Conservative Party seems willing to turn a blind eye to the fact the Righteous Right has lists that should be confidential and quite likely were tipped off before I was, on when the riding would be pushed into screaming Nomination Mode by the political masters. That helped them fire up their 400,000-strong mailing list, move organizers into Halton, get a newsletter out, book meeting rooms and begin a concerted telephone campaign.
But am I upset or distraught, or even surprised? Here, take my pulse. See for yourself.
The PMO, in fact, issued a statement on this nomination blitzkrieg today. It seemed to come in response to my question to party brass on Tuesday, on why we are having nomination meetings for elected MPs seven months after the last election, when there is no coming election date, and in the middle of the summer when most political supporters are gardening. This is the kind of sleepy time in which a vengeful McVety, stung by my criticism of his intolerance, could pull off a trick like this. And D’arcy knows that. This is his only shot at ever becoming an MP, since he has failed in every previous attempt when he followed a legitimate path.
Anyway, these guys are enemies to be noted. They stand for the kind of Canada and especially the kind of political movement that I want nothing to do with. Ever. So, we are at war.
The campaign office was full of volunteers tonight, phoning, computing, filing out memberships and running out to collect money. They did a fantastic job, for having mobilized just two days ago. The McVety-Rondo-D’arcy sanctimonious, self-blessed and auto-anointed tag team has certainly done us a favour. If the Big Guy calls a federal general election for Sunday afternoon, then we will be kicking ass!
If not, this is nuts.
84 comments ↓
The Liberals must be loving any infighting that the Conservatives are getting into. For the party to allow and encourage this is absolutely ridiculous. They should be working at building support for the CPC, not allowing it to be divided! Surely there is more valuable things for a sitting MP to be working on in his riding than trying to defend his nomination from a bunch of other people in his own party!
Well said, Paully. This is one time where the expression “people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones” would apply!
The sad thing is the hard core fundimentalists don’t care about the effect they have on the party. They only care about their agenda. They haven’t the interest or inclination in the day to day business of running the country as long as they can push their beliefs on everyone. Wait… I just described the NDP. Nevermind…
“All Turner is, is a yapping dog we’ve got to get rid of.†Better a yap dog, than a lap dog.
Garth, beware. Please take note of my last post. McVety may be getting his wish. It has also been reported that “Garth Learner” is quite a yapper.
Garth, you should write fiction Garth, you’ve been good at it so far here. I mean, how exaggerated can you get? Someone talked about throwing stones at glass houses, I think that Garth has been doing that over and over.
What the heck are you talking about? — Garth
Well, perhaps this will have a positive consequence. By having this process now, it gives the ‘RR’ the chance to state their case and challenge an incumbent, most likely lose, and maybe then the party can say “You had your chance, now let’s get on with serving the needs and wants of the majority”.
Better now than just before a real Federal election. I sense something such as this had to take place – an internal (but too public) battle of ideologies once power has been won (even if just minority status power).
It certainly serves to clarify values and perspectives, and also serves to solidify what support is there for the moderate view, and bring it to the surface. Look at the number of people who are now become more actively political as a result of this challenge, and most likely the majority of them will be supporting Garth and a moderate CPC.
This is “one issue” politics at its lowest.
McVey and “friends” have absolutly NO concern whatsoever for the aims, values and ideals of the Government / Party.
Their single mindness and blinkers on this issue totally clouds their jugement,
They and all other Canadians have to realize that the Parliament of Canda requires at least one “Garth Turner” in every party. Someone has to be ready to clear the “Spin” that the compliant hierarchy put out. Garth does this in an efective manner without being in any way non supportive o the Government.
I sugest to all voters in Halton get accredited, be at the Nomination Meeting, support Garth as your candidate and tell brother McVey to go blow his smoke down with Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell.
It would be a travesty to lose Garth. Voters of Halton do not let it happen. Its up to you!!
Garth, continue doing what you are doing.
I think Robert Carley has made a very valid point.
This is part of the Conservative Party strategy to have inevitable controversial events take place as far away from an election as possible. This is why this nomination is being held now. Just look at the decision to discuss same-sex marriage on the first day of the last election campaign. It worked. Let it blow up early when there is lots of time for damage control. Actually, I think this was a very smart decision on behalf of the CPC. Let’s just hope that a one issue candidate does not win the nomination or the CPC will be sacrificing this seat.
Garth, your exaggerations is what I am talking about. Here’s one of many:
the man who wants to kill me off
You exaggerate so often, it becomes less believable of what is actually happenning. Yesterday it was tanks. But you’re not complaining right? It is to laugh.
You are a certificable fruitcake. — Garth (still breathing)
Hi Garth!
A suggestion RE Same Sex Marriage vote:
How about you poll your consituents like Burlington MP Mike Wallace is doing?
Although you supported ssm during the election, the ssm opponents may have supported you to get Harper in as PM, or because they supported you on other issues.
I think the best way to address the issue would be to hold some town hall meetings on the subject and poll your constituents.
Some of the hundreds of reasons why the very respected MP from Halton will not consider ever jumping to the Liberanos.
(This list stolen from Blue Blogging Soapbox.)
1. Sponsorship scandal
2. Income Trust Insider Trading
3. Options Canada scandal
4. Liberal Party employee hired by Liberal gov’t to lobby for gun registry
5. Cancelling the Sea King replacement
6. Gun Registry
7. HRDC boondoggle
8. Tainted blood
9. Radwanski Spending Affair
10. Sheila Copps’ aide Charles Boyer’s spending habits
11. Pearson Airport
12. GST Flip Flop
13. Airbus Investigation
14. Voting against Red Book promise of independent Ethics Commissioner
15. Irving fishing lodge stays/travel on Irving jets for cabinet ministers
16. Martin traveling on private corporate jets as Finance Minister
17. Don Boudria’s stay at Claude Boulay owned chalet
18. Denis Coderre staying with Boulay
19. Alfonso Gagliano being appointed Ambassador to Denmark
20. Shawinigate
21. Claude Gauthier’s Transelec getting CIDA grant that was questioned by the Auditor General and even CIDA.
22. Liberal fundraiser Pierre Corbeil charged with fraud by RCMP after he approached several Quebec companies seeking federal job training grants and asking for payments to Liberal Party, having gotten the names from senior Quebec Liberal Minister, Marcel Massé.
23. Michel Dupuy, Heritage Minister, lobbying the CRTC.
24. Tom Wappel refusing to help blind veteran
25. Alfonso Gagliano’s son benefiting from contracts from his father’s department
26. Gagliano’s former speechwriter, Michèle Tremblay was on a $5,000 a month retainer with the Canada Lands Company to provide speeches for the Minister. Former President John Grant let her go saying “we got nothing in return.†Grant claimed that all Crown Corporations reporting to Mr. Gagliano were told to put Ms. Tremblay on a monthly retainer.
27. Iltis replacement
28. Purchase of new Challenger jets for the Prime Minister and cabinet
29. NATO Flying Training program contract
30. Liberal friends appointed as IRB judges being investigated by RCMP
31. Hedy Fry’s imaginary burning crosses
32. Maria Minna’s improper municipal vote
33. Maria Minna giving contracts to two former campaign staffers for public relations work for a conference that had already been held
34. Lawrence MacAulay and contracts directed to Holland College
35. Lawrence MacAulay and Tim Banks
36. Lawrence MacAulay hired his official agent, Everett Roche, for $70K, but Roche never did any work for it. (Oct 2002)
37. Art Eggleton and contracts to his ex-girlfriend
38. Collenette resigns for breach of ethical guidelines involving a letter he wrote to the Immigration and Refugee Board
39. APEC Inquiry
40. Andy Scott’s 1998 resignation that came eight weeks too late, after a media circus wore him down for indiscreetly shooting his mouth off on an airplane.
41. Anti-American comments by Liberal MPs, officials, and the former Minister of Natural Resources.
42. Rock and the Apotex/Cipro affair
43. Rock giving Health Canada contract to car cleaning company.
44. Manley lobbying CIBC on behalf of Rod Bryden
45. Manley’s fundraiser suggesting donors to his leadership write it off as a business expense.
46. Manley using his pre-budget consultations as Minister of Finance to solicit support for his leadership bid.
47. Coderre’s relationship with Group Everest
48. Martin’s fundraiser/employee of Finance Jim Palmer
49. Paul Martin’s “blind trust†and his relationship with Canada Steamship Lines.
50. Gerry Byrne requesting fundraising money be sent to his home address, with no records kept.
51. Gerry Byrne pouring bulk of ACOA money into his own riding.
52. Virginia Fontaine Addictions Foundation
53. Prime Minister’s former assistant, Denise Tremblay’s huge travel expenses on Veterans Review and Appeal Board as Minister pleaded poverty to veterans’ widows.
54. Chrétien appointing Hon. Roger Simmons (former Trudeau minister convicted of income tax evasion) as Consul-General in Seattle
55. Chrétien trying to bring hit-and-run driver Jean-Guy Carignan back into caucus.
56. The RCMP is investigating possible fraud and bribery within Industry Canada, involving possible “overpayments” to recipients of federal business grants. The probe centres on the National Research Council, which hands out federal grants to small- and medium-sized businesses.
57. More than half a dozen bureaucrats have been “removed” from their jobs at a Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) in Toronto following a police investigation into projects funded under one of the department’s grants and contributions programs
58. Revenue Minister Elinor Caplan called in the RCMP and ordered a sweeping security review after four tax department computers were stolen containing confidential personal information on more than 120,000 Canadians.
59. More than $7 billion stashed in Foundations by Finance Minister Paul Martin with little or no accountability
60. Dhaliwal overseing Richmond-airport-Vancouver transit line while being owner of the airport limousine service
61. Tom Rosser, former Dhaliwal advisor lobbying Natural Resources department and minister on environmental issues only months after leaving government.
62. $5.3 million spent on Governor General’s northern travel
63. GG budget doubles in 5 years
64. Robert Thibault giving a grant as ACOA minister to a wharf and boatyard where his brother-in-law has a monopoly.
65. Royal LePage contract, which the government was forced to cancel in the wake of serious concerns being raised.
66. Shutting down the Somalia Inquiry
67. Home heating rebate, which was sent to prisoners and deceased.
68. Martin firing Bernard Dussault, Chief Actuary of CPP
69. Ethel Blondin-Andrew buys fur coat on government credit card
70. Chrétien’s imaginary homeless friend.
71. Liberal MP Rick Laliberte’s extensive travel budget
72. Liberal Senator Thompson living in Mexico
73. Problems with Transition Job Funds program
74. The flag give-away – which estimates suggest might now have cost $45 million instead of the promised $6 million, and reportedly involved fake invoices.
75. Gagliano’s two week trip, at taxpayers’ expense, for a two day event with the head of the Royal Canadian Mint and Maurizio Caruso.
76. Secretary of State for multiculturalism and status of women Sheila Finestone using government car (which junior ministers are only allowed to use for government business) to drive home to Montreal, which even Sheila Copps criticized. (Ottawa Citizen, May 22, 1994)
77. Liberal MP Jag Bhaduria’s hate mail to his former employers, wishing that they had been shot by killer Marc Lepine
78. Liberal MP Jag Bhaduria making false claims about his academic qualifications.
79. Paul Martin and Maria Minna attending fundraising dinner for group linked to Tamil Tigers in May 2000 (National Post, Sept. 8th, 2001).
80. David Anderson, as National Revenue Minister, suing the government for lost wages after being removed as IRB appointee by Conservative government seeking $454,000 from a deficit-ravaged federal treasury. (Vancouver Sun, July 24, 2004). Anderson eventually agreed to drop the suit.
81. David Anderson suggesting that the BC doesn’t need extra House of Commons seats, because they wouldn’t be worth much given the poor quality of most West Coast MPs. (Vancouver Sun, July 24, 2004)
82. A consultant on an executive interchange program persuaded Natural Resources to undertake a $700-million reorganization of its research facilities for which no business case had been made. The program was fast-tracked because he had developed a social relationship with the deputy minister. He was eventually charged with diverting $525,000 to a numbered company he controlled. (Globe and Mail, May 30, 2005)
83. Raid on reporter Juliet O’Neill’s home by RCMP
84. Permanent Resident Cards
85. Judy Sgro going on vacation as cards became mandatory and landed immigrants were left stranded
86. Minister Frulla’s renovations
87. Pay raises for chiefs-of-staff in ministers offices, while spending is frozen for public service.
88. The government’s changing numbers on how much money has gone to CSL
89. Lobbyists in Paul Martin’s transition team being allowed to return to lobbying immediately, after being involved in process of picking new cabinet and senior staff.
90. Minister Comuzzi’s anti-Quebec comments
91. Martin government using closure after only six days in the House of Commons, followed by using time allocation in the Senate.
92. Problems with DND’s contracts with Compaq Computers that may have cost taxpayers up to $159 million for work not performed.
93. Martin using government jets to tour the country campaigning before election, spending up to $1 million for air travel alone.
94. Martin’s relationship with Earnscliffe
95. Questionable contracts to Earnscliffe
96. The appointment of former Liberal MLA Howard Sapers as the Correctional Investigator of Canada
97. Pierre Pettigrew’s flip flopping on health care
98. David Dingwall’s expenses as head of Royal Canadian Mint
99. Liberals planning to give David Dingwall a severance package after he resigned
100. The secret National Unity Fund reserve
101. Calling an early election after earlier promising first to get to the bottom of the sponsorship scandal
102. Martin suggesting changes to legislation and introducing bill that benefited CSL, despite concerns from his own Deputy Minister that he was in a conflict-of-interest (Ottawa Citizen, May 26, 2004)
103. $99 million Public Works contract that went to company overseen by Liberal fundraiser and future Senator Paul Massicotte (Montreal Gazette, June 26, 2004) .
Lewis
Thanks Garth, I see you can’t even debate a simple point. You just hurl insults. Just like in the Aids topic where I pointed out facts and all you can do is insult. True politician, exaggerations, lies, insults and hyperbole.
Jim,
I wholeheartedly agree with you. After following Garth’s comments in business, real estate, investing and now politics for the past 6 plus years, I beleive it would be a shame to have him vanish from the Canadian Political landscape. Conservative voters in Halton: The rest of Canada is watching you. Keep Garth in Halton and Ottawa!
Karim
Hahaha, OMG, this has got to be one of the funniest things I have read on the internet.
On the last post, Sean “Pancakes” Hogan writes:
“Many people declare themselves Christian and don’t follow Jesus at all. Garth would be a clear example. ”
The funniest thing is Sean doesn’t see that HE is declaring himself Christian, and I’m pretty sure there is a fairly large consensus that his posts on this forum sure don’t come to mind when we think “WWJP” (What Would Jesus Post?).
And then.. as if that isn’t enough of a chuckle, today you see him post…
“Someone talked about throwing stones at glass houses, I think that Garth has been doing that over and over.”
Sean “Pubes” Hogan, who has made hundreds of posts and has had exactly one supporter (a PC party toady who has not mentioned religion at all, but wants Garth out for failing to toe the party line) thinks that his house isn’t glass (or else he wouldn’t be so busy slinging stones).
You know who he reminds me of… Mr. Magoo – reality just doesn’t exist for him. Hahaha, I can’t wait for more posts from him… I can just guess the next one…
“Garth, when the plague of locusts consumes Halton, it will be YOUR FAULT!”
(Assuming there’s any farmland left after all this building).
Hahaha, you go, Sean “Pat Robertson Is My Idol” Hogan!
Beats me why anyone would want to be in a party that would even consider this homophobic McVety as a member, not to mention the spinless Conservative M.P.’s who have, what’s the word?…… Vanished. Nice party, glad I stayed home.
Malcolm
The Harpoville Post
Hahaha…
Sean “Penile Implant” Hogan, yours was better than my guess…
“Thanks Garth, I see you can’t even debate a simple point. You just hurl insults.”
Hahaha, can you blame him? Your idea of debate is just repeating “I’m right” “I’m right” “I’m right”, debate requires an open mind.
Damn, we need to get you to say these things on video so we can put them up on youtube. Do you think you could do it with a straight face? That’s important because making it seem like your here for serious debate is what makes this one so funny.
Garth: I can see you really don’t want to hear, or let others know, what your public wants to tell you–you posted my earlier critical comment for a mere few minutes and now it has disappeared from your site. I conclude you must think I’m one of your “wacko” Christian constituents. That action tells me more about you and yours than anything else you’ve ever said.
Bernie
I have deleted no comments which were posted, with the exception of one. It was not yours.. — Garth
1st a guy named Jason talking about his husband! and now Garth is calling people fruitcakes what is this forum coming to?!
I called only one person a fruitcake. He has the nuts to prove it. — Garth
Hey Lewis
Or how about the legal corruption of Harper’s hawks sending 8 billion (yes with a B..not 100 million) bucks over to their friends in military corporations last week without any debate in parliament. democracy.. what democracy. All this for a war that we shouldn’t be involved in…well many in conservative circles would argue we should institutionalize other nations to stop our home grown terrorists here..oMIGod
are we going mad?Anyway anyone here that agrees with Lewis and trashing the Liberals for everyday political small stuff should go rent the DVD…”Why we fight”..its new and a very good documentary about the military-industrial complex in America…Do we want that corruption here?
SR Oakville
Hi
could someone tell me what Sean Hogan said about AIDS..thankyu
SR
If only a handful of McVety people attend their meeting, then why the uproar? Why this continuing obsession with him? Why is Garth so worried about the nomination meeting being held at this time?
I don’t look in at this sight very often. The last time I read this blog the conversation was about Charles McVety. It appears if anyone has a single issue platform it would be Garth Turner.
Garth, if single issues like ssm is important to constituents, I suggest you listen to what they have to say and then respond accordingly. If it isn’t, then carry on with whatever an over paid back bencher does. Maybe this is it.
A word to the wise is sufficient.
And maybe you should come by and visit us more often. — Garth
HI Liberals suck
It is a statistical fact that the majority of Canadians support equality in Canada and the numbers increase grreatly in the younger people (18-35).Just doing more polls will just prove that again. All the old people and church groups are the ones that flood the MPs offices with complaints about SSM, abotion etc… these are the folks that are still holding onto the old sexual taboos.poor souls and so sexually repressed too. not to mention the arthritis and gout too. anyway just forget all this and move on… the so-called family will survive quite nicely thankyou.. at six something billion souls on this rock..I think we need to slow down the whole procreation thing anyway…maybe concentrate on Peace, the environment, healthy relationships between individuals and nations.thankyou
Maybe you should check your system or ask your staff. It was posted for only about 15 minutes after the 10:10 am comment by Karim.
“Garth, if single issues like ssm is important to constituents, I suggest you listen to what they have to say and then respond accordingly.”
Jim, he did respond…during the election.
It’s pious non-constituents like McVety and his minions that don’t seem like stance Garth and the majority of Halton residents have taken on this single issue.
Steve:
The only part I remember clearly from Sean’s post was the part about “limitless sex and condoms.”
Look under “Toronto Aids” a few pages back.
Under these party rules, does the Prime Minister even have to stand for re-nomination as a MP?
Quite honestly, I think if you somehow lose the nomination you should run independently. I think you have enough broad-based support in your riding from the people that matter: the voters, to win quite handily.
Really what the party higher-ups should be asking is: What’s better? A Garth Turner within the party, where they can attempt to spin, and control what he says, or should you choose to run independently: a Garth Turner that is unencumbered by Party discipline?
-Laura
It appears if anyone has a single issue platform it would be Garth Turner.
Jim, you win the award for most accurate post.
Ah Steve, now you’ve stooped even lower. Remember who is doing the childish postings. It certainly isn’t me. I’d say you just unseated Garth, for now that is.
It is a statistical fact that the majority of Canadians support equality in Canada and the numbers increase grreatly in the younger people (18-35).Just doing more polls will just prove that again. All the old people and church groups are the ones that flood the MPs offices with complaints about SSM, abotion etc… these are the folks that are still holding onto the old sexual taboos.poor souls and so sexually repressed too. not to mention the arthritis and gout too. anyway just forget all this and move on… the so-called family will survive quite nicely thankyou.. at six something billion souls on this rock..I think we need to slow down the whole procreation thing anyway…maybe concentrate on Peace, the environment, healthy relationships between individuals and nations.thankyou
Thank you for the perfect example of what the left is all about in today’s society.
From a “so-called family”
Steve, I’ll help you out even if ALW won’t. Click on the calendar above at the 14th and go to the topic regarding Aids. You’ll find my comments there.
Completely off topic here but have you noticed on Garth’s News Page there is a link to an article from the Vancouver Sun pointing out that “Polls show Tories have rebounded”? Have you also noticed that the results of this poll have not been as widely publicized as the previous poll? I guess the results aren’t as exciting to the liberal left media.
Bernie:
There’s nothing nefarious going on. I’ve seen a few of my posts not show up for a few hours or show up and then get pushed down 10 or 15 posts due to timestamp problems.
To Sean Hogan: Hahaha, I’ve stooped even lower… in terms of what? This “debate” you claim to be having? The one where you’re right in everything you say and everyone who disagrees with you is always wrong? This “debate” in which you refuse to address a single point contrary to your “rightness” but then get snarky because people don’t fall into line with your opinions?
You’re right, my postings to you are childish, but that’s because it is all you deserve, because while in your mind you might imagine you’re having this enlightened conversation, and proving your points, the impression most of us have here is a little kid with his fingers in his ears endlessly repeating the same mantra… “I’m right… LALALALALALA I can’t hear you… I’ve made my point… LALALALALA”.
But that’s ok, Sean “Puffy” Hogan, you see, I’ve long since given up having a productive discussion with you, and you’ve made it perfectly obvious that anything that goes against your worldview isn’t penetrating that holy cranium of yours, so as far as you and I, we’re at an impasse. Now I’m just enjoying the humor your e-crusade is bringing to the table. C’mon Sean… give us more fire and brimstone and glass houses! My favorite webcomics are slow to update and I feel like a good laugh.
the P. in Sean P. Hogan does not stand for “Pancakes” or “Penile Implant”. I have it from a much higher authority (lives in the sky, has a long white beard) that it is short for “Pinhead”.
Well there you go C. Ball, I had been guessing, but that’s because the guy in the sky with the long white beard doesn’t talk to me anymore. (I’ve been on his naughty list ever since freshman year university).
Juvenile taunts don’t get you anywhere. It just makes you look ridiculous in the face of reasoned debate.
I have previously read about “unofficial” online polls taken in Canada that supported the fact that the majority do NOT, in fact, support gay marriage (most, like me, prefer the civil union route as they have in the UK), if my memory serves me it was around 70%, a strong majority. I would truly love to see a referendum on this issue to settle it once and for all!
And by the way, I am not a churchgoer, nor am I sexually oppressed, nor do I have gout or arthritis (talk about ridiculous statements!!).
Regarding demographics, currently we are not even close to reproducing ourselves enough to replace ourselves in this country (same goes for the U.S. and most of Europe). The only segment of our population that is increasing its population (and at high speed) are Canadian Muslims…in fact we will likely have a Muslim majority in this country by 2030 or so if things continue as they currently are now…
To me it would be a shame to lose our Judeo Christian foundation and all of the “traditions” that go along with it…our country would be vastly different that’s for sure (notice I didn’t say better or worse)
As I have stated before, I don’t agree with any special interest group hijacking any candidate nomination but I think this whole thing is getting way overblown and this “public” personal vendetta between McVety and Garth is very immature.
Correction: I have nothing against McVety personally. I have complimented him in the media on his silver tongue and political astuteness, while he has attacked me. No problem. What I do hate is the intolerace he stands for, the exclusivity and superiority of his moral code and his unhidden attempt to stack the political system and elect a one-track candidate who is not reflective of the community. If he succeeds, Halton loses a candidate who was elected by the larger voter pool, the Conservatives will lose a seat, the prime minister and party are further aligned with the Righteous Right, and they still have me to worry about! What a fine mess. — Garth
Juvenile taunts don’t get you anywhere. It just makes you look ridiculous in the face of reasoned debate.
By Sean P. Hogan on 08.18.06 2:14 pm
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Sean, if you actually had any reasons for debate, you wouldn’t look so ridiculous on this blog. Fact is you have none except that heavy King James you keep whacking everyone here over the head with.
And speaking of immature…Steve Heath and C. Ball…what are you guys..12??!!
Garth Turner, only days after applauding the the party for adopting these democratic procedures for candidate nominations, is now complaining about it. Methinks someone is worried about losing their precious status as media hog on Parliament Hill.
The Halton Conservative youth committee just endorsed D’Arch Keene, btw. Were they too hijacked by so-called religious nuts, Mr. Turner?
Democracy at work. Gotta love it. And God Bless? Or is Mr. Turner gonna hunt me down for saying that too? LOL
The association youth committee membership consists of two people, one of who was recently refused his bold request to be given money by the riding association to travel to a convention. He just hasn’t been the same since. — Garth
Charley, noticed that he corrects your opinion and what you’ve observed? Garth, you support a different moral code and you go on as if it is superior. Come on now. McVety as far as I can see has attacked your position on homosexual marriage and I notice that nowhere in your correction do you state that you’ve attacked him personally. Stop being so dishonest and tell the whole truth here.
I think Chuck is actually a charmer. — Garth
I should have added calling someone the Taliban is more than just a personal attack Garth. How easy you omit facts when you attempt at being objective. Charley is right on the nose here.
Quote me the sentence in which I call Charles McVety Taliban and you can have my seat in the House of Commons. — Garth
John, Re: latest poll. All this tells me is that the CPC. has gone nowhere over the last 6 months, at least not into the majority range. In spite of the claims of doing more in 6 months than the previous Government did in 13 yrs. Crap like what is going on in Halton is sure not going to help them get a majority either.
“in the face of reasoned debate. ”
Hahaha, thanks Sean, I knew you wouldn’t let me down. I laughed so hard milk came out my nose.
How can it be reasoned when you consider it necessary to take historical facts “with several grains of salt”, and how can it be debate when it’s obvious you refuse to even consider any viewpoint that deviates at all from yours? You are to “reasoned debate” what Fox is to “fair and balanced”. Hey… you should think about trademarking that… look how much money Fox makes!
HEY STEVE
Perhaps you are of the ‘visually impaired’:
Budget 2006: Tax Cuts, Focused Spending, Debt Paydown
02 May 2006
Minister of Finance Jim Flaherty today presented a balanced federal budget that significantly cuts taxes, focuses federal spending on priority areas and pays down debt.
The budget delivers $20 billion in tax relief over two years—that is more tax relief than the previous four budgets combined. Key tax measures include:
• A one-point reduction to the GST, effective July 1, 2006.
• Broad-based income tax relief.
• Targeted tax measures to help Canadians with the cost of:
o Tools.
o Textbooks.
o Transit passes.
o Kids’ sports.
The budget prioritizes and focuses federal spending including:
• $3.7 billion over two years for the new $1,200 Universal Child Care Benefit.
• $1.5 billion more this year for agriculture.
• $1.4 billion more this year for policing, border security and public safety.
• $1.1 billion more over two years to rebuild the Armed Forces.
The budget is balanced and specifically commits $3 billion per year in debt paydown.
For 2005–06, the federal surplus is currently estimated at $8 billion.
With respect to restoring the fiscal balance, a commitment to address concerns over fiscal imbalance; greater certainty with respect to 2006–07 Equalization and Territorial Formula Financing payments; up to $3.3 billion in additional funding support to provinces and territories to help address short-term pressures in post-secondary education, affordable housing and public transit; and a commitment to a principle-based framework for fiscal relations, outlined in the companion document Restoring Fiscal Balance in Canada.
Further information on Budget 2006 can be obtained by visiting the Department of Finance website or by phoning 1 800 O-Canada (1 800 622-6232) or 1 800 926-9105 (TTY for the speech and hearing impaired/deaf).
What part of this do you not understand.
As to debating the budget, it was unanimously passed by the opposition without any debate, democracy in action.
“Now put that in your pipe Steve, and smoke itâ€.
Steve Heath – in response to your address to Sean – how old are you, anyway? I have not seen that sort of juvenile writing since elementary school.
The fact that the Conservatives haven’t increased their % of popular support since the election, while the Liberals have had no leader, must be a concern to the CPC
Call it Defend Marriage Canada, Call it the Taliban, Fleurs Du Mal (Flowers of Evil)
Who were you referring? Isn’t Charles McVety backing the Defend Marriage Canada?
I don’t take bets Garth but remember that one’s words can come back at you real fast.
Sorry, you lose. Quote the whole article and my meaning is crystal. I never referred to McVety or Christians in such a fashion. Both of you know it. By the way, what is the subject, “it”, of the sentence you quote? — Garth
Steve Heath: I am a compassionate, Christian man and I have only one thing to say to you (for now): Get help. I mean that in the nicest possible way. Please – get help – quickly.
Reasoned debate Steve, lose the insults and you’ll have achieved step one.
Randy: If the media didn’t have a bias against the Conservative Party and the polls remained the same then there would be a problem for the CPC. However you know as well as I do that there is a bias.
For instance if you check http://www.stephentaylor.ca there is a video of a report done by Christina Lewand of the CBC in which she completely takes Harper out of context. The video goes on to show how she was wrong. that is just one example. As for Garth’s situation let’s look at the two scenarios
a) Garth loses. The headlines in the papers and on TV would read something like: Christian Fundamentalist Wins Conservative Nomination in Halton.
It would then be a story up until and including the next election.
b) Garth wins. The story then would be relegated to the back pages or not at all and would say: Maverick MP Wins Nomination.
Mentioned once then never again.
Charley – my wife does claim that I have the maturity level of a 12 year old, and it’s something I’m proud of… after all, Jesus loves the children.
The simple fact is that Sean has literally spammed this blog non stop and despite his claims about holding a “reasoned debate”, if you read through his posts you will see many intellectual dishonesties, such as dismissing others because they don’t present facts while not presenting facts for his own claims. Complaining about rudeness from others while being insulting to anyone who disagrees with him. Taking snippets of other people’s words out of context and screaming “hypocrite” while claiming to hold the moral high ground himself.
He has never once on this blog admitted he was wrong in anything. Never once been willing to consider an alternate viewpoint. Never once even shown the slightest bit of compassion or consistent courtesy, be it to Garth, the host of this website, to the gay community, to those suffering from AIDS, or any poster who disagrees with him.
How long do you try and reason with a brick wall before you ask yourself, “what the heck am I doing, this is a joke”? And when you realize that, you laugh and enjoy the joke, which is what I am doing now. Could I perhaps take the higher road and just ignore him? Well, possibly, but the problem with that is that I still have to wade through his spam to read the worthwhile posts, and honestly, I am finding his posturing hilarious… he reminds me of the Iraqi Information Minister… “I am winning the debate, you all are falling like chaff before my mighty wind of logic and reason”!
Basically what I’m trying to say, Randy, is that because all people hear or read in the news is negative towards the Conservatives, because of the bias, it’s hard for people to judge what the Conservatives have done.
Garth – a personal message to you.
I am sure that you ran with the best of intentions and I am sure that you wish to represent your constituents to the best of your ability (my own mother is in your riding and she thinks you’re pretty good).
However, I am saddened by your lack of dignity at time. Why do you become obsessed with issues the way you do? Emerson’s crossing – had no effect on my life but you expressed your feelings at length. Fortier’s appointment – had no effect on my life but again, you expressed yourself at length. Being hauled to the woodshed – why would you write such stuff; you are a grown adult. McVety – why do you let him goad you? He probably feels as strongly about you as you do about him.
The new selection process – why are you going ballistic about it? If you lose, you can run as an independent. If you are confident that your riding supports you, you’ll have no trouble being re-elected as an MP.
If your goal, as you have reitereated so often, is to serve your riding, they what does it matter to which party you belong? Why is all of this so important? All you wish to do is take care of Halton and you can do so no matter if you run with a party or as an independent.
Garth – I would like hear what you say about this – and anything else you’d like to add.
Oh – I should also add that I have read your financial writings for quite a while and I developed quite a high regard for your expertise and style in this area. This is part of the reason that I am surprised and disappointed when you react to situations with such…what is the word I am seeking…emotion. Garth the financial guy displays dignity, restraint and maturity. Garth the politician…should be more like the financial guy.
Glenn, I think it is a concern for sure. If the party keeps taking principled stands on the issues out there, they can show that results do happen without the screaming and ranting by the left. Take the recent Israel-Hezbollah war, look who went marching with the pro-Hezbollah supporters in Montreal. If the CPC can show calmness in their faces, they will win most of the debates and conflicts which might arise. The liberal candidates aren’t what I would consider a bumper crop. The high profile ones have demonstrated some extremism and therefore are not supported in the way a front runner would be. Bob Rae might have a chance but his past would be of great concern for all Canadians, especially Ontarians. Ignatieff tries to be high profile but he was very quiet during the latest war (because of having the same opinion as PM Harper). He won’t represent those in the party who are anti-Jewish. They clearly do not have an out and out front runner and/or high profile candidate.
Steve Heath: Hahaha, thanks Sean, I knew you wouldn’t let me down. I laughed so hard milk came out my nose.
I take it that you were drinking out of your Winnie the Pooh sippy cup.
Dang – now I just wrote something juvenile – just like Steve. Say, Steve, isn’t a Heath Bar an American chocolate bar – I think it’s full of nuts. Oh, are you and C (for cue) Ball buddies or something – same playpen, daycare…whatever.
Dang – there I go again, being juvenile like Steve “the nut bar” Heath and C. “Cue” Ball.
Hey Steve Heath, what are you referring to in regards to my comments about Aids? I am not spamming, each of my posts stands on its own. I just point out Garth’s and other people’s hypocrisy. You know, when people say they’re tolerant of others and then say all kinds of nasty things about Christians. The street goes both ways here if one states that one is tolerant and inclusive. Be prepared to be challenged by it. You could learn something by going to townhall.com and reading Mike Adams’ columns.
Garth, who is behind Defend Marriage Canada and isn’t McVety a Director??? And yes I can quote you saying that your words of criticism (as you call it) are directed at Defend Marriage Canada.
I know you like to use double entendres like when you mentioned about people drinking his kool-aid and so forth.
Well it’s been entertaining reading the back and forth. But, I think Garth rather enjoys it
Garth wants to be controversial and in your face (afterall he used to be one of the media – and media loves controvercy) – look at his home page, where the link “Canadian now talking to, and shooting at, Taliban”. The actual story didn’t talk about shooting at.
It’s a game, boys.
“I know you like to use double entendres like when you mentioned about people drinking his kool-aid and so forth.”
By Sean P. Hogan on 08.18.06 3:30 pm
Actually Sean, now that I think about it, perhaps Garth’s not that far off. There does appear to be some resemblance between McVety and the Kool-Aid Guy. I mean, look at the picture here and then overlay the Kool-Aid Guy pitcher suit.
See what I mean? OHH YEAAAAHHH!!
The problem I have with Christain and all other manner of religious nuts and their shamans is best summed by this quote by Stephen Roberts:
“I contend that we are both atheists. I just believe in one fewer god than you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours”
Re: “Position On Homosexual Marriage”
As usual, people believe what they will and when presented with facts that don’t fit with their beliefs they either ignore them or distort them.
I used to have an opinion on SSM before the (Liberal) government made SSM legal. Now I don’t have one, because I believe the issue to be dead, over with, finished, kaput. Somebody asks me for my opinion on SSM and I say, “I don’t give a damn. Why should I? It’s not part of MY life.” The Religous Right think one goes to perdition because of wrong thinking. How arrogant to presume that. If I or anyone else end up in hell then it is OUR OWN business and no-one elses. That is what living in a free society is supposed to be about. Make your own choices and live with them, but don’t cry to me if you (or your neighbours) make the wrong ones. I believe all that Garth has said is that he doesn’t believe the issue should be brought up again to be fought over and argued endlessly. McVety says the issue will never go away. Well, fine. Let him knock himself out. The rest of us have other things to think about.
Oh, and BTW, I believe the only reason SH is going ahead with another vote is because he knows it will go nowhere and it might just keep the squawkers quiet for a little while. He likely looks at it the way Garth looks at it but for appearance sake has to follow through on the vote for political reasons.
My rant for the day.
(tips hat to all)
OK Sean, why don’t you explain exactly why we should vote for Darcy Keene? What qualifies him to be an MP? What contributions has he made to the community of Halton (or any other community) in the past? If he is such a wonderful candidate, this is your opportunity to explain any or all of his virtues.
Sean P
Take your meds or JUMP!
Charley:
If there were to be a referendum we’d both be voting the same way but I don’t think it would settle anything. The battle lines have been drawn. No matter what the law says the losing side will not accept defeat.
I’m for leaving it alone. I think the Fundamentalists will prove to be less troublesome than an outraged gay community.
Richard – not bad… like me, a bit rusty though.. still, doesn’t it feel good to laugh a bit? (And technically the Heath bar was a toffee bar, no nuts, but I got the spirit of your jab and still chuckled).
You and I will likely never agree on your core issue, as you want Garth out or to toe the party line, whereas I specifically value him for not doing so, although we do agree that he would probably do fine if he decided to run as an independent. That being the case, there isn’t much for you and I to debate, is there? I’d have to scan back through your messages for sure, but it seems like you have only the one reason you are posting here (ok, which does seem to be a bit discourteous, coming to Garth’s place and using his soapbox to say you want Garth to obey orders or get out). Well, personally I think you’re tilting at windmills, but if it makes you happy, go nuts.
Sean – as for spamming, count your posts where you say the exact same thing. Just because someone else makes a post doesn’t mean you have to post again and repeat yourself if you bring nothing new to the table. Look at how many posts you make in this thread alone telling me you engage in “reasoned debate”, except in none of them have you actually debated anything. I’ll grant you that’s understandable since I wasn’t debating either, I was mocking you, but for another example take the SSM issue. That’s the one I originally started talking with you about because you had a good point on how it got passed. But ever since making that point, you haven’t made another one other than SSM bad cause the Bible says so, and even then, when people pointed out theologians (sp?) differ as to whether the bible really says that, you didn’t respond to them.
As to your Aids comments, I refer to “Sandi, I am curious as to what “rights†do you mean in regards to this Aids conference? The right to sodomize, do drugs, have sex with any woman that walks?
I’m not prepared to have more of my tax dollars spent on a disease that is mostly preventable by putting a culture of morality on these people and that starts with the governments and the people who care for the Aids patients. Abstinence is the only way.”
The problem with your argument is that you are blanketly condemning everyone who has this disease. What if a victim didn’t WANT to be sodomized, or the victim didn’t request a blood transfusion from tainted blood (did you protest compensation for the Hepatitus C sufferers too?). Did the babies born to mothers with Aids “deserve it”? What about the doctors and nurses who contracted it while trying to save lives? What you are saying is that you do not want to contribute to help cure a disease that you see as preventable by being moral, and therefore, the “innocent victims” will just have to suffer along with the infidels. Hey, if that’s your belief, that’s fine, but don’t be surprised if people find you heartless. And you know, I don’t know if it’s an urban myth or not, but I remember hearing about someone who had AIDS who was going around infecting other people until they got arrested. If he came up and infected you, so that you had AIDS without doing ANYTHING you saw as morally wrong, would you still insist that they not fund a cure?
Your next point is about “they” being nasty to Christians while claiming to be “tolerant”, which I guess is why you feel it to be ok to be nasty to others when Jesus preached tolerance to his followers. Eye for an eye kind of thing, right? Well, if they are hypocrites for doing the very same thing you’re doing… doesn’t that logically make you a hypocrite too?
Finally, you referred me to the site townhall.com and columnist Mike Adams. Since I try to have an open mind (not saying I’m always successful) I went on over to have a look. To be honest, I really don’t see what point you were trying to make. I didn’t see any columns regarding SSM, although I read some columns regarding specific issues between religious and gay communities. Maybe I didn’t get the point because I agreed with him? (One was on using public funds to publish private gay literature, I’m as against that as I am on using public funds to publish religious literature). Is that supposed to convince me of… what? That the gay community has an agenda that I don’t personally agree with? I already know that, I personally disagree with same sex marriage as opposed to same sex civil unions, and don’t see the need for pride parades. But hey, even though I disagree with it, I’m not incensed enough to make it a life focus.
Garth,
I have to give you credit. You respond to some of the posts here on your blog. So I’ve got a question for you.
You wrote, “Correction: I have nothing against McVety personally. I have complimented him in the media on his silver tongue and political astuteness, while he has attacked me. No problem. What I do hate is the intolerace he stands for, the exclusivity and superiority of his moral code and his unhidden attempt to stack the political system and elect a one-track candidate who is not reflective of the community. If he succeeds, Halton loses a candidate who was elected by the larger voter pool, the Conservatives will lose a seat, the prime minister and party are further aligned with the Righteous Right, and they still have me to worry about! What a fine mess. — Garth ”
I would interpret “they still have me to worry about!” to mean that you will run as an Independent if you lose the nomination. (Very hypothetical, since you won’t lose.) Is my interpretation of your comments correct? Will you run as an Independent if you lose the CPC nomination? (I can’t blame you since you will probably win under any label.)
My immediate meaning is this: After September 11th, win or lose, I will still be the MP for Halton, and will be so until the next election. During that time I will – believe me – be an active political force. As for the next election I think the appropriate words might be those of PET: “Just watch me.” — Garth
You certainly have not been afraid to speak out when you disagree and you certainly do speak for your constituents —–we are proud of you!!!!
What else would this group have to offer except to bring up the issue of gay marriage??? Hope others will question this.
Let us know if there is anything else we can do—-we will encourage people we know to go.
Mr Turner (Garth!)
What a breath if fresh air you are! How often we have elected representatives
only to come to admit that what we voted
for was most certainly not what we got! (Amazing how quickly promises are made
then broken!)For once, it appears that
the good people of Halton picked a winner!
Yes, the GST has been reduced – please don’t even acknowledge the whiners and
complainers who claim that 1% is nothing.
Trust me, 1% is a lot to the many new home purchasers in Milton and others who
purchase big-ticket items. As a
grandparent, I am delighted that my son & daughter in law are able to have a
little more cash to put towards my
grand-daughters education fund as well as helping with the day to day costs
(childcare, etc). So BRAVO again!While I do
not personally use GO or transit as I work in Burlington, I appreciate the
effect this benefit will have for me as
commuters in Milton (hopefully) will choose to switch to these services to reap
the tax credits. And that’s just for
starters! I will certainly look forward to learning of the progress of the
additional promises you mention in your
letter. Kudos on the website – it is in My Favourites and visited on a regular
basis!
My only concern – your letter states that you believe that you canvassed at my
door – not so, but there again, I hope
the people lucky enough to have met you, saw before them the right person for
the job and voted accordingly. I voted for
you based on reading materials provided and I am more than happy with my choice.
Keep up the great work for us!
Regards, Carolyn
Halton
For those people who like to label people homophobic just because they want to carry on the tradition of their parents–just think about it–if your parents (Mom and Dad) hadn’t have got married you wouldn’t be here to write on thiis blog! Not rocket science.
Certainly not for you. I didn’t hear that allowing SSM marriages to stand who mean heterosexuals would stop (as Rondo Thomas so oveingly puts it) procreating. — Garth
Sorry Squirrelled, before I say this I want to qualify that I don’t think you’re homophobic for wanting to be heterosexual yourself (I hope not, or I’m a homophobe too), but you know… if my Mom and Dad hadn’t got married, but still had sex, I’d still be here
Then again, if heterosexual parents in North America were as fertile as heterosexual parents in, say, India, you’d have had a lot of brothers and sisters, so maybe the NA parents are really letting down the team
Maybe homosexuality and the decreased birth rate in North America are linked (beyond the obvious)… maybe it’s some natural instinct we have to shy away from procreation when survival of both our parents and our children becomes guaranteed.
Steve H
Pride parades are necessary as long as homosexuals are still being murdered around the world for who they are. we still have a long way to go…that is our so called agenda as you put it.
As for abstinence, it doesn’t work. It’s just an anti-sex agenda to try to solve a problem. The AIDS virus didn’t come into existence to stop people from having sex. It just is…like all the other diseases of the world..except this one has a lot of stigma attached to it(judgement?)
SR
ALW…I hear ya….
Steve at 6:35 PM, you better tell Uganda that abstinence doesn’t work..they lowered their AIDS rate from 30% down to 5% by doing just that…
Charlie: Actually, Uganda’s success in reducing HIV infection is the result of high level POLITICAL commitment to HIV prevention and care involving a wide range of partners and all sectors of society.
Same day results for HIV tests and social marketing of condoms and self-treatment kits for sexually tramsmitted infections, backed up by sex education programmes , have helped reduce the high infection rates.
Squirrelled: Since when does being married have anything to do with procreation????
Thank you Charley for affirming that “different” need not imply inferior.
We do our children a disservice by negatively pointing out differences in other people’s dress, food, language, housing, religion etc. We do it with a demeaning look, a laugh, or a dismissive sneer.
I agree with you that it is only fair to acknowledge the differences without implying inferiority.
Judy: I was talking about the tradition that our parents and grandparents have passed down to us that we want to emulate in order to give our children the kind of upbringing we enjoyed–that is a married mother and father which gives children stability.
Garth,
I would like to publically apologize on behalf of all Evangelical Christians across Canada. Many of us disagree with SSM but we do not condone this militant, devious, looking for loopholes type of attack; this is not Christ-like behaviour.
Please visit more Evangelical Churches in the area and you will see and feel the love of many true, genuine
Christians. Praying for you.
By Reverand D on 08.19.06 12:36 am e
Note to Mr. Garth Turner:
Mr. Turner, I would strongly encourage you not to dismiss those Constituents who have determined that, based on evidence from reason, science, tradition and their Holy Scriptures, homosexual behaviour and “marriage” are truly unnatural and harmful to our society. Too often the dialogue between opposing parties on this topic has been uncharitable and politically charged. We need to wrap our words in a spirit of mutual respect and tolerance for dissenting views, where the one party gently tries to persuade the other to accept their convictions. This is not Iran – this is Canada, where I hope the quest for truth is still encouraged, and at the end of the day we can be respectful and kind to each other, even though we may still not agree.
Steve ON – I definately don’t condone the murder of people because they are homosexual… actually, to be honest, I’m pretty anti-murder in general. That said, how does the pride parade in Toronto stop this?
Now, I’ve only seen media clips and knowing the media, they probably love to show the most extreme things out there, but I’ve seen clips of mostly naked hairy men in S&M gear *shudder*, women in lingerie kissing (Ok, I’ll be honest, as a straight guy this doesn’t seem to bother me much), and once what looked to be a sex act by participants. Whether it was the gay pride parade, the heterosexual S&M participants convention, or heck, the rotary club with a new uniform that let their boys hang out, IMO it doesn’t belong on our public streets. Have the parade without the sex gear (ie, wear normal clothes) and I wouldn’t care at all, and to be honest, it does make me wonder, if the point is to reduce violence against homosexuals, doesn’t being so extreme in outfit and action seem… counterintuitive? Don’t you want people that previously were anti-homosexual to say “well, I disagree with their sexual choice, but other than that they seem like nice people” rather than “I disagree with their sexual choice and they paraded in front of my apartment with their balls hanging out”?
Judy, you can try to credit all those other things but the fact is that the real difference in Uganda has been their abstinence program. Here is my take on Uganda and the “illustrious” Stephen Lewis…(whom I can’t say I have much respect for after researching him..)
Uganda, however, has not remained silent in this ongoing campaign by Mr. Lewis to destroy its abstinence programme. The Director of the Global Center for Uganda’s strategy, Mr. Martin Ssempa, in an open letter to Kofi Annan, demanded that Mr. Lewis be immediately fired and removed from UN AIDS.
In his letter Mr. Ssempa stated that Mr. Lewis “is using the entire body of the UN for his personal agenda of condomizing the developing nations. Why he has the audacity to fight the only nation which has demonstrated success in reducing HIV/AIDS is utterly beyond me.”
He went on to say that “Mr. Lewis is further sinking the credibility of the UN in the Great Lakes region in that Mr. Lewis is the type that reminds us of the UN staff who did nothing to stop the genocide in Rwanda where close to a million Africans were butchered under the close supervision of the UN.” Mr. Ssempa also demanded to know “why isn’t Lewis talking about Botswana, South Africa and other nations which have taken UNAIDS advice of more condoms but now have the highest rates of HIV in the world? Why is he picking on Uganda which has been a shining example of behaviour change since 1988?”
Full story here:
http://www.realwomenca.com/newsletter/2005_nov_dec/article_1.html
Finally, Mr. Ssempa stated, “We are tired of these western officials who fly in a few hours and become experts in our campaign. Steve (sic) Lewis should come to Uganda and spend a few months at the feet of activists who are on the frontline … He is spending far too much time doing teleconferences, flying from conference to conference and listening to his stooges who keep telling him what he wants to hear…’there is not enough condoms. Send us more so we can condomise the world’.”
Charley: I think condomizing the world is a great idea!! Save thousands more-save children in the womb-save women-save young men, old men, young women, old women. They should be available free of charge on demand in every corner of the world.
it is the lack of protection and the religious groups that preach to prevent the use of condoms that is the greatest hindrance to the reduction of AIDS infection. Until churches admit that the human race is sexually driven, then the fight against AIDS is lost.
GAUHATI, India, Aug. 22, 2006
(AP)
Fast Fact
More than 150 people have been killed in the northeast in the past five years after being accused of practicing witchcraft or sorcery.
Why are we so far behind India when it comes to following our good book’s guidance on REAL family values?
“Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.” (Exodus 22:18)
When will the Conservatives become really “progressive” and go after the witches? I yearn for the good old days…
NOT.
Keep up the voice of reason Garth.