Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Both Could Use A Paddling......

...but wasn't/isn't left wing social engineers who have and continue to ban "corporal punisment."

We're Watching....And Waiting

Much More Eloquant Than I

“Socialist In Ideology, Capitulate In Methodology”

miller

His blondness [or is it his greyness after all these years?], Mayor of Toronto David Miller, will be leaving office in November 2010. But he’s taking a parting gift with him, and it’s not just a watch and a city calender. The socialist mayor who joined the NDP in 1985 has had his share of memories in the provincial capital over the past 6 years. He swept into power in 2003 on the most unlikely of campaign platforms: to stop Mel Lastman’s $22 million bridging of the Toronto Island Airport with the city which would have made the need for a ferry obsolete, made downtown air service more efficient, and bring in much-needed money, so that he could instead “revitalize” the waterfront. And as we all know, the waterfront was revitalized by the Great Wall of Condos they built obscuring the entire lake beyond the Quays. So Toronto didn’t get a bridge for $22 million. But it did cost the federal government $35 million in compensation to the Toronto Port Authority.

David Miller assumed a $344 million budget shortfall when he took power, and began immediately raising property taxes. He promised to limit it to a modest 3% each year. After increasing spending in 2004 and 2005 without breaking that promise [by robbing the city reserve fund], he then shifted property tax from businesses to homeowners. Budget shortfalls continued to plague his office, and property taxes went up to 3.8% in 2007. Spending had increased $1.7 billion since 2003, and to offset that, David Miller proposed a series of taxes, including a whopper of a steal, the 1.5% land transfer tax. He insisted Torontonians wanted to pay the new taxes.

Then there was the garbage strike. A five-week city worker strike ended with a deal so good for the unions that CUPE accepted when “the city removed ‘the last concession’ from the table”, giving them a 5.6 per cent pay raise. During a recession.

Now David Miller is on his way out, and because City Hall severance policy states that councillors get one month’s salary for every year they serve in council to a maximum of twelve months, he’s get $166,985 a year from this November. The compensation is based on his salary received during his last year, which means that although he served as mayor for only six years, he’s getting paid as though he did it for twelve:

“He (David Miller) has been an elected official since 1994, and it will take some time for him to find another position,” said Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong in defence of the golden handshakes. “If you want to attract good people to serve on council, there has to be a reasonable amount of capacity to transition into a new career.”

Geez, and here I thought the normal routine was a subway token and a map to the Employment Insurance office. Silly me. David Miller is also entitled to $3,500 in “career counselling”. Maybe someone can finally give David Miller the advice he needs.

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: , , . Leave a

Save Legal Fees - Ban Tobacco Products

Give Me Your Best Dr.Evil Voice Now
Ontario is going to sue Big Tobacco for “$50 BEEEEEEEELLION DOLLARS.” Tobacco companies are the last refuge that government can squeeze an endless supply of money from. They are the convenient Nosferatu with which there is seldom dissent when a hardline stance is taken on them. They’re peddlers of addiction and cancer, of long-term heart disease and emphysema. They’re an addictive risk to our children. And they turn your teeth yellow and your skin sallow.
Unambiguously Ambidextrous

Give Him Credit For Making Food Banks A Cottage Industry

Gerard Kennedy
When I look at Gerard Kennedy, I see a politician whose heart is in the right place. I think he believes what he says, though I feel his beliefs are somewhat misguided. I don't feel any animosity towards the man. My "spider sense" does not tingle when he speaks. Having said that, how hilarious is it that the Liberals stuck him in the corner of the room like a toddler on a timeout! Like the
The Iceman

This Is Not Mandela's Dream.....

“ANC militia” attacks Durban township

Afrodissident Afrodissident - South Africa

September 30, 2009 02:42 ET

On Saturday night, forty or so armed men went on the rampage in Durban’s Kennedy Road...

Global Support For Gays?

Serbia cancels gay pride parade

While gay rights activists claim official support, the government could not guarantee their safety.

Jamaica's gays worship in the closet
Out of the closet, into the fire

HMS Miller

The Fifth Column

'... there are so many leaky holes in the good ship Toronto ...'


Editors pick readers' most provocative online comments

Gable Says It All

Circulation Sometimes Outweights Accuracy

Forget the evidence; The Star stands by its victim
Posted: September 29, 2009, 1:35 PM by NP Editor

During the weeks in which Suaad Hagi Mohamud was stuck in Kenya, pleading to be allowed to return to Canada, nobody owned the story like the Toronto Star.

Update: New Star version adds details of government's case. Purely coincidence, folks.

The Star championed Mohamud without reserve, assigning reporters to regular updates pleading her case while columnists wrote heart-tugging pieces deploring her treatment and questioning what kind of government could treat an innocent woman so harshly. When the Canadian diplomat handling the case returned to Canada the Star gave it front page treatment, ensuring maximum humiliation. When the time finally came for Mohamud to return to Canada, the Star sent a reporter over to accompany her home. (She's our victim! hands off!)

Then, on Monday, information began to emerge that suggested the case wasn't quite as cut and dried as the Star would have us believe. The federal government filed documents detailing the reasons Canadian officials in Nairobi had doubted Mohamud's claims. Referring to the documents, the CBC reported:

I Remember Cherry Beach When......

....it was a popular make out spot and an interview site for rounders.

Ignatieff's secret forest lair revealed
Posted: September 29, 2009, 2:16 PM by NP Editor

Ottawa blogger Stephen Taylor blows the lid off the secret location of Michael Ignatieff's woodsy television ads.

Liberals have been loath to disclose the exact location of the site, except to say it was a "real forest," wasn't digitally inserted, and was somewhere in Canada.

Taylor says he's nailed down the location, and it's in ... Toronto. Cherry Beach in downtown Toronto to be exact. He even provides photos.

Okay To Racially Profile Police But Not Crooks

Progress on police, race

Visible minorities now making up almost 20 per cent of Toronto's police, including two out of four deputy chiefs – up from 12.5 per cent five years ago. That's the direct result of progressive new strategies – and attitudes – inside the country's largest municipal police force.

Only Waterfront Condo Owners And Island Squatters Left......

Union 'pals' sink Miller

It seems to me the reason David Miller isn't running for a third term as Toronto's mayor is obvious.

Iggy Moment

Ignatieff quick to implode

Federal Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff is correct. Canadians have indeed lost "confidence."

Liberals touchy about Toronto

by Susan Delacourt

Does Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff have a Toronto problem?

No News Bad News

Is city's bag tax a bust?

Four months into the 5 cents plastic bag tax, one city councillor is demanding answers on the bylaw's success.

Savings to be spent: City

Next year's planned 9% water-rate hike and a 2% increase in garbage bin fees will go ahead even though this summer's 39-day municipal workers strike saved the city $33.2 million.

Abandoning HMS Miller

Mayor's minions jump ship

Welcome today to the latest instalment of "Life at Socialist Silly Hall," where some of the (post-garbage strike) rats have wasted no time deserting a sinking ship.

Lindsay Luby tied to Miller: Holyday

It may be too late for Councillor Gloria Lindsay Luby to distance herself from Mayor David Miller, according to one of her Etobicoke colleagues on city council.

Definative Comment From No New Tac McGoonty

George 'not going anywhere'

Furious George isn't going anywhere -- yet.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

It's As Good At Forecasting As.........

Marriage Used To Be So Simple.....$20K Is A Pittance

Rewriting family law

Or at least, putting an Islamic flavor to it...

Within the case, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice was also faced with the issue of whether the Court is willing to enforce a traditional marriage contract under Muslim law, known as maher. Basically, this entitles the wife to a sum of money [$20,000.00 in this case] that is given to her upon marital breakdown as agreed by contract. Contracts for maher are seen as being intrinsic to Muslim law as the money given to the woman is part of the husband’s moral obligation. It is important to note that the maher is an agreement paid to the spouse in addition to and without prejudice to the husband’s obligations under the Ontario Family Law Act. Both parties did not obtain independent legal advice and neither party provided financial disclosure. At the culmination of the martial ceremony, neither spouse retained a copy of the marriage contract. However, given that setting aside a marriage contract is a discretionary power of the Court, the Court in this case found that given the nature of the terms were simple and the husband understood his obligation, the Court upheld the marriage contract.

Critical Comment Not Racism

Is There Nothing That Obama Can't Do?

I told you so...

The White House comments were the latest indication that the administration had miscalculated from the start its ability to turn Mr. Obama’s campaign trail speeches into reality. Some of his senior advisers have privately concluded that it was a mistake to set a deadline just two days after taking over the White House, when they still did not fully grasp the enormous challenges involved in closing the prison.
small dead animals

Hard To Believe...Malicious Bloggers

Temporary Commenting Policy
I am currently undergoing a malicious attack from either one, or several individuals, who are trying to undermine my ability to control my own blog and my ability to deny commenting privileges for those who breach my rules of ettiquete here. In short, I’m infested with leftist trolls. One of these people, a one “Peter”, against whom an indirect comment led to a very unwelcome litigious threat from a coward, may still be at large, sockpuppeting and manipulating behind the scenes to attempt to bring down my blog. It’s gotten to the point now where too much of my valuable time is occupied in repelling these people.
Unambiguously Ambidextrous |

Energy Companies Conspriacy?

I had to crank up the furnace already......

Meteorologist says summer’s over: When did it start ?

After a morning of wet, windy weather yesterday, Environment Canada is predicting more of the same...

Iggy Moment


Libs look at Iggy and see John Turner on sedatives
LIBS SCRAMBLE: ANTI-IGGY PARTY RUMBLINGS GROW

How Much Has Tibet Invested In Canada

Pulling The Opposition's Strings?

The Tories' secret: They want an election
Jeffrey Simpson

Refreshing In An Era Where Schools Are Becoming Day Care Centers

A radical alternative: real teaching
Margaret Wente

Has Cried Wolf Too Often To Be Taken Seriously

Dana Stevens: Michael Moore — a clown for social justice
Posted: September 28, 2009, 10:45 AM by NP Editor

If you already dislike Michael Moore, Capitalism: A Love Story (Overture Films), his latest documentary/ provocation/performance-piece/decoupage project isn't likely to win you over. And if you love him without reservations, this movie has nothing to tell you that you haven't already shouted through a bullhorn at a "Free Mumia" rally. But is there anyone who falls cleanly into that latter category of unabashed Moore love? The hulking Michigander's 20-year career as an agitprop prankster, his stalwart refusal either to go away or to hone the blunt instrument of his demagogic style, has made Moore a problem for the left and the right. Even those who largely agree with Moore's politics are often mortified by the delivery system: the juvenile stunts, the easy demonization of his opponents, the deliberate donning of blinders when a cogent counterargument comes along.

And yet, and yet: There's something touching, even a little bit noble, about Moore's eternal willingness to serve as America's shame-free populist gadfly. Woven into the two hours of loosely connected anecdotes that make up Capitalism is some information about Moore that, if I knew it already, hadn't registered before: He's a lifelong Catholic, educated at parochial schools in Flint, Mich., whose childhood dream was to enter the priesthood. He interviews several priests in this movie, including the one who officiated at his own wedding. Seeing Moore as a working-class altar boy somehow put his strident buffoonery in a different light: Perhaps all the goofy posturing and put-on naivete is Moore's way of playing the holy fool.

I Said It Once But Needs Repeating......

The Nuts Don't Fall Far From The Tree
Matt Gurney: David McGuinty aims at Harper, hits Dalton
Posted: September 28, 2009, 2:02 PM by Matt Gurney

Liberal MP David McGuinty fired a shot at Conservative economic forecasts today, in a critique that could easily be used to question the acumen of his brother Dalton's Ontario government.

In Ottawa, the federal Liberals announced that they would be tabling a motion of non-confidence in the Harper Government. The phrasing of the motion is not yet known, but it is expected to come before the Commons for a vote as early as Thursday. Of course, given that the NDP has signaled its support of the Conservatives, the Liberal motion -- barring anything dramatic -- is simply hollow posturing, and can be safely filed under "irrelevant."

What is interesting, though, is who the Liberals tapped to make the announcement to the public: Ottawa-area MP David McGuinty, the Liberal critic for Environment and Energy, who is also the younger brother of Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty.

And Just Up The Street From Silly Hall......

....we have Dullton McGoonty and HIS merry band of clowns.

Duncan didn't see donut coming

I hate to tell Dwight Duncan that I told him so.

Money Well Spent....I Would Vote He Leave TODAY


Miller's golden handshake a cool $166Gs

With it's whopping $8.7 billion budget, Toronto can afford to lose David Miller -- and not for his often criticized lack of frugality.

Swan Song Being Sung Offkey

Miller says keeping mandate alive is main goal

Updated: Mon Sep. 28 2009 4:51:50 PM

ctvtoronto.ca

Toronto's Mayor David Miller said Monday his job is "business as usual," but admitted it will be harder getting things done on city council now that he's announced he won't be running again.

"The good news from perspective is that I had a very ambitious mandate from the 2006 election. All of it's underway ... and it's about making sure those things happen," he told CTV News Channel on Monday.

Miller, who announced last week he won't seek re-election in 2010, highlighted some of those issues as:

  • the Transit City light rail expansion plan
  • public housing
  • environmental issues
  • crime reduction
  • creating opportunity

"If I needed to get a lot of legislation through council, you're right, it would be tough. But most of the things we need to do are done," he said.

The city has 44 councillors plus the mayor, but the City of Toronto Act had expanded the mayor's powers. Miller noted the mayor is the only municipal politician elected city-wide "and has the moral authority to implement the agenda he's elected on," he said.

Miller hinted it might be time for some councillors to move on, although he praised allies such as Councillors Adam Vaughan, Gord Perks and Adrian Heaps. "All three of them are excellent, and I think that vitality is something that is really needed," he said.

Council has conservative and liberal factions. The conservative councillors are worried about the ramp-up in spending and taxes that has taken place since Miller became mayor in 2003.

One thing that seemingly hurt Miller's standing with the public was the handling of the 39-day municipal workers strike, the resolution of which seemed to satisfy no one.

Miller suggested that was a temporary setback in public opinion. "When I walk around Toronto, people are terrific," he said.

He insisted the city won the strike. "If you look at labour relations settlements across the province of Ontario, we got what we wanted, significantly less than other settlements all across this province for the past decade."

Miller said he ended an obsolete sick leave plan, but it will only be phased out over time.

The mayor argued he couldn't say the city had won between the time the deal was reached and the vote, and that's the period in which public opinion was formed on the issue.

Critics of Miller said the mayor promised even greater concessions from the union and didn't deliver, while others wondered why a strike was necessary for the deal that eventually ended the dispute.

Miller had been active on the national stage in trying to promote a new deal for cities with the federal government in terms of funding. He gave credit for former Liberal prime minister Paul Martin for starting the ball rolling and to Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper for maintaining and adding to the arrangement.

"That shows it was the right thing to do," he said. "If Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal aren't succeeding, Canada isn't. If we do succeed, Canada as a whole as a much better chance."

Monday, September 28, 2009

Attitude....

Priorities.....


Taxpayers owe killer $6,000 for 'pain, suffering' of worn-out sneakers

An appeal court has confirmed that Canadian taxpayers must pay $6,000 for the “pain and suffering” endured by U.S. multiple murderer Gregory McMaster who injured his knee after prison officials deliberately failed to promptly replace his worn-out running shoes.

While 1 in 3 families cannot afford to get their kids involved in organized sports......

Privatization

Beckbytes – Arguing With Idiots About Capitalism II
From Glenn Beck’s new book Arguing with Idiots: How to Stop Small Minds and Big Government comes this clip about privatization.A.D.D. Moment – New Zealand corporatized their postal service in 1987. As Cornell professor Richard Geddes notes, that change “led to improvements in efficiency, a 40% reduction in the system’s workforce, a doubling in labor productivity, a decrease in the cost of sending a letter and a decrease in the price of a basic stamp.” And they did it all without impacting service in either rural or urban communities.
OfficiallyScrewed.com

Beckbytes: Arguing With Idiots About Capitalism

From Glenn Beck’s new book Arguing with Idiots: How to Stop Small Minds and Big Government comes this gem on how capitalism performs when compared to socialistic government programs.

Profits=Progress: In January 2006, New Orleans mayor Ray Nagin announced 314 new public projects as part of his rebuilding effort after Katrina. Over two and a half years later, just six of them were complete. Conversely, Wal-Mart had 126 of their stores damaged in the hurricane; 110 of them were up and running within ten days.


New USA Mantra - Bring Things down to Their Lowest Common Denominator

The 5156 Equality Olympics
According to President Obama, the US has embarked on an era of new internationalism. No longer will the US seek to dominate others. Now that the evil Bush has been vanquished, the US will step down and take its place as simply one nation among many. Equality and egalitarianism are the new watchwords. Those Coke commercials from the 70s will be fulfilled at last in the long-awaited but now upon us Obamillenium.
The way the Ball bounces

The only plan he has is to make America a third world country

Is Obama a socialist?

  • September 28, 2009
    By Robert Jensen

    For months, leftists have been pointing out the absurdity of the claim that Barack Obama is a socialist. But no matter how laughable, the claim keeps popping up.

Home Of The Magna Carta And Robin Hood....

Environmentalism: The New Terrorism
We’re used to reading about silly articles that suggest ways of saving the planet from global warming, that omnipresent threat that is always on the verge of the tipping point, but never quite tips right over. The latest suggestion of environmental insanity is rearing it’s ugly head in Great Britain, where “Britain’s first employee carbon rationing scheme” fines workers for exceeding their personal emission target. It has become a part of our social consciousness in the western world, that we must temper our economic growth with environmental sustainability. The only problem is, we continue to curtail economic growth during this recession with green policies that contribute to the lasting downturn. [...]

Unambiguously Ambidextrous

Soccer Moms Hockey Dads......

Father may not know best, but he sure knows the game

'Hockey Insider' writes new book as 'a public service for fellow Hockey Dads, and Moms'

Technology-Staying In The Loop

Lisan Jutras: Sociable

Tweet timesuck: It’s the links that will kill you

For a medium that champions brevity, Twitter can be anything but a breezy read Liar, liar: The plight of the Pinocchio parent

I Didn't Know That.....

Ten things you didn’t know about the TTC

More than one million people use the Toronto Transit Commission every day, relying on its network of four subway lines, 11 streetcar routes and more than 140 bus routes to transport them through their daily lives.

Lots of work left for the Transit City mayor

In his announcement last week that he will not seek re-election in 2010, Toronto Mayor David Miller stated that each of..

Miller Talks About Impact On His Family......

....how about the impact on the voter's families?

Facing likely defeat, David Miller opts to get out of the way
Sep 26, 2009 04:30 AM

His son in tears, his family by his side, Mayor David Miller presented a credible picture yesterday of a conscientious politician willing to give up the glory of the public square for the good of his family.

In opting for family over politics, Miller sets a terrific example. But the real reason for Miller's early exit is probably hidden in the subtext of his stunning announcement 14 months before the next election.

He feared he might lose, and opinion polls bolstered...

If Your Dog Bites Someone You Don't Punish The Owner......

......you punish the dog. In this case the owner is the apethetic, ill informed,self interest voter who failed to properly train and control the dog.

Joe Fiorito

My skin is thin. I take things personally. That's an asset in my job. It is also one of the many reasons why I'm not in politics.

Mayorality Debate......

*reduce council by 50%
*recall legislation


Issues to debate in mayoral race
September 27, 2009

With incumbent David Miller's announcement Friday that he will not be seeking re-election, the 2010 race for the Toronto mayoralty is now wide open. Let there be a wide range of good choices for the voters.

Even before Miller's announcement, both Deputy Premier George Smitherman and former provincial Conservative leader John Tory had hinted strongly that they would be candidates. They represent, respectively, the centre-left and centre-right. And Miller's departure may also open up room for city councillors who are further left or further right. That would cover just about the full political spectrum and give voters lots of choice.

But the mayoral campaign ought not to be fought solely on the basis of ideological labels. This city is at a turning point and faces a staggering array of problems. If they are not addressed with pragmatic solutions, Toronto could begin a long, slow decline. Some of the problems:

  • Fiscal deficit. The city's books have been balanced under Miller through a range of tax increases (including new taxes on drivers' licences and land transfers and user fees for garbage), raiding reserves and bailouts from the province. All three options may have been exhausted. How, then, should the city address its financial woes?
  • Transportation. Miller is rightly proud of the "transit city" plan he pioneered. But it remains clouded by the TTC's sometimes testy relationship with Metrolinx, the provincial transit body that controls the purse strings. Should the two agencies be merged? And, turning to the road side of the transportation equation, is it really wise to pull down the Gardiner Expressway east of Jarvis St.?
  • Affordable housing. There were cheers last week for the YWCA low-income housing project on Elm St. But few other such projects are being built. Most of the funding has to come from the senior levels of government. But has the city done all it can to facilitate development of affordable housing, both in its zoning and in land acquisition?
  • Recycling. The city boasts about the high percentage of garbage it recycles. But it is still well short of its ultimate goal (70 per cent diversion), and a recent Star series raised serious questions about the recycling program that ought to be addressed. Are we getting enough bang for the green/blue bin buck?
  • Island airport. Opposition to a bridge to the airport propelled Miller to the front in the 2003 mayoralty race. But subsequent reports of the airport's imminent demise were clearly premature. Is it now time to acknowledge the airport is an asset, not a blight, and build a tunnel to it?
  • Waterfront. Why is it taking so long to develop the city's waterfront? Is the tripartite (municipal, provincial, federal) structure of the planning body just too unwieldy? What are the alternatives?
  • Intergovernmental relations. Miller got on well with the province, not so well with Ottawa, and mostly ignored the other municipalities, notably in the 905 belt around Toronto. Is it time for Toronto and the surrounding municipalities to get together and forge a joint economic strategy?

This list is not meant to be exhaustive. There are other issues that could be added. The point is that an open mayoral race gives us a chance to debate them. We should not throw the opportunity away.

It Might Not Rehabilitate But It keeps The Garbage Off The Streets

'Tough on crime' tough to take

For as long as politics has existed, crime and punishment has been a promising political issue.

Councilor Walker Needs A Civic Lesson......

...the city doesn't lead the province; it is the other way around. Queens Park (McGinty) couldn't care a rat's ass about the voters of Toronto. Walker's proposal is nothing more than a media attention getter.

Councillor wants HST on city ballot

If city councillor Michael Walker has his way, Toronto voters won't just be picking a new mayor and council in the 2010 election -- they'll also be weighing in on the province's harmonized sales tax.

He's Dalton McSlippery

That slippery fish has done it again

Miller Saga

Fair-weather friends

So much for socialist solidarity.

Mammo Mia Mayor: Will Giorgio run?

How about Mayor Mammo?

Budget will be big test

The toughest budget the amalgamated city of Toronto has ever seen is now in the hands of a potentially lame-duck mayor who will never face the voters again.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Criticism=Racism? Fine Line Between ISMs

I AM NOT Playing the 53rd Card......

...just making a valid comment.

Playing With A 53 Card Deck...

Dislike Obama? You must be racist.

The obvious explanation for his low ratings are his unpopular policies, writes MARK STEYN, but don’t go there

by Mark Steyn on Thursday, September 24, 2009 9:00am - 373+ Comments

More White People Think More White People Are Racist
(Hmm! 60's liberals back to the barriers? Get out the sandals and tie dye gowns.)

Put Things In Perspective

...before setting off to Harper's Office with the tar and feathers.

The party that hates women
Posted: September 25, 2009, 8:55 PM by Jonathan Kay
Filed under: Jonathan Kay

That's what all of the usual suspects would label the Conservatives if the Tories had thrown a female candidate under the bus like the Liberals just did.

Remember that the next time some overblown episode like this happens — and you get invited to 100 different Facebook groups screeching about how sexist Stephen Harper supposedly is.

The NUTS Don't Fall Far From The Tree

National Post editorial board: David McGuinty's "isolationism" canard
Posted: September 26, 2009, 9:00 AM by NP Editor

With all the breathless hysteria usually employed by bloggers who rail against their enemies from bedrooms in their parents’ basements, Liberal Environment Critic David McGuinty said on Wednesday that Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s failure to appear at the United Nations this week had “shamed” Canada. Mr. McGuinty — brother of Ontario Liberal Premier Dalton — went on to repeat the new Liberal claim that under the Tories, Canada has lost respect and importance on the world stage.

Both contentions are utterly ridiculous.

Instead of lining up in New York to hear the likes of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi drone on incessantly about the failures of the West and the virtues of dictatorial Islamist government, Mr. Harper chose to tour a Tim Hortons plant in Oakville, Ont. to mark the corporation’s return to Canadian ownership. We’ll bet that Mr. Harper’s priorities, while obviously galling to smug internationalists such as those populating the Liberal brain trust, are entirely in keeping with those of most Canadians. The average Canuck probably doesn’t care much for the rarefied (and largely useless) goings on at UN headquarters, but given that six of 10 cups of coffee-shop coffee sold in this country comes from a Tim’s outlet, he or she probably cares deeply about the operations of the country’s largest fast food chain.

At Least We Are Not Going To The Polls......

....Liberal attack ad??

And you thought they'd get over it?
Posted: September 26, 2009, 1:04 PM by NP Editor

Rex Murphy explains why you don't much like Michael Ignatieff
Posted: September 26, 2009, 8:39 PM by Jonathan Kay
Filed under: Jonathan Kay

I hate to say it — because he writes for a rival newspaper — but Rex Murphy today provides the perfect deconstruction of why Michael Ignatieff has failed to inspire Canadians:

Mr. Trudeau's braininess was sexy, Mr. Ignatieff's you merely gather from the résumé. Mr. Trudeau wowed on contact. You're supposed to be impressed by Mr. Ignatieff. That dreadful feeble Ignatieff-before-the-trees ad, with its anodyne “we can do better” slogan, is breathtakingly pointless. It radiates the very absence of message or point that presumably it was constructed to dispel … What we have so far from him is a credentials candidate, a list of qualifications, all neatly typed on very fine quality paper. On the page, he's great. He'd make the perfect university president. But where is the touch of style and manner, the evidence of real passion infusing new ideas, that connects him to, or makes him a vessel for, the shared aspirations of an entire people? Where's the leader quality?

Obama's Solution......

"The news sparked international condemnation. U.S. President Barack Obama used his weekly Internet and radio address Saturday to offer Iran "serious, meaningful dialogue," while warning that it will face greater isolation from the international community if the country fails to co-operate on nuclear non-proliferation."

Iran says it test-fired short-range missiles

Updated Sun. Sep. 27 2009 8:17 AM ET

Why Should We Care.......

....he is the voice of those who Serve And Protect us and he impacts on the City's largest budget item.
Take a good look at constable who wants to head police association
Christie Blatchford


A Staple In Every Survival Kit

Shelf Life: Discomfort food

We’re doing it for the children. For years, Shelf Life has resisted the idea of taste-testing packaged macaroni and cheese, not only because all neon-coloured meals make us nervous, but because the topic seems over-explored. Is there anything consumers don’t know about this stuff? We know that, per capita, Canadians buy more of it than anyone else. We know that sales have shot up in the wake of an uncertain economy. We know about the folk rumour that the box is healthier than the contents. We know that a certain brand has become preeningly aware of its status among students, so its TV ad campaigns riff on dorms, sex and cooking mac and cheese on radiators.

I Agree......

Why pay teachers to babysit?

Once you roll back all the edu-speak and the gobbledegook, you get to the core of what all-day kindergarten is really all about: All-paid daycare.

Let's Hear it for Sue Ann - At Least She Tried...

...and let's also give the other contenders recognition. Once again the apathy of voters was evident.....very vocal at the local bistro or Timmies but too lazy to go to the polling station.

Running for her political life

Thirty-five days, 6,500 doors, three pairs of shoes and 7,851 votes later, I had the time of my life.

The Battle Continues

Andy And I might be losing Comrade Miller but now we Have Depends Smithermon......

Ridden out on a rail

"I accomplished what I set out to do."

Game changer at City Hall

The next time Toronto council meets, everything will be the same but nothing will be as it was.

Look At George's Track Record At Queen's Park.....

....bounced from two cabinet positions! He couldn't even make it in Dulltoon McGinty's cadre. In the last municipal election the results, IMHO, were close:

David Miller
299,385 43.26
John Tory 263,189 38.03

Tory still the best man to fill the mayor's shoes

While George Smitherman wants to be known as the man who would be mayor, John Tory is the guy who should sit in the big chair at City Hall.

George running -- in marathon

Mayoral prospects Smitherman, Tory maintaining low profile

Voters Have Becme Apathic

Miller simply couldn't shake his reputation as a lefty

The City of Toronto, pre- and post-amalgamation, has had just two progressive mayors, and neither made it past a first term. In fact, David Miller held onto office for longer than John Sewell and Barbara Hall combined.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

The Miller Farce

Hopefully Some Of His Cronies Will Follow Miller......

David Miller won't run in 2010

Toronto Mayor David Miller will not seek a third term.

Miller down, out, but not finished

The strike left him badly wounded, his approval rating in the gutter. Now, in an exclusive interview, Toronto's mayor talks about how he'll ride out the next 14 months

Miller leaves weary taxpayers behind

Mayor David Miller’s high spending ways while in office have left the city in financial ruins, according to the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.

Mayor morphs into Family Guy

Over and over I asked myself, how does a skilled politician walk into an election year facing a $500-million budget hole at the very least, and the prospect of horrendous property tax hikes and TTC fare increases?

  • Facing likely defeat, David Miller opts to get out of the way
    by Royson James
  • 8 min. ago
    Love him or hate him, there is no denying that David Miller changed Toronto through six years as mayor. Upon winning office in 2003, he took charge of a deeply troubled city, its reputation battered by municipal corruption, a ...

    Miller urges ‘progressive’ replacement

    Toronto Mayor David Miller surprised City Hall yesterday by announcing he would not seek re-election next year, deciding instead to focus...


    Employment Opportunities......

    .....looking for glamor, excitement, opportunity to meet new people, make higher than the minimum wage, be your own boss then call I Am A Hooker toll free.

    Vancouver sex workers angry at Sally Ann ads

    "A coalition of sex trade worker advocacy groups says the campaign portrays all sex trade workers as human trafficking victims who didn't enter the sex trade by choice."

    Friday, September 25, 2009

    No One Cand Dispute There is A Supreme Being.....

    ..and he/she has decided the people of Toronto deserve a break.

    Toronto Mayor David Miller announces he will not run for a third term during a press conference at city hall in Toronto

    Friday, Sept. 25, 2009.

    T.O. Mayor Miller says he won't run for re-election

    Updated: Fri Sep. 25 2009 10:47:03 AM

    ctvtoronto.ca

    Toronto Mayor David Miller has confirmed he will step down from his post when his term is done in 2010. He told reporters Friday that he has accomplished all that he has set out to do and now wants to focus on his family.

    Not building a bridge was one of his accomplishments, returning to the city two "new" brooms that were never used and kissing the butts of the unions, island squatters, waterfront condo owners and social in-activists were a couple others and let's not forget his organization skills which prepared a group of leftwing councilors to join Barnun and Bailey.......

    "It was a difficult decision but I feel secure in my priorities and proud of my record," he said at a news conference Friday morning at City Hall, at times his voice breaking with emotion.

    Miller -- who still has 14 months left in office -- has said repeatedly thoughout the term that he planned on running in the next election.

    But he said that all changed when he met with his campaign team last week.

    Though he said the "enthusiasm in the room was incredible," he decided not to run after discussing his political future with his family.

    He said since he became mayor, he has faced "immense" pressure as a husband and father. He said if he were to be re-elected to serve a third term until 2014, his daughter would be in university and his son would be graduating from high school. He pointed out that both of his children were born in the late 90s, after he was elected to serve as city councillor.

    "(Being re-elected) would not allow me to be there for them in the way they deserve," he said.

    The announcement comes as the mayor continues to be battered in the polls following his perceived mishandling of this summer's 39-day civic strike. He was also heavily criticized this week after it was revealed that the true cost of employee sick-day benefits far surpasses the figure Miller touted during the strike.

    However, Miller said he is "proud" about all that he has accomplished since he was elected as mayor in 2003, including launching an ambitious transit expansion program and making Toronto one of the most eco-conscious cities in the world.

    "Every major policy at the foundation of my campaign has been accomplished or is well underway," he said.

    He said if he did run again, "it would be about me and my electoral success and not for the Toronto I love."

    In the past several months, several prominent figures had suggested they plan to challenge Miller in the next election.

    John Tory, who lost to Miller in 2003 and then became leader of the provincial Tories, is said to be seriously considering a run for the position.

    And George Smitherman, the deputy Ontario premier, has also publicly said he is mulling his own bid.

    Smitherman, who has represented the Toronto Centre riding as a Liberal MPP since 1999, told reporters earlier this month he wants to make sure his "dedication to public service is focused in the right places."

    Smitherman made headlines for organizing neighbourhood cleanups during the summer's civic strike, allowing himself to be recorded carrying a broom -- a campaign prop of Miller's first run for the mayor's chair.

    Reports say that as many as four right-leaning city councillors are also considering a run for mayor.

    The municipal election is not until November 2010. But serious candidates usually declare officially around Jan. 1, the day they can start raising funds.

    Indigenous Input

    Some good news in Indian Country.

    Apparently, AFN national chief Shawn Atleo has stated that he will push for First Nation economic self-sufficiency, as he recognizes that political independence and economic independence are inescapably linked.

    This is from a recent news story in the Globe and Mail. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/afn-chief-vows-to-push-economic-self-sufficiency/article1290784/

    This is encouraging news and I wish the best to Atleo in his plans to work towards FN self-sufficiency.

    It's funny how I was called a right wing crank on APTN for suggesting this by First Nation journalist and co-panelist Trevor Greyeyes.

    I have said that PM Stephen Harper could truly be a transformational leader in this area as Trudeau was with the Charter if he took this issue as his own and expended political capital.

    The debate over ending the Indian Act and freeing up First Nation business activity should start now.

    Michelle Musings

    The 3 R’s in the Age of Obama: Rappin’, revolution & radicalism

    By Michelle Malkin • September 25, 2009 03:18 AM

    boorg.jpg

    The three R’s in the Age of Obama: Rappin’, revolution & radicalism
    by Michelle Malkin
    Creators Syndicate
    Copyright 2009

    Canada Can Be Used As A Model For Change

    Jamaica's gays worship in the closet

    The Sunshine Cathedral, Jamaica's only gay church, gives parishioners a community, in secret.

    Out of the closet, into the fire
    Gay pride in China? Yes and no.

    Now He Will Get My Wife Out To Vote.......

    When You're The PM/Prez You Set Priorities


    From NOW


    I started the day Monday (September 21) sitting at the back of a banquet hall at the downtown Hilton watching 1,000 T-dot business folks give a lukewarm welcome to what had been billed as a major speech by Michael Ignatieff outlining his economic vision.

    MORE

    About Me

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    I lean to the right but I still have a heart and if I have a mission it is to respond to attacks on people not available to protect themselves and to point out the hypocrisy of the left at every opportunity.MY MAJOR GOAL IS HIGHLIGHT THE HYPOCRISY AND STUPIDITY OF THE LEFTISTS ON TORONTO CITY COUNCIL. Last word: In the final analysis this blog is a relief valve for my rants/raves.

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