Francis Chartrand for Rivière-des-Mille-Îles

Beleaguered Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert announced Wednesday he will not take part in his party's leadership contest in two months, and will step down to battle a corruption investigation against him once a new leader is in place.

"After I step down, I will prove my innocence," Olmert said in a nationally televised address Wednesday evening from outside his official residence in Jerusalem.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is currently contending with a fifth major corruption case against him since he took office in 2006. (Ronen Zvulun/Associated Press)

Olmert, whose departure could stall already troubled peace negotiations with the Palestinians, insisted he has improved the situation in Israel and said he still believes that peace is the most important step for the country.

"By making a decision, I will be opening a window to a better future," he said. "Those who berate me will one day have to come out and face the truth."

Move could lead to election

U.S. billionaire Morris Talansky's allegations in May seriously damaged Olmert's credibility among Israelis, and the resulting outrage prompted the Kadima party to set new leadership elections for Sept. 17.

Foreign Affairs Minister Tzipi Lipni is viewed by many as the frontrunner to replace Olmert as the centrist party's new leader, but rival candidates should start to emerge in the wake of his announcement Wednesday, the CBC's Peter Armstrong reported from Jerusalem.

The Kadima leadership race could lead to an election if the winner fails to build a coalition after Olmert leaves office. The current government is supported by a fragile coalition with former prime minister and current Defence Minister Ehud Barak's Labour party.

Talansky testified in an Israeli court in Jerusalem that Olmert accepted roughly $150,000 US during his tenure as mayor of Jerusalem and as a cabinet minister before he was elected as prime minister in 2006.

PM once called himself 'indestructible'

Police suspect the money was meant as bribes — although Talansky insisted he never got anything in return — or illegal campaign financing. Olmert insisted the funds were legal contributions.

Talansky's testimony offered an unflattering portrait of Olmert, whom Talansky described as a bon vivant with a penchant for fancy hotels, fine cigars, expensive watches and first-class travel.

It is the fifth major corruption case against Olmert, who fled the right-wing Likud party in 2005 to form Kadima along with Ariel Sharon, who was prime minister until he suffered a massive stroke in 2006.

Olmert — who once called himself "indestructible" — had previously survived numerous calls to resign in the fallout from his much-criticized handling of the 2006 conflict with Hezbollah guerrillas in southern Lebanon.

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Labels: Israel, Marie-Êve Marineau

# posted by Francis Chartrand @ 11:39 AM 0 Comments

The Justice and Development Party (AKP) to power in Turkey since 2002, will not be dissolved, and 71 of its main leaders, including President Abdullah Gül and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, will not be banned from any political office.

After two days of deliberations, the Turkish Constitutional Court announced Wednesday it rejected a request to that effect filed by the Attorney General. Ce dernier alléguait que le parti portait atteinte au sacro-saint principe de laïcité de l'État. The latter alleged that the party violated the sacrosanct principle of secularism of the state.

In press conference, the president of the court, Hasim Kilic, said that 6 of 11 judges had travelled to the arguments of the Attorney General or one less than the number required to ensure that the request be approved.

The President of the Constitutional Court, Hasim Kilic (2nd from right)

The judges, however, have concluded that the AKP was a hotbed for militants fighting against secularism and has consequently decided to deprive him of half of public funds to which he is entitled for the current year.

The accusations of undermining the principle of secularism of the state relied mainly on the attempt by the AKP to allow university students to wear the Islamic veil. The prosecutor also argued that municipalities controlled by the AKP tried to promote an Islamic way of life, including restricting alcohol sales.

Such cases are highly controversial in Turkey, a country whose citizens are predominantly Muslim, while remaining committed to the principle of secularism institutions established by the founder of the state, Kemal Ataturk.

Over the years, the Constitutional Court has banned more than two dozen parties from the Islamist movement, but none of them had popular support for the AKP. The party was re-elected with 47% of the votes in the summer of 2007, after a battle with the opposition and the army, which focused specifically on the secularism of the state.

The judgement was greeted with relief by the AKP, the European Union and financial markets.

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Labels: Francis Chartrand, Secularism, Turkey

# posted by Francis Chartrand @ 11:17 AM 0 Comments

Labels: Anne Humphreys, Arab World, Islam, Secularism

# posted by Francis Chartrand @ 10:39 AM 0 Comments

translated from English by Marcel Charbonnier

1 / Is it true that in 1941, and again in 1942, German Gestapo offered to all European Jews the opportunity to transit in Spain, if they renounce all their possessions in Germany and France occupied the two following conditions:

a) none of the deportees are expected from Spain for Palestine ;

b) all the deportees would be shipped from Spain to the USA or in British colonies, to remain there; entry visas would be granted to Jews living in these lands; ransom in the amount of $ 1 000 for each family would be provided by the Agency [Jewish], with the arrival of families to the Spanish border at a rate of one thousand families per day?

2 / Is it true that the Zionist leaders in Switzerland and Turkey have accepted this offer, fully aware that the exclusion of Palestine, as the destination of deportation was based on an agreement between Gestapo and the Mufti [of Jerusalem]?

3 / Is it true that the response made by the Zionist leaders was negative, accompanied by the following comments:

a) Only Palestine could be considered an acceptable destination for the deportees;

b) The European Jews must suffer more and die in greater numbers than other nations, so that the allies, once victorious, endorse a "Jewish state" at the end of the war;

c) No ransom will be paid?

4 / Is it true that the response to the offer to Gestapo was made in full knowledge that the alternative to this offer, it was the gas chambers?

5 / Is it true that in 1944, at the time of deportations in Hungary, a similar offer had been made, which would have saved all the Jews of this country?

6 / Is it true that the same Zionist hierarchy, again, refused this offer (after the gas chambers have already taken their terrible toll on millions of victims)?

7 / Is it true that earlier killings during the war, 270 members of British Parliament proposed to evacuate some 500 000 Jews of Europe, and resettle them in British colonies in negotiations diplomatic ties with Germany?

8 / And is it not true that this offer was rejected by the Zionist leaders, with this comment: "Towards la Palestine Palestine , or nothing! "?

9 / Is it true that the British government has granted visas to 300 rabbis and members of their families, enabling them to visit Mauritius, and a safe conduct for evacuees through Turkey. The leaders of the "Jewish Agency" had sabotaged the plan, noting that it was unfair vis-à-vis Palestine and the 300 rabbis and their families deserved to be gassed.

10 / Is it true that during the negotiations mentioned above, Chaim Weitzman, the first "man of Jewish state" declared: "The most valuable of the Jewish nation is already in Palestine, and these Jews then, who live outside Palestine , are not so important." The Deputy Weitzman, Greenbaum, worsening the statement, which noted: "A cow in Palestine is more precious than all the Jews of Europe"?

There would be many other similar questions to ask these degenerate atheists, known as "men of Jewish State", but for now, let them meet the ten questions.

These "men of state" Zionists, so great was their vision, wanted to put an end to two thousand years of Jewish obedience and political compromise Jews respecting the divine order. With their offensive militancy, they fanned the fires of anti-Semitism in Europe, and they have forged a chain of anti-Jewish hatred between Nazi Germany and neighbouring countries.

These are the "men of state" who had organized the boycott totally irresponsible against Germany in 1933. The boycott was, for Germany, is a bite of a bullet is an elephant, but he caused the disaster for the Jews of Europe. In a time when America and England were at peace with the mad dog Hitler, "men of state" Zionist have neglected the only plausible method of aménité policy, and by their boycott, they have aroused among the leader of Germany a frenzied anger. Then, after the worst episode of Jewish history, these "men of state" Zionist have misled broken refugees in camps for displaced persons, now in hunger and deprivation, and asking them to reject any proposal for resettlement elsewhere in Palestine, just to be able to install their state.

The "men of state" Zionists led, and continue to incite a bitter Jewish youth in unnecessary wars against world powers such as England, and against the Arab masses with hundreds of millions.
And these are the same "men of state" Zionists who are currently lead the world into another war - turning completely around Holy Earth.

What might happen to the Jewish inhabitants of Palestine , Fertile Crescent Arabic, Europe or the USA, the Zionist leaders do not care éperdument. The rise of anti-Semitism in the Western world is the product of their so-called "responsibility".

Under the travesty of "love of Israel", "Men of State" Zionists have prompted many Jews to replace their devotion to Torah and its Wise and his devotion to the ruffian founder of Zionism. It is highly significant qu'Herzl, originally, had sought the conversion of Jews, as a solution to problems the Diaspora. Having aware that this was not acceptable for the Jewish masses, he invented Zionism was, in his view, the right solution!

A review of history shows that this is exactly the same type of "a statesman" who had opposed the call of the prophet Jeremiah to obey the cute of Nebuchadnezzar at the destruction of the First Temple. Five centuries later, Rabbi Yochonon Ben Zakai called its people to visit the Roman emperor Titus in order to avoid a bloodbath. The "men of state" rejected this appeal, and the Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans. And it is now fifty years that "men of state" Zionists reject the leadership of our Sages, and continue their policy of fomenting anti-Semitism. When they stop? Are all Jews must suffer, America too? Even the Nazi monsters they were more sensible: they gave up their war before all Germany is destroyed.

Our Torah, in his Treatise Ksubos, folio 111, specifies that the Creator, blessed be he, gave the Jews swear not to occupy Holy Earth by force, even when it seems that they have sufficient strength to do so, and not rebel against the Nations. And the Creator warned that if His jurement was violated, the Jewish flesh would be "lawful game for everyone," like wild animals in the forest! These are the very terms of our Torah, and these concepts have been cited in the Treaties "Igeres Teimon", "Be'er HaGola", "Ahavas Yehonosson" Maimonides, as well as in "Toras Moshe" Chasam Sofer.

Everyone knows that all wise and all the saints in Europe at the time of Hitler's ascension to power, said it was a message of divine wrath, sent to punish the Jews Because of the atrocious Zionist apostasy against belief in a messianic redemption eschatological.

Oh, Jews - son of merciful fathers merciful - how much longer the sacred blood of Jews will continue there to be paid?

The only solution, here:

The Jewish people must reject, totally and immediately, "Jewish state".

The Jewish people must accept the U.S. compromise.

We must remove the "men of state" Zionist atheists their role as leaders of the Jewish community, and return to the faithful leadership of our sages.

We beg the United all open their doors to immigration - and not just those of Palestine.

The clerics peaceful and non-Zionists in Palestine, (particularly in the indigenous population) and their counterparts in Diaspora , must enter into negotiations responsible, face-to-face, on behalf of the Jewish people, with the British and Arabs; in order to find an amicable solution to the question of Palestine.

Any Jew is obliged to request the Blessed creator, because in him that lies our strength. Let's conserv in mind that our prayers should be addressed directly. No one should ask the Creator to give a banquet on the day of Forgiveness, and no person shall carry out a ritual ablution with an insect death hand, likewise, we must absolutely avoid the untenable position which is the thief praying and asking for divine help to accomplish his crime. We must pray asking that Zionism and its consequences disappear from the surface of Holy Earth , and that we are rédimés by Messiah without delay.

It was only after he had completed his term that we can release the prisoner, or if it is pardoned, because of his good conduct by the President. If he attempts to escape and was caught, the duration of his imprisonment is extended, not to mention he is beaten when he made up.

Oh, you faithful Jews, since more than three thousand five hundred years in all parts of the world through all the hardships, our grandparents have crossed oceans of blood and tears to keep Faith of Torah , imperturbably. If we have compassion for ourselves, for our women and children, and for the Jewish people, we will maintain our golden legacy today. We were condemned to exile by the King of Kings because of our sins. The Lord blessed be He, has decreed that we must accept exile with humble gratitude until the time comes, or until we deserve forgiveness through our repentance, and that if we seek to put an end to exile by force, we decide, as we have warned our sages, and our penalty would become longer and more severe.

On many occasions in the past, parts of our people were deceived by false messiahs - but none of these false messiahs were also false and misleading that the lie of Zionism. With reference to our historical experience, we know that no punishment has never been, nor will never be more terrible than that we receive for providing authentic Zionism. If we want our conviction into exile or commuted, we have to appeal through repentance and a total observance, both physical and spiritual, of the Sabbath, laws of family purity and the study of the Torah.

That is well understood than ever, throughout Jewish history (and even the time of Jeroboam or Achav), they have seized the reins of the Jewish people as atheists hostile today.

How can we thank you ask the Almighty, when we tolerate these vile and twisted leaders as spokesmen! My dear brothers, clean our ranks, and clean up our environment; ask the Almighty, through our prayers, our repentance and the performance of good deeds [mitsvot] he rédime us all, as only He can done immediately!

Read this excerpt from the book of Rabbi Weissmandl: Min Hametzar Sefer.

"If people knew what we did, they pourchasseraient in the streets, and we wood hang them."
George HW "Poppy" Bush

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Labels: Israel, Zionism

# posted by Francis Chartrand @ 10:53 PM 0 Comments

28/07/2008 12h06

I don't want to make nobody jealous, but I spent last week in London.

I thought that if Sir Paul can sing I Saw Her Standing There on the Plains, I can sing La Bitte à Tibi in the middle of Hyde Park.

It's not for me brag, but my concert took a big effect. Of the five people who heard me, three told me they were going to spend their next vacation in Rouyn-Noranda.

This is crazy as the music brings peoples. It's like me, since I know that Sir Paul has sung in Kiev on June 14 last 000 to 350 people (not to mention the inhabitants of Harkiv, Dnepropetrovsk, Sevastopol, Lviv, Donetsk and Odessa, who were able, lucky, watch the show on a giant screen), I do dream of one thing: spend two weeks in Ukraine.

After all, if Ukraine is quite good for Sir Paul, it is good enough for me, is not it?

NEW MODE

When you think of London, we see red phone booths, men who wear a bowler hat and double-decker bus. Well, if the trend continues, we will soon add another icon to this list: burkas.

Indeed, I saw more of burqas in five days in London that skinny T-shirts in a month in Quebec.

No veils or scarves, no: burkas. The beekeeper costume, with the small door at eye level that allows Ms. not darken in her husband when she read 15 feet behind.

This is the new fashion in London. Mr walks in the department of perfumes Harrod's in gougounes and shorts while the lady to sue big drops under his black shroud.

But, hey, this is the choice of these women, eh? As seems Francoise David, who am I to criticize?

After all, what woman does not cover with a thick veil from head to foot when it's 35 ° outside?

It's so beautiful, so perfectly fitting pair, so I had that tendency retain my blonde with two hands so that it does not buy them one on the spot ...

I SAW HER THERE HIDING

Want to see what excess leads Canadian multiculturalism? Spend a few days in London, it will défriser the nerve.

The most amusing is that while the English embrace the burqa (a burqa when signed Stella McCartney?), On the other side of the Channel, French refuse to grant citizenship to an immigrant because she bears the full veil (it is called there a "lack of assimilation").

If I were a subject of Her Majesty, I ask serious questions.

Soon, if it continues, you know who will sing in the middle of Hyde Park to celebrate the founding of London? Nobony. Neither Sir Paul, nor Raoul Duguay.

Because we will not want to offend the ayatollahs who do not like music.

THE LONDONIAN EXAMPLE

Meanwhile, Canada, the advocates of multiculturalism are now wondering if we should not allow polygamy, history of respecting the religious practices of some immigrants. As the Beatles sang: "Help!"

Link

Labels: Islam, Richard Martineau, Secularism, United Kingdom

# posted by Francis Chartrand @ 9:04 PM 0 Comments

00h14

The Democratic candidate for the U.S. presidential Barack Obama has refused to deliver clues about the identity of his future candidate for the vice-presidency, but instead portrayed the qualities he expected his eventual collaborator, foremost among which figure independence.

"I want someone independent, ready to tell me where he or she thinks I'm wrong," said the senator from Illinois in an interview broadcast Sunday on NBC radio.

Whatever his identity, or the future (e) Vice President (e) will not be confined to a representational role, "he assured. "We will have many problems and many things to do, and have a vice-president intended only to attend funerals, it does not interest me."

Among the last Democrat candidate for the vice-presidency, many were from the southern USA, the bastion of the Republican camp. Barack Obama has not indicated whether he would respect this strategy, which has sometimes proved embarrassing for his opponents but said he wanted a complementary partner to "provide knowledge (...), expertise that can be useful. "

The only nomination that the senator recognizes considered for the post is that of his former rival in the race for the Democratic nomination, Hillary Rodham Clinton.

"I have constantly said that qu'Hillary I thought Clinton would be on the list of anyone. It is one of the most effective leaders, intelligent, courageous that we have in the Democratic Party, "he concluded.

Link

Labels: Obama, United States

# posted by Francis Chartrand @ 6:52 AM 0 Comments

The Palestinian elite in its educational works

Note the quality of uniforms, shoes and hats included, and accessories (weapons), the profusion of flags absolutely new, the size and length of the staging. Record also the fact that all children welcome the Koran by leaving scene. These children are indoctrinated cream of their society, their parents are wealthy. No doubt thanks to their allegiance to the movement. And this film is circulating in the Palestinian territories for over two years, where he undoubtedly served as an example and model for countless similar performances.

Worthy of note also the fact that the television channel CNN American left has presented this film without showing the area in which Palestinian children killed by surprise Israeli soldiers then dragged the bodies on the scene.

Labels: Arab World, Noémie Cournoyer, Palestine, Secularism, Youth

# posted by Francis Chartrand @ 9:47 PM 0 Comments

Many claim that this is a photo of Omar Khadr. In this photo taken in Afghanistan, a young man exhibits hands amputated.

Somewhat similar in effect even in the turban of mujahideen. And I think it would be a hand and a foot amputated that this young man exibe as booty of war. Nice trophy that child, the radiant smile of development, thanks to good education model jihadist mahométan we balance at your fingertips. Yes, his path seems all mapped out and passed on from father to son Junior Khadr Khadr .... AH ! Sharia ... How charming religious culture and a high sense of ethics. It should not be that this picture is circulating at school during the course on ethics and religious culture in full Islam 101 on the benefits of Shariah: Sura 5 verset42: v. 42 of the Koran:

"As for the thief and the thief, cut their hands both as a reward for what they have acquired [flying] is the punishment of Allah…." You also have another recipe Koranic equally ethical for repeat offenders: the amputation of the leg opposite hand cut off.

This verse has the merit of clarity. More explicit than that, you die!

Our politicians talk of Omar Khadr as a child soldier. They shall refrain from saying it was high and endoctrinné not to be a soldier but to declare the violent jihad against everything that is not Muslim. The endoctrinnement is such that his younger brother, even in a wheelchair dream to explode to reach 72 virgins which he is already receiving the heady perfume.

And our dear politicians want to repatriate such a bomb at us. They do not tell us whether they intend to monitor Omar Khadr after his eventual repatriation and how many millions of dollars this will cost monitoring the Canadian taxpayer.

And what will happen to Bob Rae and Gilles Duceppe if Omar Khadr s'avisait to put into practice the jihadism he absorbed with breast milk, being detonated somewhere in Canada or elsewhere, resulting in the death of innocent victims? Bob Rae will stop there to sleep and Gilles Duceppe would be pretty crazy to resign? Probably NOT, well-righteous are never wrong, even when they are responsible for disasters.

It does not slow to realize that the safety of innocent people is not the priority of our dear politicians, what concern is to be politically correct, their gestures to the media do to bring grist to the mill Islamists and alleged human rights defenders.

Besides all this beautiful world, including politicians, were strangely silent when they learn in the news that this or that ex-Guantanamo detainee, returned to his country and supposed to be monitored closely, blew himself up in Iraq causing the death of dozens of people, or has been killed in Afghanistan fighting against soldiers of the international force.

Whether here or elsewhere, I do not want revenge for revenge. After all, Omar Khadr is doubly victim: his father and his destructive religion. I do not think it represents a serious threat to Canada, since it will be closely monitored by the RCMP, which could even benefit to unmask future terrorists.

But at what cost? A country that has balls (certainly not Canada) would have even tried for high treason, since he fought against allies in a war endorsed by the UN which involved his own country (but without taking this into account that his own country is Islam - Canada does that when seed).

What is amusing in his case it is rather hard with which the politicians of the opposition are fighting for the repatriation, especially that this video "sensational" with the RCMP officers were shot while the Liberals were in power ! What a great heart that Stéphane Dion! As for Layton and Duceppe, it makes for a long time we know their monopoly "humanist" as a very progressive convinced candy pink.

What they would not to embarrass these evil of the U.S. administration, these "fundamentalist-extreme-right" even at great expense to repatriate a member of a family who openly spits on democracy Western and who do dream of slavery - with its Islamic model - the very people who defend. The most ridiculous is that I read somewhere that an Imam of a mosque would be ready to take charge in order to show him the "true Islam of peace" (he begins by showing it to his brother here )!

And in case seed with a vengeful Khadr, no problem: These same politicians then hasten to blame Harper, Afghanistan, politics and conservative offense that marginalizes Muslims, and so on.

The case Khadr soldier raises the following questions to our dear leftists premises:

Is it legitimate to shoot a child packed with explosives as it prepares to blow in a Shopping Centre as Israel? (It will be entitled to one pound of blah blah, but never the right answer).

How interested the fate of Khadr, if the latter was an extremist Christian accused of plotting to blow for an abortion clinic in the U.S.? (They would have the opposite advantage of its presence there to request a copy punishment in his case, given the sentences candy here)!

I want to see that Afghans are overwhelmed, I want to believe they want to defend themselves, but I am of the opinion that this young is sunk. At 15 years he knew what he was doing, he had the age of reason, it must therefore be held responsible for his actions, especially when he and his brother want to become martyrs.

What can I say more ... we bury our living with "tolerance shit" with all tits friends of the "rainbow" mu-mu-mu-multicultural, dancing O Canada in 420 languages to reassure all Canadians and the - Canadian ladies, that everyone loves, with their beautiful smile on their fucking hypocritical face.

We have seen, winter 2007, it was stand up standing in Quebec and vlan is broken legs in Hérouxville. There is even a species of "special squads to patrol or pro-diversity being the great multicultural propaganda coup of the Koran and Sharia" by "mullahs ass kissers' which are gogauches Plateau Mont-Royal, and This is the deepest trough of Témiscamingue, câlisse, just to fuck the people of Ville-Marie and Quyon, to be sure that another Hérouxville never happens and to understand the Quebecers' that multiculturalism is here to stay and that our folklore, we must fuck it in our own ass because it is contrary to the values of Jews and Boibriand Outremont and Islamists Park-Extension, Ville Saint-Laurent and Ville LaSalle."

Yes, now it is best seen, for the Council of the Status of Women in Quebec, wear the hijab or birka, that wearing a g-string or a straitjacket.

Let us be vigilant and continue to be blinded by stupid Rights of the Human and Faith of Bullshit. Our country deserves better and more: the preservation of our civilization and our civil protection.

Iba Bouramine,

21 years old

Born in Algiers, I have grown in Ahunstic

Labels: Afghanistan, Arab World, Iba Bouramine, Islam, Secularism, Youth

# posted by Francis Chartrand @ 8:16 PM 3 Comments

Now, we go to the best Olympic moments (bishop of the Olympics that I am) on showing you some pictures I found. I'll comment on the politico later this weekend.

The American Florence Griffith Joyner, celebrates his victory after establishing a new Olympic record of 10.54 sec. the 100m for women and wins at the same time the gold medal in the Olympic Games in Seoul. On 25 September 1988. (credit: Photo RON KUNTZ / AFP / Getty Images) Morocco's Said Aouita begins to greet the crowd before crossing the finish line and won the 5000 metres final at the 1984 Olympics at the Coliseum Stadium in Los Angeles, California, USA. Aouita won the gold medal and sets a new Olympic record of 13:26.44 minutes. (credit: Photo David Cannon / Allsport) The Romanian Gabriela Szabo celebrates after winning gold in the 5000m final at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 at Olympic Stadium. Szabo sets new Olympic record of 14'40 "79. (Credit: Photo Darren England / REUTERS) During the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, American Bob Beamon won the gold medal in long jump by effecting a break 8m90 and is part of the Olympic record books. (credit: Photo Tony Duffy / Allsport)

The Russian Yelena Isinbayeva celebrates his victory after performing a pole vault at 4.91 meters and establishes a new Olympic record on August 24, 2004 at Olympic Stadium in Athens. (credit: Photo AXEL SCHMIDT / AFP / Getty Images)

Labels: Francis Chartrand, Reporters without borders, Sports

# posted by Francis Chartrand @ 7:49 PM 0 Comments

Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the date of the vote Friday.

Two of these elections will be held in the Montreal area, either in Westmount-Ville-Marie and Saint-Lambert. The third one will be held in Guelph, Ontario.

In Westmount-Ville-Marie, the Liberal Party will enjoy a candidate for the notoriety significant, because it's the former astronaut Marc Garneau. He wants to take over from Lucienne Robillard, who retired. His main opponent, former host of CBC radio Lagacé-Anne Dowson, is a rookie of the New Democratic Party, which wants to repeat the feat has been the election of Thomas Mulcair in Outremont in 2007.

On the side of Saint-Lambert, the Bloc candidate Josée Beaudin attempt to retain in the bosom of the party headquarters occupied since 2004 by Maka Kotto. His adversaries: the liberal Roxanne Stanners, the curator Patrick Clune and New Democrat Richard Marois.

At Guelph, the Liberal Party reigned supreme for years and the other parties will have a difficult task. In 2006, however, the Conservatives had managed to narrow the gap with the Liberals to a few thousand votes.

These elections are a first electoral test for the Turn green Liberal leader Stéphane Dion.

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Labels: Conservative Party, Elections, Marie-Êve Marineau, New Democratic Party

# posted by Francis Chartrand @ 8:55 AM 0 Comments

In an open letter published Thursday on the website of the New York Times, a former American diplomat says that Afghan President Hamid Karzai, protects the drug lords in Afghanistan, thus impeding the fight against trafficking in heroin.The paper is signed by Thomas Schweich, who was charged with the embassy of USA in Kabul to fight against drug trafficking in Afghanistan from March 2006 to June 2008.

According to Mr. Schweich, narcocorruption have reached the summit of the Afghan government. It also alleges that members of the Karzai government would be involved in drug trafficking, but that the president closes his eyes.

The drug traffickers would buy the silence of police chiefs, judges and other officials. Moreover, when the traffickers are arrested and convicted, they corromperaient prison officers, so that their imprisonment is of short duration.

Afghanistan produces 90% of global heroin. In 2007, 880 tonnes of poppy, the source of manufacture of heroin, have been produced in the country. The regions of Helmand and Kandahar, where Canadian troops, are the two provinces most affected by opium production. According to figures put forward by the United Nations, the sale of heroin on the black market would have won $ 4 billion (U.S.) in 2007.

Thomas Schweich believes that the fight against drug trafficking in Afghanistan is a failure. He said poppy cultivation had increased by 17% in 2007 compared to 2006. Moreover, this year, eradication of poppy cultivation n'équivaudrait than one third of the 20 000 hectares destroyed in 2007, or about 6600 hectares.

The former diplomat does not blame only the Karzai government failure in the fight against drug trafficking. According to him, the Pentagon made a mistake until the end of the war in Afghanistan to stop the trafficking of drugs, because the money pocketed by the production of heroin maintains the Taliban insurgency.

Mr. Schweich also believes that NATO should become more involved in this fight.

A strange cabal of Europeans shy, media blind Afghans corrupt officers Pentagon simply, the Democrats political motivations and the Taliban has prevented the implementation of an effective anti-drug program.

- Thomas Schweich

Pled Karzai

The Afghan President, Hamid Karzai, Thursday refuted allegations by Thomas Schweich. Mr. Karzai believes that the explosion of drug trafficking in his country was not solely attributable to Afghanistan. "Without doubt some Afghans are drug traffickers, but the majority [traffickers] are part of the international mafia who does not live in Afghanistan," he said.

Radio-Canada.ca with Agence France Presse, Canadian Press and Site New York Times Magazine

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Labels: Afghanistan, Anne Humphreys, Arab World, Islam, Karzai, United States

# posted by Francis Chartrand @ 1:17 AM 0 Comments

The column I wrote on Henry Morgentaler, Monday, has earned a tsunami of reactions - some fairly virulent, thank you.

Several readers have told me that, contrary to what I said, the theory of Dr. Morgentaler (namely that the legalization of abortion reduces crime rates) is nothing ridiculous.

A WAR OF FIGURES

I do not want to enter a war of figures rising 25 feet over the head of everyone, but if the question you want, do searches, you will see: several renowned economists and statisticians RÉFUTENT these studies. For every study saying that there is a link between abortion and crime rates, there is a study that proves the contrary.

Some statisticians even claim that, contrary to what was written Levitt, the crime rate has increased since the legalization of abortion!

Should we conclude that abortion INCREASES the crime rate? "Of course not" meet the pro-choice. "It does absolutely nothing to say ..." It's bizarre, is not it?

When the figures support our position, the figures are right. But when the numbers run counter to our position, the figures are wrong and studies are worth nothing.

AN PRETENTIUS AFFIRMATION

You know Malcolm Gladwell? He wrote the bestseller The Tipping Point and Blink.

In his blog, Gladwell refutes the theory of Levitt saying that the drop in crime observable across West can be explained by several factors: an increase in the number of police in the streets, increasing the overall standard of living of citizens , The change of values, adopting a more severe sentence, and so on.

Confirming, as did Henry Morgentaler, that abortion reduces crime rates does not stand two seconds.

Besides, everyone knows we can say anything to the figures. Do you know that there are studies saying that the legalization of abortion has reduced the number of smokers?

I am sure we could establish a link between the legalization of abortion and the increase in cases of death by cholesterol.

LET'S STERILYSE THE POOR!

Despite what some readers wrote me, I persist and sign: I think the statement of Dr. Morgentaler extremely doubtful.

In the USA, a study by the National Center for Health Statistics says that these are mostly the poor who are aborted. Is this because there is LESS than poor that crime decline?

In this case, stérilisons the poor, there will be more problem!

When a study establishing a link between the increase in the number of homosexuals in a city and the increase of cases of STDs? Or between the increase in the number of blacks and the growing crime rate?

Commentators on the American far right have délectés the study of Steven Levitt. For them, this is proof by A + B that there are fewer blacks and poor in a society, the more crime declines.

For me, these studies are also doubtful and as dangerous as those establishing a link between race and intelligence quotient.

Link

Labels: Abortion, Richard Martineau

# posted by Francis Chartrand @ 10:29 AM 0 Comments

In 2004, the french universitarian Olivier Pétré-Grenouilleau explained in a scholarly book that is found in the history of Africa or the Arab world of slave trades worse than Western trafficking. A few days after the release of the book, he received death threats - taken seriously by the police - and preferred not to appear in public. But Malek Chebel, an anthropologist Franco-Algerian Muslim and author of the book "Slavery in the land of Islam", is not disturbed.

"If we ever launched a fatwa against me, I hasten to go on TV and say: you sentenced me to death, but you are only thugs, criminals subject to the tribunal in The Hague . You are not Muslims but murderers, you can send me 10 commandos killers if you want, but I do not hide!"

These words were picked up by the correspondent of La Presse in Paris who Chebel gave an interview last October Slavery in the land of Islam: a Muslim Liberal shakes the taboo, by Louis Robitaille, link.

"A delicate matter," admits Chebel speaking to the topic of his latest book. That is why I am waiting a bit before giving lectures in Paris. But unlike Pétré-Grenouilleau or other is inside that I criticize the excesses of Islam, extremism and sectarianism."

Author of some twenty books, including Manifesto for an Islamic Enlightenment published in 2004, Chebel is both a Muslim impeccable, connoisseur of the Koran, and a liberal without concession, a supporter of secularism and hostile to the door sailing. A determined opponent of "political Islam" and its claims to "regulate society." With this caveat: "Unlike others, I have the desire to be heard and thus avoid unnecessary provocations: I therefore take care of not insulting anybody." In the case of caricatures of Muhammad, Above all tried to "calm down the game."

But this time it is the subject of his book, which is taboo. Chebel stands a severe finding. Slavery in the Muslim world, three times more spread out over time that the West has also hit twice as many people, or 20 million people over 10 centuries.

"A slavery discreet and barely mitigated continues today. There are areas of non-absolute right to Saudi Arabia and some Gulf countries, for example. In Niger and Mali, you can buy - the unit - a child of 10-years-old and you do what you want. While the religious authorities in the West eventually switch in the abolitionist camp of the nineteenth century and still fly their coulpe for past crimes, I hear no preacher of Al-Jazeera condemn these practices."

Chebel also criticises Islam for their disturbing silence. Maybe they preferred, he wrote, "the arrivals mystique of the great thinkers, philosophers and theosophists of Islam to the realities scabreuses merchants of human flesh." They knew, but their empathy for Islam the inclinait to find that religion and men who demanded an apology which are not justified.

What makes Malek Chebel revolt "is that, more or less explicitly, it invokes Islam to justify the enslavement. But on only 25 verses of the Koran that refer to the subject, almost all lean on the side of the postage. Strictly nothing in the texts to justify the slave system. But it is this: in various forms, a coterie religious venal, the orders of dictatorships, keep a total grip on Islam and its interpretation. It was 30 or 40 years ago, Islam Enlightenment which I refer was in full progress, including Egypt, and democracy was in sight. Today is a full regression: if there was now free elections in the Arab-Muslim world, Islamists would win almost everywhere. However, I do not think this is irreversible: Egypt could become a land of the Enlightenment. And there are democratic shivering in the Maghreb or elsewhere. "

Mohammed Ennaji - slavery, power and religion in the Arab World

For the academic Moroccan Mohammed Ennaji, the worst is perhaps in the impact that slavery had on the political mores of the Arab world. In a recent book, it explains how slavery founded the report in power and therefore absolutism that is still often the norm in this part of the world.

Labels: Arab World, Francis Chartrand, Islam, Secularism

# posted by Francis Chartrand @ 1:04 AM 0 Comments

For example, Muslims could choose to submit their disputes marital or financial contributions to Shariah courts.

He said that Muslims should not have to choose between "dark alternative loyalty to their culture or the state."

(...) Dr Williams argued the need for Shariah is better understood.

He said that currently, "sensationalist reports on opinion polls mask the problem.

He stressed that "no sane person would want to see in this country the kind of inhumanity sometimes associated with the application of Sharia in some Islamic States; punishment extreme attitudes towards women also".

The Reverend John Packer said during a debate on the rule of law in the House of Lords that it is important not to deny the religious communities, including Islam, "the right to apply its ethical standards and moral where they do not infringe human rights. "

Mr Sarwar, Gordons, Pitsea, also supported applications for the Shariah is enforced in Britain and said that we should carry out public floggings in inner cities.

Great Britain - Another preacher calls floggings, amputations and executions

Glané on Bivouac-ID

He launched his appeal for such Islamic punishments while still raging controversy around the support for Sharia recently expressed by the President of the High Court of Justice.

Zahra belongs to the Islamic trend lasts Hizb Ut-Tahrir, which has previously suffered a ban. In his sermon at the mosque in Regent's Park in London, he denounced the British democracy as criminal.

The Conservative MP Philip Davies said: "It is unacceptable"

Source : Yahoo News, The Sun

Source : 1 2 3 4

Labels: Iba Bouramine, Islam, Secularism, Sharia, United Kingdom

# posted by Francis Chartrand @ 8:00 PM 0 Comments

A photographer from the agency AP films the murder of two women by the Taliban. The AP photographer Rahmatullah Naikzad has witnessed a murder by the Taliban. Both women were prostitutes serving western customers.

On the evening of July 12, 2008, two unidentified Afghan women talk among themselves a few minutes before being executed by the Taliban in the province of Ghazni, Afghanistan

Sunday, July 13, the locals watch the two women killed by the Afghan Taliban

(AP Photo/Rahmatullah Naikzad) (original here)

This page of the AP suggests that Rahmatullah Naikzad also shot a video of the killing of two women. [Update: Yes, he did. Video added to the end]

We wish to remind AP that the Taliban have invited a journalist in the assassination means that they wanted the news is disseminated. AP has clearly been used as a tool of propaganda by the Taliban.

Does this fact of the photographer or an accomplice only a witness to the crime? When you know that a crime is about to be committed, did not you a moral and ethical obligation to try to prevent this crime? Even if you are a journalist? Even if all you do is try to alert authorities - in this case, someone in the Afghan government or NATO?

A quick search of Rahmatullah Naikzad photos on Yahoo News seems to indicate that it is very friendly with the Taliban. Most of the photos show Taliban fighters posing for the AP photographer. Par exemple : For example:

(AP Photo/Rahmatullah Naikzad) (original here)

Naikzad seems to have been incorporated into the Taliban during the day, before the two women were murdered. The photo below, taken by Naikzad, this legend:

Some Taliban militants face covered train before they have executed two women in the Afghan province of Ghazni, Afghanistan, Saturday, July 12, 2008 (original here)

You will notice by the caption under the photo first on top of this page that has clearly been taken at night a few minutes before the two women were murdered. The second photo above, showing the bodies of two women, was clearly taken the day after the murder of two women. This means that Rahmatullah Naikzad has spent at least 24 hours with the Taliban!

What did Rahmatullah Naikzad to prevent the murder of two women? Or, what does it now to help find the killers? I would be surprised if the answer is something other than nothing.

Again, AP provides assistance and encouragement to the enemy. This time, a group on the U.S. list of foreign terrorist organizations and to which several Security Council resolutions prohibit providing any assistance.

AP receive there a Pulitzer Prize this time?

Thanks to Phyllis Chessler for reporting the photo.

UPDATE: If you remember, AP had tried to excuse the photos that Bilal Hussein had taken two "insurgents" laying on the body of murdered hostage Salvatore Santoro claiming he had been forcibly taken by the terrorists who showed him the body after Santoro was killed. This time, AP has no such excuse.

If we accept the version of AP about the photos of Santoro by Bilal Hussein, then photos of Rahmatullah Naikzad are clearly worse than those of Hussein! He witnessed the murder of two women!

UPDATE II: It is getting worse. A video was produced by Naikzad (below). It's terrible. The two women were murdered overnight, then it's not visually graphic, but the sound is terrible. You can hear one of the women scream after the first bullets have been fired.

It's official: The AP has now replaced al Jazeera as official media to disseminate videos of terrorists.

UPDATE III: AllahP great case of violation by AP of its own ethical standards. Also note his views on the difference between the anti-Jihad websites showing these images and territory "neutral" by AP showed.

The essential point here is the context in which photos / videos are shown.

In the context of this blog, it is clear that the photos are intended to demonstrate this terrible evil that we are fighting. But when AP decides to use neutral terms to contextualize the photos, a limit is crossed to a moral relativism which is more than merely unpatriotic. It is downright disgusting!

Instead of calling the Taliban what they are - criminals of war and unlawful combatants primae faciea - they refer to simply as "militants". Worse, they allow the Taliban to choose words to describe the horrible murder of two women - an execution.

The more I think about it, this suggests that AP is worse than al-Jazeera. Remember when we were all outraged by Al-Jazeera showing videos produced by terrorists? The video was filmed terrorist by the AP.

UPDATE IV : Drew M : No word yet on whether AP will continue if the Taliban are using photos or extracts from its history on their sites to recruit jihadists.

UPDATE V : Pirate’s Cove raises the final question: Are all these feminist groups left that we never hear about the plight of women in Islam denounce what the AP did?

WARNING: AP explicit video showing the killing of two women by the Taliban

See online: The Jawa Report, by Dr. Rusty Shackleford, July 14, 2008

Labels: Afghanistan, Islam, Noémie Cournoyer, Secularism, Sharia

# posted by Francis Chartrand @ 3:18 PM 0 Comments

At a press availability Sunday afternoon in San Diego, Senator Obama was asked, according to the diligent Maria Gavrilovic of CBS News: “The upcoming issue of the New Yorker, the July 21st issue, has a picture of you, depicting you and your wife on the cover. Have you seen it? If not, I can show it to you on my computer. It shows your wife Michelle with an Afro and an AK 47 and the two of you doing the fist bump with you in a sort of turban-type thing on top. I wondered if you’ve seen it or if you want to see it or if you have a response to it?”

Obama (shrugs incredulously): “I have no response to that.”

The magazine explains at the start of its news release previewing the issue: “On the cover of the July 21, 2008, issue of the The New Yorker, in ‘The Politics of Fear,’ artist Barry Blitt satirizes the use of scare tactics and misinformation in the Presidential election to derail Barack Obama’s campaign.”

Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton says: “The New Yorker may think, as one of their staff explained to us, that their cover is a satirical lampoon of the caricature Senator Obama's right-wing critics have tried to create. But most readers will see it as tasteless and offensive. And we agree."

I’m sure Senator Obama is oh-so appreciative for The New Yorker’s help. Of course...

Why not making next cover of The New Yorker with John McCain with former Viet Congs for an electoral help?

Labels: Elections, Marie-Êve Marineau, Obama, United States

# posted by Francis Chartrand @ 1:20 PM 0 Comments

The surrender of the Order of Canada to Dr. Henry Morgentaler is Much ink and saliva past few days. For some, this man is a hero. For others, this man is a real monster.

No half-measure, this is all one or the other. I am not one of the people who evilise Henry Morgentaler. But I must tell you one thing.

I think some of his assertions extremely doubtful.

"MY BIGGEST SUCCESS"

A few years ago, I interviewed Henry Morgentaler for television. He released a phrase he repeated several times throughout his career: that the greatest achievement of his professional life was to participate in lowering the crime rate in Canada.

Children who are not wanted are not loved and tend to become offenders, he said. By preventing their birth, he made service to society.

I remember being left speechless when the doctor started me this sentence in his clinic Boulevard Saint-Joseph in Montreal. The stupidity of this statement I had sawed the two legs.

As if ALL children loved badly go wrong! As if ALL children want to become good citizens!

As if beaten children NECESSARILY became executioners, and loved children, saints! What is this bullshit?

If I writing a list of the biggest nonsense ever uttered by Canadian personalities, this sentence of Henry Morgentaler would be part of my Top three.

Doctor NOSTRADAMUS

What the doctor claims to be proud to have helped protect the lives of women participating in legalizing abortion is one thing. But to lower the crime rate?

How can a person have the pretension to predict the fate of a person WHICH ARE NOT BORN?

Henry Morgentaler has a special power? Doe's he guess the future? Is he the reincarnation of Nostradamus?

He knows what foetus turn well, and what foetus turn evil?

He could protect us from Hitler and Stalin if he had practised abortions at the time, right? Really, I'm disturbed ...

You can imagine what people would say if Stephen Harper announced he was going to kill all unwanted fetus in order to fight against crime?

We would denounce that as eugenics! On dirait que c'est une politique d'extrême droite ! It seems like a policy of far-right!

But when is the "good doctor" Morgentaler which launches such rudeness, everybody is in "pâmoison" ...

THE COMPLEX OF GOD

I do not make friends, but if only for having pronounced the sentence ignoble (not once, not twice but many times over his career), I believe that Henry Morgentaler deserves not the Order of Canada.

Whatever the August doctor say, the fact that a child is a wanted or not is absolutely no guarantee that he will do in the future.

We know that many doctors are taking to God, but there is a limit evil ...

Batman, Superman and Spiderman send criminals to prison. Henry Morgentaler, however, goes further and addresses the very sources of crime. This is not a medal that we should give it.

But a cape and a mask.

Link

Labels: Abortion, Richard Martineau

# posted by Francis Chartrand @ 12:54 PM 0 Comments

Yesterday, readers have reported the publication of two texts that show how two countries in Europe react to the issue of "reasonable" accommodation.

On the one hand, there is a country that stands (France). On the other hand, a country that drops his pants, gets on all fours and provides the lubricant (England).

The example french

The first text, which has been reported by Ms. Celine Clement, was published yesterday in the newspaper Le Monde.

Title: A Moroccan a burqa is denied French nationality.

"A 32-year-old Moroccan, married to a French mother of three children born in France, has just been denied citizenship on the grounds that it adopted the name of a radical practice of their religion, behaviour in society incompatible with the core values of the French community, including the principle of gender equality.

"For the first time in France, the Council of State took into account the level of religious practice to determine the assimilative capacity of a foreign person." According to the government commissioner, the lady in question leads a life of seclusion. She has no idea on secularism or the right to vote. She lives in total submission to men of his family.

"For the Commissioner, this attitude shows the lack of adherence to certain fundamental values of French society ..."

The English example

The second text, which has been reported by Luc Fradette, was published on July 6 in the Sunday Times of London.

Title: The British police dogs will receive training to make them more sensitive to Islam.

" The sniffer dogs of the British police will now wear smaller boots when they participate in excavations in houses belonging to Muslims, so as not to insult their religion.

A report prepared by the Association of Chiefs of Police says that police will have to show sensitivity towards the Muslim religion when they carry out research to find drugs and explosives.

In order not to insult Muslims, police will use sniffer dogs in exceptional circumstances only. Indeed, the Muslim religion forbids contacts with dogs, which they see as dirty ... "

The Islamists capital

It is often said that France and England are the parents of Quebec.

What attitude do you believe should inspire Quebec in the case of accommodations? The firm stance of France or the submission attitude of England?

For years, England plays the card of complacency, saying: "The more you are nice to extremists, the more they are kind to us and the better they fit ..."

But what it gave them? Rien. Nothing. Londres est devenue la capitale des islamistes. London has become the capital of the Islamists. Les Anglais ont tellement peur de passer pour racistes qu'ils n'osent plus rien dire. The English are so afraid to go for racist they no longer dare to say anything.

Even walk their dogs on the tip of feet ...

Two differences ...

According to agencies fight against sexual assault, timing Molson, which shows pretty girls in small holding is sexist. OK, maybe.

But as I wrote one reader, Gilles Boutin, why not condemn does not on the schedule of firefighters, then?

The sight of a pitoune be more shocking than a peak?

Link

Labels: Arab World, France, Islam, Richard Martineau, Secularism

# posted by Francis Chartrand @ 12:13 PM 0 Comments

10/07/2008 08h53

There is much talk of the sixties, these days. Forty years on May 68, the murder of Martin Luther King, the assassination of Robert Kennedy, leaving the white album of Beatles, and so on.

If you're fed up with always hear the same stories on this sacred period, I strongly advise you to read The Sixties Unplugged, Gerard J. DeGroot.

This test exciting you will see this decade another eye.

A MINORITY

Professor of modern history at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, DeGroot takes pleasure in demolishing the myths surrounding the sixties. Myth number one: the youth was against the establishment. "Completely false," said DeGroot.

When you look at documentaries about the sixties, one has the impression that all young people demonstrating on campus, smoked pot and preached free love. However, revolutionaries and hippies were a minority.

Most were young conservatives. They worked, studied ... In 1967, Newsweek magazine commissioned a national survey to find out what was the political organization the most popular among young people. The answer? The youth wing of the Republican Party!

The hippies, DeGroot said, have made much noise, but unlike what we constantly repeat the babyboomers, they were not representative of all American youth.

It's like the French in 40 years: this is not true that they were all in the Resistance!

RIGHT, EVERYONE!

Myth number two: California was the bastion of culture-cons. Who was elected governor of California in 1966? Ronald Reagan, with 58% of votes. In 1970? Even Ronald Reagan, with 53% of votes.

Far from having all screwed up, Californians have paved the way for one of the most governments on the right of the history of USA ...

A SPONTANEOUS GENERATION?

Myth number three: sixties have made a break. "A stupidity," says DeGroot. Baby boomers like to say they have broken history in two, but it is completely false. The sixties were that the continuity of what had happened before.

Take marriage. The veterans of the sixties take their crown, saying they have revolutionized the family. Before, they say, people need to marry to sleep together and have children. But it has changed everything ...

However, between 1941 and 1964, the number of children born out of wedlock has increased by 150% in the USA.

In short, American baby-boomers are not invented. They just followed the course, that's all ...

ENJOY THE CONSUMER!

For DeGroot, against the culture of the sixties has not destroyed the consumer society. She strengthened.

Not surprise to found a Gap store at the corner of legendary Haight and Ashbury in San Francisco. The counter was first and foremost a capitalist revolt.

It allowed the system to enrich themselves by clearing and exploiting a new market: the youth.

The old people were buying a Ford to show their commitment to traditional values? The young people buy a Volkswagen!

It's like the far leftists who criticize capitalism in buying T-shirts of Che Guevara.

The consumer society is dead? Long live the consumer society!

Link

Labels: Elections, Richard Martineau, Sixties

# posted by Francis Chartrand @ 10:02 AM 0 Comments

Mérida, July 10, 2008 (venezuelanalysis.com)-- At a meeting of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) Wednesday, Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez criticized allies in the Patriotic Alliance - a coalition of political parties which support the “Bolivarian Revolution” led by Chávez - for supporting candidates in the upcoming regional and local elections who will compete with PSUV candidates. After the PSUV’s unprecedented internal party elections last month, in which 2.5 million party members participated, PSUV leaders offered to negotiate candidates with other Patriotic Alliance members in regions where no candidate won a clear majority.

President Hugo Chávez and PSUV Vice President Alberto Muller Rojas converse at a PSUV event Wednesday. (Aporrea)

So far, the allied parties have agreed to support the majority of the PSUV candidates, but competing candidacies have been launched by the Homeland for All (PPT) and Communist (PCV) parties in several key states.

In central Guárico state, the president of the state legislature, Lenny Manuitt, launched an independent candidacy for governor after losing to Willian Lara in the PSUV internal elections.

Manuitt is the daughter of current Governor Eduardo Manuitt, who has been expelled from the PSUV and is identified with the right wing of the pro-Chávez alliance because of his support for big landowners against the national government’s land reform program.

In an apparent demonstration of support for Lenny Manuitt, the PPT candidate, General Secretary of the party José Albornoz, ceded his candidacy for the governorship.

“The PPT in Guárico is supporting the counter-revolution,” Chávez proclaimed Wednesday. “It is very difficult to make an alliance like this,” he added.

By PSUV party rules, if no candidate received more than 50% of the votes in the nomination elections, the party directorate would select the candidate among the top three contenders. In Trujillo state, the PSUV leadership selected Hugo Cabezas, who had received 24% of the vote compared to Octaviano Mejías`s 27.7%. In defiance, Mejías launched an independent candidacy with support from the PCV.

Chávez declared Wednesday that the PCV is “playing into the division of the People” by not observing PSUV party rules.

The president also criticized the PCV for convoking a march in opposition to the visit of Colombian President Álvaro Uribe to Venezuela this Friday, during which Chávez and Uribe are expected to renew diplomatic relations after many months of heated clashes.

In its communiqué calling for the march, the PCV emphasized its “firm conviction in the Bolivarian Revolutionary Process and the indisputable leadership of President Hugo Chávez Frías,” but called Uribe “an illegitimate president linked, moreover, to the drug trafficking mafia.”

Chávez, in response, asserted that “we are not going to make war with Colombia. I invited President of Colombia to shake his hand, to converse and seek integration, respecting particularities... I am a chief of state, and I must act like it.”

Chávez warned the PCV not to be “more pro-Pope than the Pope,” and asked the PCV to support this imperfect compromise with the U.S.’s chief ally in South America.

Despite these clashes within the Patriotic Alliance, Chávez and other PSUV leaders continue to encourage dialogue among the allied parties, lest the alliance be weakened before the elections which Chávez has deemed “the most important in Venezuelan history” because of the possibility of a destabilizing separatist movement in the resource-rich western states if the opposition takes control.

“We must be very patient,” Chávez told PSUV activists Wednesday.

Likewise, PSUV spokesperson Rodrigo Cabezas assured earlier this week that, while there are differences, “there is no rupture in the alliance.”

Jorge Rodríguez, the National PSUV Director and candidate for the largest Caracas district of Libertador, reiterated, “We prefer to discuss, face to face, with our allies, come to agreements and have disagreements face to face.”

Even so, the executive Vice President of the PSUV, Alberto Muller Rojas, suggested last week that if the PPT continues to support “undisciplined” candidates like Manuitt, then perhaps it is not in line with the “interests” of the alliance. “The PPT is not the alliance, PODEMOS [the Social Democracy party] left the alliance, and any other party can leave,” stated Rojas, who himself belong to the PPT until recently.

PPT National Secretary Rafael Uzcátegui assured Wednesday that the PPT will remain a member, although he said the alliance is “not perfect” because the PSUV “has not supported any candidate other than its own candidates, not even an independent.”

President Chávez said last week that the clashes within the Patriotic Alliance are “not personal, but ideological.” The president suggested that candidates such as Manuitt lack “revolutionary conscience,” and need ideological training.

“I need the governors to be true revolutionaries,” Chávez emphasized. “I am a true revolutionary and I am willing to die for what I have sworn to the People of Venezuela the People of Bolívar,” he said.

Link

Labels: Anne Humphreys, Chávez, United States, Venezuela

# posted by Francis Chartrand @ 8:40 PM 0 Comments

Why is it that Christian would be tantamount to stupidity? Already, Jesus wanted s'abreuve the sources of living water (water that is readily accessible) rather than dig (search, dig) land in search of new waters. Poor!

This game around the word "source" may go further. It takes a page from an evangelical site at random. What does this mean? Mediocrity. Scripture sloppy, always the same quotes out of context, always the same tone enough, and especially to the same sources. These sites build and support them, since nothing else supports their words.

You are, for example, before a colleague who breaks you ears arguments with its post-modern anti-scientific thing. "But who said it, exactly?" That is the question. And the answer may be "this or that evangelical Christian apologist", or "Saint machin", as appropriate. No surprise here.

After all, Christians follow Christ, ie they follow his message. Et le Christ ne veut pas qu'on se donne la peine de réfléchir. And Christ is not one gives himself the trouble of thinking.

In addition to the parable of the deep water and deep water, you can enjoy looking in the New Testament all occurrences of "knowledge", "thinking", "reflection", etc. Armed with a match, the work is done in 10 seconds. The conclusion is striking: these terms are still used in the same context, ie to talk about the knowledge of God, sometimes in opposition to the (unsuccessful) knowledge of things on earth.

Which brings us back to our original question: Does "Christian" should amount to "stupidity"? It would seem that yes. The True Christian (tm) is the one who is ignorant and blindly follows. Jesus compares the sheep, fish, the child. Jesus said that, not me.

Labels: Iba Bouramine, Religion and fanaticism, Secularism

# posted by Francis Chartrand @ 11:44 AM 0 Comments

Important note: For those who still doubt, religion is not a system of pyramid selling. This article is simply an exercise in thinking.

For the pleasure, this article compares point by point pyramid selling systems and organized religions, particularly religions making proselytism.

Pyramid Selling

Incitement to recruit new members

Proselyte religions

Incitement to recruit new members

Pyramid Selling

Those who want to recruit tell us how this system has improved their lives.

Proselyte religions

Those who want to recruit tell us how this system has improved their lives.

Labels: Noémie Cournoyer, Religion and fanaticism, Secularism

# posted by Francis Chartrand @ 11:02 AM 0 Comments

The largest mosque in the country was inaugurated Saturday in Calgary in the presence of several politicians. The Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper, Leader of the Official Opposition, Stéphane Dion, and the town's mayor, Dave Bronconnier, were there.

The temple of the Ahmadi community spans nearly 14 600 square metres. In addition to the place of prayers, a community center, a gymnasium, a shelter for Imam, classrooms and a library.

"Whatever the country where they take up residence, we know that the Ahmadis contribute to society as a whole and they coexist in harmony with citizens of all religious, linguistic or cultural," said Prime Minister Harper in a statement.

The mosque Baitun Nur has claimed some 15 million dollars. The Ahmadi community in Calgary has raised funds for 14 years to finance the work.

But that's not all.

Go to Peace Village, where all the streets leading to the mosque [1] Located in Vaughan, a suburb of Toronto, the Muslim enclave is booming. There are 260 houses belonging mainly to immigrants from Pakistan, the Ahmadi sect. The opulent houses are built according to their cultural preferences, with sliding partitions to separate men and women in need. The public school is adapting. During Ramadan, weakened children suffering from headaches and dizziness may lie at the infirmary.

Although the sponsor said that this development is open to all, one can assume that few non-Muslims are inclined to settle in an environment where the call to prayer echoes 5 times a day in Arabic. And where the "Canadian mosaic" has a tone somewhat monochrome.

At a time when you ask Quebecers to calm their xenophobic instincts and make greater efforts to integrate immigrants, is that Muslims exalt self-segregation. They want some sort of reservations, Bantustans, enclaves where they can live according to the precepts of religion and freedom of Canadian culture. Who are xenophobes here?

If we are not offended by a Chinatown, "Little Italy" or "gay village", one can fear the idea of Muslim enclaves. Because the stakes, when it comes to followers of Islam, are quite different. Islam advocates a political system which does not recognise the principles of liberal democracy and freedoms enshrined in the Charter of Rights, like freedom of conscience.

The community of Vaughan is perhaps beyond the point of view of respect for Canadian values and fundamental rights of its residents (can be problematic, however, find the phenomenon of hungry children lying in the infirmary during school hours during Ramadan) . That is not the issue.

We must worry about the evolution of Muslim enclaves across the country if this model was to spread: intrusion of the mosque in local politics, segregation of men and women in utilities, strict dress codes for girls and women, prohibition of music, forced marriages, ostracism of homosexuals, and so on. And the application of Sharia. We risk ending up with nations in the nation, governed by laws and a parallel vision of the world poles of Canadian values. The idea of apartheid cultural communities is a drift of multiculturalism. Failing to be prohibited, these initiatives should be strongly discouraged.

It would be useful to look at what is happening there. Many theologians Muslims see Islam as not only a religion but as a system of governance. This system does not recognize the separation of church and state.

Many Muslims are happy to integrate into Canadian society and live in a democracy founded on the rule of law and respect fundamental freedoms [2] Others, not. They are at war against democracy, which they see as a form of polytheism or heresy. They give primacy to the divine law on laws passed by elected representatives. One can assume that these are rather the proponents of this vision that will tend to be locked in enclaves. These environments are conducive to the spread of radical Islam, intolerant, violent and hateful.

The aversion of Islamists for democracy does not prevent them from using the instruments of democracy to achieve their ends. It will require our leaders to be vigilant and monitor these enclaves.

And don't go looking for votes during a visit to Calgary during the weekend of green on a green tax explained to Albertans. Weird, my Jack Layton of the rainbow diversitywas not in Calgary. Ah, of course, it is always difficult for the NDP to make gains in this province. But Stephen and Stéphane, continue to pray 19 different religions, it brings votes.

Labels: Canada, Francis Chartrand, Islam, Religion and fanaticism

# posted by Francis Chartrand @ 12:34 AM 0 Comments

Best attempt to pick up a Nobel Peace Prize

Best attempt to be re-elected democratically, but by cheating

Best excuse to push up oil prices

Best excuse to stay in Iraq

Best excuse to stay in Afghanistan

Sporting surprise of the year

Electoral surprise of the year

Best economic decision

Worst economic decision

Best cultural decision

Worst cultural decision

Best excuse to grant clemency to a criminal

Best time to shut up for a month, but the person in question has not done so

Best time to yell for a month, but the person in question has not done so

Best Innovation of the Year

Worst Innovation of the Year

Best example when we follow a political party, we wonder who is the head

Other appointments will come soon.

Labels: Francis Chartrand, Human mistake

# posted by Francis Chartrand @ 8:31 PM 0 Comments

03/07/2008 07h48

On 24 June, while Quebecers where shitting on everyone, saying they were a people of giants, a delegation of raëlians from France, Switzerland, Belgium and Quebec filed a complaint to the United Nations for discrimination.

According to them, the followers of Raël are victims of harassment. Because they believe in the small ARTEMIS green, they lose their jobs, are removed custody of their children, are watering insults, and so on.

Cult and Religion

You could say that it is well done: after all, raëliens form a sect, and sects are dangerous.

But we do the devil's advocate for a moment.

Yes, the theory put forward by the former sports journalist Claude Vorilhon (namely, that man was created in laboratories by extraterrestrials) is completely crazy.

But what about Islam, Buddhism, Judaism or Catholicism?

The reincarnation does it make more sense? The resurrection of Jesus? The Immaculate Conception? The appearance of the angel Gabriel to Muhammad? While it has a scientific basis? All that must be taken seriously?

As already said the philosopher Ernest Renan, which has attracted the wrath of the Catholic Church by daring to say that the Bible should be subject to peer review as any other historic document: "A religion, c It is a sect that has been successful. "

Raël to school

We tend to forget, but its beginnings, Christianity was considered a heresy.

Where to stop the sect and where religion? If one allows a Muslim teacher from wearing headscarves at school, why Raëlien a teacher could not wear his medallion in class?

For many people (including myself), Scientology is a huge scam. Yet this cult founded by an author of science fiction has been officially recognized as a religion in Sweden, Portugal and Venezuela, and "Scientologists officers" have the right to perform marriages in several countries.

And when Russia refused to recognize the Church of Scientology, the European Court of Human Rights has vindicated the Scientologists, on the pretext that in Europe, freedom of religion is protected!

Where are the limits

That is the dilemma surrounding the sacrosanct freedom of religion. How far can we push this concept? What constitutes a religion?

The Jehovah's Witnesses are members of a sect or a religion? Followers of voodoo? The members of Falun Gong?

I have already visited Ufoland, (deceased) a cheap amusement park of Raël. I have rarely seen a place as ridiculous and pathetic.

However, between extraterrestrials cardboard paste-hosting tourists Ufoland and crutches that line the walls of the Oratory (not to mention the heart of brother Andrew who patauge somewhere in a jar), I do not know what which is the most bizarre ...

The color of your aura

Recently, a follower of Buddhism told me that if my son four months is so serene, it has "an old soul who has often been reincarnated" ...

Between that and have someone tell me that my son will be mauve, what is the difference?

However, Buddhism is a religion recognized.

You understand something?

Link

Labels: Religion and fanaticism, Richard Martineau

# posted by Francis Chartrand @ 7:36 PM 0 Comments

First, let's recall that Maclean's and Mark Steyn have been prosecuted before the Human Rights Commission of Ontario, Canada, the Canadian Human Rights Commission and Court of Human Rights BC.

The Ontario commission said that its law does not give him jurisdiction to hear the complaint, but still condemned the article published by Macleans as Islamophobic. The British Columbia Court of Human Rights held a hearing earlier this month on the complaint, and the case is under advisement.

In its decision, the Canadian Commission said that Steyn's article was "controversial, colorful and energetic, and obviously written in order to raise debates, and even offend some readers, Muslims and non-Muslims" , But that was not sufficient to constitute a discriminatory practice under the Canadian Human Rights Act of the person.

I translate the press release issued by Maclean's reaction to the decision of the Canadian Human Rights Commission rejected the complaint of the Canadian Islamic Congress.


TORONTO, June 26 / CNW / - The Maclean's is pleased that the Canadian Human Rights Commission has rejected the complaint filed against him by the Canadian Islamic Congress. The decision is consistent with our long-standing position that the article in question, The Future Belongs to Islam, excerpt from the bestseller America Alone by Mark Steyn, was a legitimate commentary on major geopolitical issues lying entirely within the normal journalistic practice.

Although satisfied with the decision, Maclean's continues to assert that no commission for human rights, whether in federal or provincial, has the mandate or expertise to monitor, investigate, or evaluate editorial decisions of media in the nation.

And we continue to have serious concerns about a system of complaints and adjudication, which allows media to be sued in several courts on the same complaint, filed by the same plaintiffs, exposing it to cost Hundreds of thousands of dollars, not to mention the inconvenience. We enthusiastically support the parliamentarians who are demanding the revision of legislation governing committees regarding issues related to freedom of expression.

Labels: Canada, Islam, Marie-Êve Marineau, Secularism

# posted by Francis Chartrand @ 2:46 AM 0 Comments

Today's decision by the Supreme Court of Canada about defamation law has shifted the balance from plaintiffs to defendants -- in other words, towards greater free speech. The court calls it a modernization, which it is -- phenomena like talk radio shows, partisan TV panels and the Internet were not around when defamation law was developing (it actually goes back 400 years). It also brings us more in synch with the U.S. approach to free speech, and breaks away from the European model of soft censorship.

In other words, it should terrify Canada's human rights commissions. I had no doubt before this decision that Canada's HRCs were conducting themselves in an unconstitutional manner -- exceeding the narrow censorship powers granted to them in the 1990 Taylor decision. Now it's a certainty that section 13 would be batted down by this free speech-loving court.

The facts of this case involved B.C.'s radio legend Rafe Mair, and a conservative activist named Kari Simpson. But the law applies to all cases in Canada going forward, not just theirs.

The decision is written in pretty plain English, unlike some of the 200-pages of opaque gobbledegook the court became known for in the 1990s that were likely the sign of indecision as much as anything. This decision is pretty clear.

Here are some key lines from the ruling:

In my view, with respect, the Court of Appeal unduly favoured protection of Kari Simpson’s reputation in a rancourous public debate in which she had involved herself as a major protagonist...

In the absence of demonstrated malice on his part (which the trial judge concluded was not a dominant motive), his expression of opinion, however exaggerated, was protected by the law. We live in a free country where people have as much right to express outrageous and ridiculous opinions as moderate ones.

...Mair has a reputation for provoking controversy. With controversy has come a measure of commercial success. His listeners expect to hear extravagant opinions and, according to his counsel, discount them accordingly.

...There is concern that matters of public interest go unreported because publishers fear the ballooning cost and disruption of defending a defamation action. Investigative reports get “spiked”, the Media Coalition contends, because, while true, they are based on facts that are difficult to establish according to rules of evidence. When controversies erupt, statements of claim often follow as night follows day, not only in serious claims (as here) but in actions launched simply for the purpose of intimidation. Of course “chilling” false and defamatory speech is not a bad thing in itself, but chilling debate on matters of legitimate public interest raises issues of inappropriate censorship and self-censorship. Public controversy can be a rough trade, and the law needs to accommodate its requirements.

...In much modern media, personalities such as Rafe Mair are as much entertainers as journalists. The media regularly match up assailants who attack each other on a set topic. The audience understands that the combatants, like lawyers or a devil’s advocate, are arguing a brief. What is important in such a debate on matters of public interest is that all sides of an issue are forcefully presented, although the limitation that the opinions must be ones that could be “honestly express[ed] . . . on the proved facts” provides some boundary to the extent to which private reputations can be trashed in public discourse.

The decision doesn't end defamation suits, of course. It merely moves the fulcrum a bit, by widening the scope of what constitutes "fair comment". Fair comment must still be rooted in true facts; but if those facts are clear, and the defamer's comments are clearly his own views, the court will give latitude to even "outrageous" and "ridiculous" opinions.

The rule of thumb for writers -- and bloggers -- remains: get your facts straight. But the good news for free speechniks is that, if your facts are accurate, you can be dramatic, critical and even wrong in your opinions. It's good news for bloggers -- and bad news for censors everywhere.

And I hope it keeps going on.

Iba Bouramine,
21 years old,
Born in Algiers, I have grown in Ahunstic

Labels: Canada, Iba Bouramine, Islam, Secularism

# posted by Francis Chartrand @ 1:17 AM 0 Comments