The Dalai Lama Comes to Calgary

Related: Dalai Lama talks peace in Calgary
 

Canadian News Roundup

Busy getting ready to move next week but these stories caught my eye:

- Pigs do fly. Steve is going to investigate his bff Brian Mulroney. He didn't exactly have much of a choice though, did he? (h/t penlan)

- If elected, Dion vows to slash poverty rates. He'd better have a different plan than the last Liberal government or that's just another empty promise. (Have you seen those ridiculously immature ads being run to mock Dion? Did the election campaign start and I missed it or what? If the Conservatives think they have to run ads like that during the off-season, that shows they must be a tad scared of what might happen to them when the next election is really called. They're looking desperate, don't you think?)

- Speaking of ads, I don't know who produced this video clip in response to the immoral Conservatives refusing to seek clemency for Canadians on death row in countries that are democracies (and are they kidding thinking the US is anything resembling a democracy these days with its horrendous human and civil rights abuses and a boy king at the helm who relished his days executing people in Texas?), but kudos to whoever took the time to put the clip together. And speaking of the death penalty, if you missed Bill Moyers' Journal on Friday nite, watch the interview with Thomas Cahill online. It's definitely worth seeing.

- The Center for Constitutional Rights (please visit their site) has launched Maher Arar's appeal but they'll have to get past the "national security" hurdle that resulted in the case being dismissed in a lower court. On another front in this case:

NEW YORK - Gasps broke out in a U.S. federal appeals court Friday as a U.S. government lawyer spoke of Maher Arar's "unequivocal membership of al-Qaida."

One of the court's three sitting judges echoed the reaction of many in the public gallery, declaring the statement stunned him too.

Not only has a Canadian judicial inquiry cleared Arar of having any terrorism links, but U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has admitted the U.S. government did not properly handle his case.

"It was kind of a shocking statement with which to start," Judge Robert Sack told Dennis Barghaan, one of three government attorneys opposing Arar's bid to see his lawsuit against the U.S. government reinstated.

Arar lawyer Maria Lahood hinted outside the courtroom the judge's reaction bodes well for Arar's case.

"To me, it was a sign the judge knew this was an innocent man," she said.

One can only guess what kind of bullshit "evidence" has been manufactured to back up that supposed al Qaeda link.

- New Khadr witness discovered. That could be a major development. In the meantime, our useless federal government is still leaving Omar Khadr to rot in Gitmo. If it had any concern for "Canada's standing in the world" (which it claims to when it defends continuing our presence in Afghanistan), it would actually try to help Khadr get out of legal limbo. In this case though, pigs won't be flying anytime soon.

- Looking for an old movie to rent this weekend? If you haven't seen it (and I'm sure some of you young whippersnappers out there haven't), check out In the Name of the Father. Caution: It will remind you of the Bush regime. Prepare to be infuriated.

If you live in Calgary, I'm looking for 3 (free) things: a wireless router for the new place, a dvd player (I've never owned one besides the one I have in this used laptop I recently got - really) and a flat panel monitor (any size) to replace my gargantuan 21" monitor that's as heavy as a teevee and which I'll either trade or give away. Drop me a line. My e-mail's up there on the left and the bonus, of course, is that you'd get to meet anonymous me in real life (oh how exciting!!). No stalkers please. My life is already interesting enough, thanks. (And yes, I belong to Freecycle™ and have posted wanted ads there and elsewhere).

I also found a local guy who's into recycling/refurbishing computer stuff that he then gives away to those in need. Just gave away my old 486 that I was using as a footstool. Glad someone can use it for its real purpose. I used it for years. (Yes, I'm still stuck in the 90s). If you want his number, let me know.

One last thing, my movers collect and donate things for Afghan/Pakistani refugees settling in the Calgary area. If you have something to donate, e-mail me and I'll forward your e-mail to them. I know someone did e-mail me the last time I mentioned them but I lost the e-mail. Sorry.
 

Random News & Views Roundup

I didn't have internet access most of the day. (Yikes.) Time to catch up on what I missed:

- What if you screamed for your life and no one helped you? Get involved.

- Columnist Paul Jackson provides comic relief. Rob Anders = "rock star"? What else can you expect from a man who believes this:

I've contended for some time if Harper can win a majority, and he will, he will become a beloved PM of our nation, and will be able to hold the job for as long as he wants.

- With rumblings that Harper will soon shuffle his cabinet (code words for finally dumping the useless Gordon O'Connor) Steve at Far and Wide claims to have an exclusive on what the new cabinet will look like. (h/t penlan)

- Can someone please tell me why Canada cannot secure the release of Omar Khadr - the only known Canadian known to be held in Gitmo? Via The Independent:

The families of five former British residents incarcerated in Guantanamo Bay for up to five years were celebrating after learning the men could finally be coming home within months.

The end of their ordeal was in sight after the Government formally requested the release of the five men, who had been living legally in the UK before they were picked up abroad by the American authorities.

All nine British nationals held in the notorious military base in Cuba were returned to this country by 2005, but Tony Blair had refused to intervene on behalf of another group of men legally resident in this country before their detention. Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister, announced a change of heart and raised the subject in talks last week with President George Bush. He was encouraged by signs that the White House is moving towards closing the camp. David Miliband, the Foreign Secretary, and Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary, have written to Condoleezza Rice, the US Secretary of State, to ask for the men's release.

Our gutless, heartless Conservative government refuses to do absolutely anything to help Khadr as other countries' detainees are going home. Write to your MP and demand action. This has gone on long enough.

- Michael Ignatieff performs some intellectual masturbation about intellectual masturbation and, somewhere in there, admits he was wrong to support the Iraq war. I may have missed it - because I passed out from boredom after he mentioned Machiavelli - but I don't suppose he's given that much thought to his vote to extend Canada's Afghanistan mission last year, has he? Maybe we'll have to wait a few more years until his next mea culpa NYT editorial to see that happen.

- Newsflash: Bush is a lying warmonger.

US President George W. Bush charged Monday that Iran has openly declared that it seeks nuclear weapons -- an inaccurate accusation at a time of sharp tensions between Washington and Tehran.

"It's up to Iran to prove to the world that they're a stabilizing force as opposed to a destabilizing force. After all, this is a government that has proclaimed its desire to build a nuclear weapon," he said during a joint press conference with Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

But Iran has repeatedly said that its nuclear program, which is widely believed in the West to be cover for an effort to develop atomic weapons, is for civilian purposes.

Asked to provide examples of Tehran openly declaring that it seeks atomic weapons, White House officials contacted by AFP said that Bush was referring to Iran's defiance of international calls to freeze sensitive nuclear work.

Looks like they'll have to cook up a newly forged Niger yellowcake letter to make that one fly.

- Meanwhile, some young Iranian cyclists have been very busy riding across Europe, the UK and the US as part of their "Miles For Peace" campaign. Perhaps if warmongering westerners actually saw real-life Iranian people besides Ahmadinejad, they might think about the repercussions of possibly bombing Iran. Then again...history has proven otherwise, hasn't it?

- The Asia Times offers an in depth look at tensions within Iran from insurgent groups and possible US involvement in supporting those activities.

- Uri Avnery on White Elephants.
 

Should City Government Vehicles Display 'Support the Troops' Ribbons?

That controversy is currently brewing in Calgary. What do you think?

Proponents of slapping Support the Troops decals on city vehicles say they're backed by a groundswell of support.

But Mayor David Bronconnier fears the decals will open divisions over the Afghan war.

Ald. Ric McIver is hoping council on Monday will pass his motion to have donated stickers adorn city vehicles, adding he's being deluged with suport [sic].

"I'm getting phone calls steadily and people are stopping me and saying, 'Do it,' " said McIver.

He said the freedom Canadians take for granted come courtesy of the nation's military "and it's high time we show appreciation for that."

But Bronconnier said using a taxpayer-funded canvas for the yellow troop-supporting stickers would antagonize those who feel the message sanctions a war they oppose.

"I don't believe this council should be involved in politicizing a decision that wasn't theirs," said the mayor.

"The debate deteriorates to whether Canada should have a role to play in Afghanistan."

He said almost half the phone calls he's received are from anti-war residents opposed to the proposal.
[...]
The city will hold send-off and welcome-home events for Calgary-based troops deployed in Afghanistan, added Bronconnier.

But Sean Burnand, whose business is willing to give 5,000 of the stickers for the city's fleet, said his efforts drummed up at least $20,000 in corporate donations for military families in four hours.

"I'm extremely disappointed -- (the mayor) doesn't want to use city vehicles for advertising, but the last time I saw a city bus it was covered in advertising," said Burnand of Can West Labels.

Of course there's an obvious difference between displaying revenue-generating advertizing on buses and slapping on troop support ribbons, so that point is moot.

I think the point Bronconnier makes about the decision to go to war not having been made or endorsed by the city council is a valid one. (Full disclosure: I am antiwar.) Consider the fact that several towns and cities in the US, including Portland, Oregon have issued resolutions against supporting the Iraq war. Since Calgary's city council has never issued a resolution in support of Canada's role in the Afghanistan war on behalf of Calgarians, why should it now agree to show ribbons of support on city vehicles?

On the other hand, "support the troops" to some means not supporting the war, but bringing the troops home as quickly as possible - although, to state the obvious, that's not really what that generic statement means to most of the public. I'm sure most would relate the phrase to supporting the war. And we've all seen the public arguments where the word "traitor" has been flung around or someone's patriotism has been criticized if they refuse to endorse the blanket statement "support the troops".

So, I side with Bronconnier here. City vehicles are not the appropriate venue for political statements. According to the latest Strategic Council poll, "Only seven per cent of Canadians strongly support the Afghanistan mission."

The survey, conducted between July 12-16 for CTV and The Globe and Mail, suggests the level of intensity for Canadians strongly opposed to the mission is far greater than those who are in firm support: (percentage point change from a July 12-15, 2006 poll in brackets):

* Total Support: 36 per cent (-3)
* Strongly Support: 7 per cent (-1)
* Support: 29 per cent (-2)
* Oppose: 31 per cent (same)
* Strongly oppose: 27 per cent (+2)
* Total Oppose: 59 per cent (+3)

Calgary's city council would be wise to defeat this motion. If you live in Calgary, please contact your alderperson to let them know what you think about this issue.
 

The Liberals Take Ralph Klein's Old Riding

Well, hallelujah! Maybe there's hope for Alberta after all.

Liberals declare victory in Calgary-Elbow byelection

Calgary dealt Premier Ed Stelmach's Tory government a sobering blow Tuesday night, with voters electing a Liberal in the heart of the city.

Though the Conservatives re-captured the rural stronghold of Drumheller-Stettler in one byelection in the southeast of the province, Liberal Craig Cheffins seized victory in Calgary-Elbow -- a riding that had been Tory blue since 1971 and was last held by former premier Ralph Klein.

No small feat.

The new MLA for Calgary-Elbow took the stage at his campaign headquarters shortly after 9 p.m. to the strains of We Are the Champions, delivering a victory speech to more than 100 supporters.

"You know there's a message to be delivered to the Stelmach government," he said, as the crowd chanted his name. "We know we can have better government in this province."

It's just taken some people far too long to get that message. (Damn Conservatives and they're insistence on being conservative.)

"Calgarians have sent a message and I have heard that message clearly," Stelmach said. "Let me assure you, mine is a government with a clear plan for dealing with the growth pressures in Calgary."

Bullwinkle: "Watch me pull a rabbit outta my hat."
Rocky: "That trick never works."

In the wake of a public infrastructure funding feud with Mayor Dave Bronconnier, what some say is an unchecked housing market, labour shortages and other boom-time stresses in the city, earlier opinion polls suggest Conservative-government support is dropping.

"What some say??" The housing market here is absolutely ridiculous and the Stelmach government refused to impose rent controls making this city and it's ongoing almost 0% vacancy rate unbelievably hostile to low-income and middle-income renters. Buying in this environment is practically out of the question. Just look at the province's trend:

Housing prices are soaring in Edmonton, delighting property owners and causing financial headaches for those just starting their search for a new home.

The average price of a new house in the city is now $440,000 -- an increase of 40.5 per cent over the past year, according to Statistics Canada. That's a greater increase than anywhere else in the country.
[...]
Only cities located in the West showed a sharp increase, although not nearly as high as Edmonton:

* Calgary: 27.4 per cent
* Saskatoon: 24.9 per cent
* Regina: 17.3 per cent

By contrast, the increase in the average cost of new housing in Vancouver was 6.7 per cent, and 2.3 per cent for the Toronto and Oshawa area. In Montreal, it was 3.9 per cent.
[...]
Richard Goatcher, spokesperson for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, said housing prices could level out if fewer people move to Alberta.

As if that's going to happen in the middle of an oil boom. Klein finally admitted last year that his government had made absolutely no plans for this boom. So what does Stelmach think he's going to do now? And with all of this growth has been burgeoning demands on our infrastructure that the Tories also held off on improving as needed before the boom even hit. Blowing up a hospital was obviously not one of their smarter ideas. And what they didn't blow up, they simply privatized.

Anyone who's lived in Calgary as long as I have, some 22 years now in the city and surrounding area, has watched this city grow leaps and bounds with massively increasing pressures on services, roads, and housing that the provincial government threw band aids on while their sycophants kept voting them back in. Maybe reality is finally catching up with those who chose to believe the broken promises these Tories made for so bloody long. Or maybe those who've moved here from throughout Canada are showing that things can be different by helping to turf these Conservatives. Either way, it's about damn time something changed around here. An elected Liberal in Ralph's old riding ought to make those Conservatives stand up and pay attention. They're not going to get another free ride the next time around by slacking off the way they're used to. They're actually going to have to work for their votes.

Related: Eugene Plawiuk has the breakdown of the voting in the Drumheller riding. Slackers.

In the Drumheller-Stettler by-election 1/3 of eligible voters cast their vote. The riding has 21,790 voters and only 7144 voted. Of these 4,180 voted PC.

Is Calgary Turning Red?

Via columnist Rick Bell:

You kick it long enough and hard enough and somebody just might kick back.

So here we are, nearing six months since some of Stelmach's less-conscious supporters crowed about applying some boot to this city after their man won, and a growing number of locals are beginning to feel this crowd is a big pain in the posterior.

According to the noses being counted by well-respected pollster Bruce Cameron of Calgary's own Cameron Strategy, there are an increasing number of nostrils out of joint with Unsteady Eddie and his Conservatives without a clue.

Yes, flicker, flicker, lightbulbs are actually going on in these parts. About time.

In fact, an amazing half of Calgarians think the Tories don't deserve to win the June 12 byelection to replace Ralph as MLA for Calgary-Elbow.

That's not all.

Since January, Stelmach's sad sacks have tumbled 19 points in this city, to 40%, two numbers lower than in Edmonton, where the party support is also down.

Yes, the poll shows fewer Tory backers here than in Edmonton, as in the city with all the Liberal and NDP MLAs and the nickname Redmonton. Oh my.

"About time" is right. Obviously, there is some vast left-wing conspiracy at work here. I just wonder where the hell it's been hiding all of this time. Somewhere under the oil, no doubt.
 

Snow Day Open Thread

Yes, it's a snow day here in Calgary but, as usual, wait 5 minutes and the weather's sure to change.



And in news that would be of interest to bear-hating Stephen Colbert: Woman fights off bear in South Glenmore Park. That's in the city of Calgary.

Police and Fish and Wildlife officers are searching for a bear in South Glenmore Park following a close encounter with a couple on Thursday afternoon.

Police duty Insp. Dale Flemming said the woman used a tree branch to defend herself against the animal believed to be a black bear.

STARS air ambulance, fire crews and paramedics were also on scene to assist.
Flemming likened the encounter to a game of cat and mouse but said no physical contact was made by the bear. Police are warning Calgarians to stay out of the park until the search is called off.

Cat and mouse? That sure was one huge cat!

What's happening in your neck of the woods?

Update: 5:15 pm ET - the house debate on the Iraq funding bill has begun. Joe Biden has jumped into Bush's lap to support it:

"I believe as long as we have troops in the front line, we're going to have to protect them," said Sen. Joseph Biden (news, bio, voting record), D-Del. "We're going to have to fund them."

Biden was alone among the potential Democratic candidates in immediately pledging his support for the bill.

John Murtha, speaking on the floor, has said he'll vote for it as well.
 

Armed Man in Calgary's City Hall

Police are on the scene at Calgary's City Hall where an armed man who possibly has explosives as well is holed up.

A man with a weapon — and possibly explosives — is inside Calgary's city hall, police said Saturday.

Any people who were in the building have left. There are no hostages.

The incident began about 4 p.m. on Saturday afternoon when police say they received a report of a bomb threat.

A large area around the building has been blocked off.

Police said the man is inside the main lobby, and that they have called a negotiator.

This type of situation is truly a rarity in a city like Calgary.

7:30 pm - No word from the police on the suspect's identity, his demands or what's happening at this point. The C-Train has been ordered to bypass the City Hall stop and an adjoining medical clinic was also evacuated earlier. Luckily, the main Calgary Police Station is right across the street from City Hall so they, no doubt, were on the scene within minutes of being alerted.

Update: Global TV has more details.

Tack team members entered the building along with the police bomb squad unit, city emergency services.

A least 20 people, some who were working inside the municipal building and others who were attending a child care orientation class were evacuated.

“It was pretty scary. It’s not something you expect. My mind just went blank. I freaked out, you just know you have to get out as fast as possible and not question it,” said Devon Leroux, 23. People inside were told the person was carrying explosives. Others inside of a child-care orientation class heard a banging shortly before the evacuation.

“There was a guy — he was taking one of those fold-up chairs and pounding it against the door of council chambers,” said Bonnie LeWin.

“Then they just said we have to evacuate the building. I couldn’t see a face (of the threatening man). It was just such a rush.”

Police confirmed the man inside did have a handgun and threatened to be carrying explosives.

Will update as more news is released.

Update: 8:30 pm via QR77 radio - the standoff is over. Police have taken a man "dressed in black and wearing jeans" out of City Hall in handcuffs. The suspect's name has not been released and the situation apparently ended without incident.

Related:
City of Calgary site
CTV Calgary - CFCN
QR77 - AM talk radio (listen live at the top and bottom of the hour for updates)
CBC Calgary
 

Potential Columbine-like Massacre Copycat Pre-empted in Calgary

As if today's news about the massacre in Virginia wasn't enough to digest, I just discovered that a similar tragedy has been avoided in Calgary this week thanks to the potential shooter's parents:

CALGARY (CP) - Authorities say it was the parents of a teen charged with threatening to kill teachers on the anniversary of the Columbine massacre who tipped police that he posed a danger.

The 14-year-old student, whose name can't be published under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, was charged April 2 with uttering death threats against two teachers at a junior high school in Calgary. However, police made no public announcement about the charges until Friday.

A number of weapons were seized from his home. Reports have suggested one of them was an assault rifle, although police have not confirmed that.

A letter was sent to parents two days later that said "implied threats" had been made against the teachers.

"We're really attributing this to the great open communication between this student and his parents as a factor in how this was identified," said Dawn Delaney of the Calgary Catholic Board of Education.

"This just goes to show how important it is to have open communication with (your) children and, if you observe a change in your child's behaviour, don't ignore it. Talk to them about it and encourage them to talk freely to you."

Everything appeared almost normal Monday at the school where the 14-year-old had been attending class. The exception was the presence of a few plainclothes police officers.

Delaney said the officers were there to assure everyone at the school that they were safe, although there was no longer any threat to students or staff.

The youth is not allowed on school property and won't be coming back to classes, she said.

It's believed the teen was planning an attack to coincide with the April 20 anniversary of the 1999 Columbine massacre in Littleton, Colo., in which 12 students and one teacher were shot to death by two teenagers.

Kudos to the parents for paying attention and doing the right thing. I'm sure this will send chills through the community as so many of us remember what happened in Taber, Alberta as well.

As one expert on CNN reiterated today, the massacre in Virginia may also spur copycat attacks just as the Columbine shootings did. On top of that, April 19th is also the anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing.

A very tense week indeed.
 

Quote du Jour: Tory Secrets Sold on Ebay

Worse case scenario: "You can take the hard drive out and whack it with a hammer" until it's destroyed.

Dataloss is a huge problem. It's bad enough when computers are stolen or hacked into, but when a political party loses track of a laptop listing its membership and it ends up being sold on Ebay for $6.48, somebody deserves a proverbial smack upside the head.

And while some people don't seem to mind that details of their membership in the former Canadian Alliance party was potentially made available worldwide, I'm sure several of Diane Ablonczy's Calgary constituents will not be quite as forgiving.

The computer contains names, home addresses, phone numbers, email addresses for party members in Calgary-Nose Hill and it even contains the very agreement that outlines how the confidential data should be protected.

"The Parties agree that this system and the information contained in it are confidential and will only be used for the purposes of the Canadian Alliance, the Licensors or the Licensee," the agreement read.

Hmmm...I don't see "and anyone in the world who has $7" in that statement.

The documents list more than 4,200 people who in the spring of 2003 held party membership cards, or whose membership has lapsed. They also contain the riding association's budget documents and agendas for events such as the candidate selection meeting held in April 2003.

On top of that, the laptop contained three Canadian Alliance screening and protocol guides for potential candidates, and questions for the incumbent, Ablonczy.

Yes, Ablonczy is darn lucky that the guy (a Toronto Star employeee) who bought that laptop is honest and will be happy with his 15 minutes of fame. Ablonczy, her constituents and whoever sold that laptop should be counting their blessings and they should give the guy a reward, as far as I'm concerned.

PayPal Donation Button Added

As I mentioned earlier this week, I'm moving and need to raise some money for a security deposit and moving expenses while looking for a new place to live so I've now added a PayPal donation button to my sidebar. Several of you have offered a lot of moral support already and I really appreciate that (more than you know). I've obviously made some great friends online and even people I've never heard of have left me some helpful tips and comments. All of that has helped tremendously and I already owe you all so much.

It's been a busy and overwhelming week but I am moving forward and onward. I apologize for the lack of posts in the midst of all of these changes. In the meantime though, enjoy some cheesecake and thank you once again and if there's anything I can do for you in return, please let me know.

Calgarians: I need your help...

I and my two cats are currently living in a shared accommodation situation in Calgary and have received a notice to move by July 1, 2007. Since I live on a low (disability) income and rental costs have skyrocketed in this city in a very tight rental market, I thought I'd put up my own "accomodation wanted" post on my blog to see if that might increase my options of finding a suitable place to live.

I am more than willing to move prior to July 1st (although I am not ready to do so immediately since I just received this notice on Sunday) and will consider any offers in surrounding towns or countryside locations. (I have grandkids in Cochrane so I would like to stay as reasonably close to them as possible.)

I'm a good, quiet, reliable tenant in my mid-40s who always pays her rent on time and can provide references. I don't drink, use drugs or party (like I'd have the energy for that!). Both of my cats like to spend time outdoors because they were raised in the country. My 15 yr old cat just stays in the yard though. My 6 year old cat likes to wander a bit. They're both friendly. If worse comes to worse, I'll surrender them to temporary foster care if I can't find a place that accepts them.

I need a place that is first and foremost secure (and non-judgmental in terms of my income and disability status) and I'm willing to sign a lease since moving is one of my least favourite things to do. My illnesses (lupus and fibromyalgia) don't require any special physical setup. I'm mobile. I just have to deal with a lot of pain, fatigue and other symptoms that vary on a daily basis so I prefer a low-stress environment.

I'm aware of the low-cost housing agencies and services in the city and will be submitting applications and ads where I can.

I will be posting a Paypal donation button on my site later this week once the account is verified in order to raise money for a security deposit (my current landlord allowed me to use mine for Xmas shopping costs last December so I won't have that to draw from anymore) and to cover moving and/or storage costs if necessary. I don't have much stuff and will be getting rid of non-essentials before I move so I don't expect those costs to be very high.

Anyway, thanks for reading this and if you know of any place to live that might be suitable, please e-mail me and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.