Lebanon refuses direct contact

Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Saniora has stated that he refuses to have any direct contact with Israel and that Lebanon would be the last state to sign a peace deal with Israel. Now I suppose I can comprehend the presonal grudge, however, for the good of his constituents should he not sign such a deal? I would think that Lebanon would want peace with Israel.

Throughout the last month (although not on my blog) I have defended Prime Minister Saniora as a man whose nation has been held hostage by war that has very little to do with his people. However, what he is doing is irresponsible. For the good of his people, he should be the first to sign such a deal.

In his own words, "Let it be clear, we are not seeking any agreement until there is just and comprehensive peace based on Arab initiative."

The Arab initiative he speaks of would created at the 2002 Arab League Summit in Beirut. It calls for a return to the pre-'67 boarders with Jerusalem as the capital and a solution to the refugee issue.

This request is simply far too much. Israel has already agreed to give Gaza and Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) over to create a Palestinian state. And I must say the Arab League's demands sounded great four years ago, however, none of its members have done anything to assist those refugees who identify as Palestinian within their own nations.

My personal opinion, this is all politics. Saniora is well aware he is losing support politically among his people, and feels a need to be strong with Israel. However, he knows Israel will never give up the Holy City Yerushalaim (or Jerusalem is you prefer). And quite frankly, they shouldn't have to. In its Israel has already given up more than 2.5 times the land it currently inhabits -- with more on the way. Saniora should swallow his pride and do what Israel has long been seeking with Lebanon and sign a peace treaty, so that (hopefully) there will be no more war between the two nations.

Happy Birthday Gilad

Israeli soldier, Corporal Gilad Shalit has just turned 20.

Gilad is the son of Noam and Aviva and brother to Joel and Hadas. Kidnapped by Hamas June 25 (in Israel), Gilad was serving on Israel's front line in the protection of southern communities. In captivity for 67 days now, it is unknown if Gilad's family and friend's will ever see his face again.

Buses of family and friends made their way south from Mitzpe Hila to Kerem Shalom where Gilad was last seen. "We came here to be as close to you as we could," said Noam Shalit, his father. "Gilad, I love you. Be strong, may we celebrate Rosh Hashana together at home," where words echoed throughout the crowd. However, the reality of the situation was made when Noam stated, "We're not celebrating your birthday, we're marking it." As his wife's filled with tears Noam continued his speech, "...we have come to Kerem Shalom to mark your birthday. We will not be able celebrate this year. I doubt that you know what date it is today, and that you are 20 years old today. We came to where your comrades Pavel Slutzker and Hanan Barak fell. We came to remind everyone that you have been in captivity... we came to remind the Israeli government and the army of their moral debt to you, and that soldiers are not left behind in the battlefield or in captivity."

Supported by Gilad's brigade commander and Karnit Goldwasser (whose husband is still being held captive by Hezbollah) , Noam cut a string of balloons with prayers and well wishes in them, so that they may float up to the Heavens.


Gilad's father refrained from taking a political stance on the issue, but I will not. The instruction for the kidnapping were directly issued by the Hamas headquarters in Syria. The Syrian government, headed by President Assad, together with Hamas, bear direct responsibilty for his wellbeing and fate.

I will not call on his release, because simply put I am not that important. However, I will call on the Canadian community and those that read this to understand the current situation. Please end the protest in favour of Hezbollah and Hamas. End your hunt to end the existence of a free and democratic Israeli State. And end you quest to destroy Zionism in all its forms. Because, as you can see by the recent events in Lebanon, Mainland Israel and Gaza, Zionists will not relent. It is a land that we love.

And I ask that all please pray for Gilad in Gaza, and Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev in Lebanon.

Elizabeth May elected to lead Green Party of Canada

Old news, I know... But its a relatively slow news day.

I want to first say congrats to the new Green Party leader, and that if anyone deserves to lead this party it is her. (Read into that what you will.)

But as someone who is, quite frankly, dishearted (we'll leave it at that) with their current federal partisan affiliation (however, that may all change come December -- *crossing fingers on Bob Rae*) I have decided to review other paltforms. As such in doing so, I have decided to email her office personally with three very basic straight forward questions.

1) What is the current opinion Green Party of Canada and its newly elected leader regarding the current situation in the Middle East?

2) With a vote returning to the House of Commons the autumn regarding the issue of equal marriage, where does the Green Party of Canada and its new leader stand?

3) Economic disparigies are currently harming some of Canada's most beautiful areas; most notably Northern Ontario and the Atlantic Provinces. Does the Green Party of Canada and its leader have a plan to 'fix' such an imbalance?

I can tell you what I do think. But than that would take all the fun out of it. I will, however, let you know.

Yale Shmale

Lakehead University located in Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ontario has just released its new ad campaign. This is it.

I'll let that sink in for a moment.

Now I do agree that there is some humour in. And many of you know that I am no fan of the American President. However, this new ad scheme is ridiculous. Everyone (at least in Northern Ontario) knows that Lakehead is one of the most left leaning universities in Ontario -- certainly the North. But it doesn't matter. I do not care what kind of students you are attemping to attract (obviously Lakehead is attempting to avoid conservatives), this is not constructive. As someone who considers himself, at least, moderately on the left (at last check anyway -- the jury has been out as of late on that one) this does not help the cause.

Those of us who oppose President Bush need to stop poking fun at his intelligence. HE WENT TO YALE! And even if that isn't proof enough for you; he won two elections that no one expected him to win... twice.

So I so to the left, please, give it up already. Attack the right's policies and actions. They have made plently of mistakes in such areas. But to attack a person's intelligence is, quite frankly...just lame.

News from Tory MP Jason Kenney

So here's the thing about Jason Kenney -- I've always found him to be a bit of a douche. But let's be honest he's not the only one who I find to be a douche and I'm not the only one who finds him to be a douche. (How's that for multiple use of the word "douche.") Now moving on.

Yesterday Kenney, who is Harper's Parliamentary Secretary, compared Hezbollah to Hitler's Nazis. At first I thought its about damn time. 24hrs (which is owned by SunTV) paraphrases his statement as follows, "the Nazi Party of the 1930s enjoyed democratic support, provided social services and propagated hatred against Jewish people -- all like Hezbollah."

So here is my question does comparing Hezbollah to the Nazis take away from the impact the Nazis had on the Jewish people and all of history? I have no doubt in Hezbollah's 'evilility' (I may have just made that word up) and there is not doubt that Mr. Kenney was correct, however, as someone who has family that are Holocaust survivors I can't shake the feeling that the Nazis are the most evil force in history and to compare any institution to them take away from their impact.

So tell me, am I denying the impact of Hezbollah or over emphasizing the impact of the Nazis? At this point I am really not sure...

Vote of Confidence Coming

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has announced that he will make his soft wood lumber bill a vote of confidence. At first set I'm looking forward to an early election so we (as in Liberals) can take Government again. Quite frankly it gets lonely here in Opposition. However, when examined more closely this would be a perfect time for Harper to have an election. Let us look at the reasons.

1. Despite polls showing otherwise, it seems on the ground support for Harper is skyrocketing. We see this especially in the Jewish commnuity where his unwavering support for Israel has not only earned him points, it has earned him Liberals.

2. There is no Liberal Leader to run against him. Now Mike Eizenga has said he has a plan that does not include Bill Graham. I am personally very curious as to what this means. The possibility of a mail in vote has been raised in some circles, however, I'm not a personal fan of this.

More on number 2...
We have overcome this. Most notably, after a young Bob Rae brought down the Joe Clark Government and aging Pierre Trudeau took another run at it. However, in this case I simply don't see anyone who can (or quite frankly should) be our leader prior to December.

So the question is, "Is it possible for the Liberal Party to win an early election?"

Carolyn Bennett Calls For the Resignation of Borys Wrzesnewskyj

She beat my guy to it. I guy I'll have to add her to my list of pro-Israel candidates. Here's her statement.

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August, 22, 2006

Hon. Carolyn Bennett, MP Calls For the Resignation of Borys Wrzesnewskyj as Associate Critic for Foreign Affairs

The Hon. Dr. Carolyn Bennett, MP for St. Paul's, is deeply concerned by the remarks of her caucus colleague, Etobicoke-Centre MP Borys Wrzesnewskyj.

In the Ottawa Citizen (August 21), Mr. Borys Wrzesnewskyj, MP for Etobicoke-Centre, was quoted as saying that he would support having Hezbollah taken off of Canada’s list of terrorist organizations and in the Toronto Star (August 21), Mr. Wrzesnewskyj was quoted as describing Israel’s actions during the recent conflict as “state terrorism”.

Dr. Bennett welcomes Mr. Wrzesnewskyj’s subsequent public statement in which he clarified that he believes that Hezbollah should continue to be listed as a terrorist organization. However, Dr. Bennett is very troubled to note that Mr. Wrzesnewskyj did not retract his comments regarding Israel’s conduct during the conflict.

In July, during the height of the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, Dr. Bennett wrote, “Our support for Israel, and for her right to self-defence, is a constant. There can be no indulgence of terrorist groups bent on the infliction of civilian casualties and the destruction of Israel, or of the states which support them. Yet every one in the region, including Palestinians and the Lebanese, must be confident that Canada will continue to work to understand their concerns and facilitate the search for peace.” Dr. Bennett stands by these comments, and hopes that both her constituents in St. Paul’s and citizens across Canada understand that Mr. Wrezenwskyj’s comments reflect neither her views on the Middle-East nor, as the Hon. Bill Graham reiterated yesterday, the views of the Liberal Party of Canada.

For this reason, she feels that it would inappropriate for Mr. Wrezenwskyj to continue his role as associate critic for foreign affairs. “Hezbollah has demonstrated time and again that it is an organization committed to the destruction of the state of Israel. Until it ceases to use tactics of intimidation and violence on civilians both within Lebanon and Israel, and until it accepts the right of the state of Israel to exist peacefully, the Canadian government should refrain from all dealings that will enable it to continue to destabilize the region”, she said.

As Mr. Wrzesnewskyj has been a vocal supporter of Gerard Kennedy's leadership campaign, Dr. Bennett hopes that Mr. Kennedy will distance himself both from the remarks made by Mr. Wrzesnewskyj as well as anti-Semitic comments posted by one of Mr. Kennedy's youth supporters on a well-read Canadian blog. Dr. Bennett feels the Liberal Party should be united in it's message of condemnation of international terrorism and it's support both for Israel's sovereign right to defend itself and for continued progress in the peace process.

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Response from GK

Here is GK's statement regarding Thomas Hubert. More well said. Perhaps I misjudged him and his campaign.

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No place in the Liberal Party for Hateful Language : A Statement by Liberal Leadership Candidate Gerard Kennedy

Monday, August 21 2006

I have seen the comments that were published by a blogger who was also a member of YLC BC. There is no place in the Liberal Party for that type of extremism or hateful language. His decision to resign is the right decision.

My campaign enjoys the support of tens of thousands of Liberals across the country.

While the individual in question has identified himself as a supporter of my campaign, he has played no formal role in my campaign, and will not be playing any role in the future.

***

Thomas Hubert Resigns

I must say, I have always been a fan of Warren Kinsella. He continues his battle against Thomas Hubert here. As you can see, Hubert has resigned his post for the inflamatory and flat out racist remarks he has made. It is about time.

Moreover, on the same note; I will apologize about my earlier implication regarding GK. Although I still believe the man has not been difinitive enough on Israel he did release this statement.

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No Negotiations with Hezbollah: Kennedy

Statement by Federal Liberal Leadership Candidate Gerard Kennedy:

Earlier today, a Member of Parliament was quoted by the media making a number of statements with regard to the crisis in the middle east. I have not been able to confirm those reports as I have been unable to reach Mr. Wrzesnewskyj.

Hezbollah is a terrorist organization and should not be negotiated with - unless and until they repudiate violence and recognize the State of Israel. We will continue to support the State of Israel's right to defend itself within the boundaries of domestic and international law - like all democratic countries. We will however, proudly restore Canada's tradition of always first seeking to find the peaceful resolution to conflict.

-30-

Amanda Alvaro

National Director of Communications

Gerard Kennedy Leadership Campaign

Office: 416.849.3434

***

Good job.

More from this guy...

It's all here on Kinsella's blog. I'll post below again.

August 21, 2006 – More commentary by Thomas Hubert, supra, the guy who is part of Gerard Kennedy's leadership bid, and who is also on the executive of the Liberal Party of Canada in BC. To echo a few (but too few) others: where is Hubert's resignation? Why hasn't Bill Graham asked for it? Why hasn't Gerard? The latest quote (and you can be sure, fellas, that I will be sent plenty more, the longer you wait):

"One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter. At one point, George Washington was considered a terrorist by the powers that be. History will remember Hezbollah as an organization that stood up to the most vile 'nation' in human history."


The most vile nation in history, eh? That's what Israel is? And people say there is no anti-Semitism in the Liberal Party of Canada...

Feeling much better.

By and large I'm feeling much better, so here's hoping I can re-kick this blog off.

Suprise, surprise I'm talking anti-Semetism in the Liberal Party of Canada. Yesterday on Warren Kinsella's blog he posted this. For those that are too lazy to link to it, here it is.

August 20, 2006 – Why is the author of this blog, a putative supporter of Gerard Kennedy, and claiming to be a member of the Liberal Party of Canada’s executive in BC, writing things like this on Cherniak’s blog? Is anything going to be done about this? If Bill Graham and Denis Coderre have any say in the matter, I doubt it.

"The Liberal Party is stronger without these violent Zionists in our party. I am glad for them to cease influencing our foreign policy so we are free to promote Canadian values of peace. It amazes me that this community is so absurdly selfish. The only issue that matters to them is the defence of a "state" that survives on the blood of innocent people.

Shameful.Thomas @ thelongwalk.ca"

And people still ask me why I don’t feel comfortable in the Liberal Party of Canada anymore. It’s rather self-evident, I’d say.

Shameful Thomas is not the only member of the Liberal Party of Canada that is going this far. With members of our own caucus who shall remain nameless marching in favour of Hezbollah, I have to question is there really any place for Jews and Zionists.

We have a leadership contest with ten candiates as of today. Only four of them have said anything in favour of Israel -- Bob Rae, Scott Brison, Ken Dryden, and Joe Volpe. I, myself, am supporting Rae. However, Jews and Zionists must question should an Ignatieff, Dion, or Kennedy win would there be place at all. So I say it now...will Jews and Zionists still want to be a part of the Liberal Party of Canada a day after leadership?

Still sick...

Still sick, but don't worry alive. I just thought I'd take the time to give Maurizio Beviliqua a big hoorah and a pat on the back for joining Team Rae.

Posting is a haste when sick...

As I have been somewhat ill has of late I will take the time to post blogs by two friends of mine who I feel have very well thought out opinions on the subject of the Hezbollah war in Israel and its effect on Canadians.

Michelle Oliel (1st post on Aug 11)

Jason Cherniak (on Aug 10)

Dryden on Israel

I am by no means a Dryden supporter. I am on Bob Rae's team. But Ken Dryden released a statement today that I found to be very well done. This is Ken Dryden's "Understand Israel."

PM picks Muslim Liberal MP as adviser on Mideast

See here.

You know, I find myself agreeing with our PM alot as of late...scary... Well today's applauding comes from him naming a Liberal MP as his advisor on the Middle East. It says he realizes that the Middle East cannot be divided simply among partisan lines. I respect such a decision. And quite frankly, I respect him more for making it. I congradulate Wajid Kahn and his appointment and wish him luck in his endeavors.

...of course, the possibility remains that this is just an attempt to make himself appear less partisan... But let's give the PM the benefit of the doubt on this one, eh?

Liberal Party loses prominent Jews for not supporting Israel

This post by fellow blogger s.b. says it all. This is why the Liberal Party is losing our support.

The bearing of my soul

I am fed up...

The Liberal Party of Canada has chosen to take a stance that is not favourable to Israel. This includes our current interim leader and at least 9 of the 11 leadership candidates (one is still on the bubble in my opinion). This is a problem. Support for the Party is eroding in the Jewish community. And as a Conservative friend said to me, "I am Jew before I am a Conservative." Well "I am a Jew before I am a Liberal." So the question remains what to do... I am somewhat distraught. Moreover, I know I am not the only one...

Apologies...

I apologize for my absence from the blogosphere this past weekend. I had a very important guest who demanded my attention. I will continue my blog tomorrow morning.

Another break from Middle East posts

Something is seriously wrong with the Canadian justice system. Check out this article.

What world are we in when a multiple convicted pedeofile is cutting deals with our police officers in order to stay out of prison. This man is dangerous. The police have a job to do in getting him off the streets.

I have always been one to support the notion of rehabilitation, but quite frankly, sometimes it is time to give up. Keep this guy in prison for the rest of his life. Keep him off the streets and away from children.

When is enough enough?

Murderer only gets 2.5 years

Some have accused me of being soft on crime. Others have accused me of being hard on crime. Here is one point where I hope I get it just right.

An 18 year old murderer was only sentenced to 2.5 years in prison for the murder of (than) 18 years old Tanner Hopkins. This is because he was only 16 at the time. As such the most he could have gotten for litterally stabbing this young man in the back twice while drunk was 4 years in prison. This is (although within the limits of the law) a flagrant lack of justice. Robert and Charryn Hopkins were robbed of the life of their eldest son. After going through a tragedy that no parent should ever have to experience they sat and watched this boy get only 2.5 years to make up for it. To boot they were forced to have this child give them the sarcastic comment, "Are you happy now?"

The Conservatives campaigned on being tougher on crime. I await their changes.

Israel and the media

I'll throw down a real post later. But for now check out an amazing article by one Warren Kinsella.

Is Jewish support for Liberals eroding?

This blog is a response to an article found on the front page and continued on the eleventh of today's Globe and Mail.

The simple answer to this question is yes. Support for this party which I have called home for nearly six years of my life is quickly fading. Much is the Jewish population in this party is distressed over Mr. Graham and ten of the eleven leadership candidates' inability to show their full support for the Israeli defensive.

Many feel lost in a party that since the era of Cretien has not shown its full support for Israel -- the shining example of democracy in the Middle East. This war was an opportunity for the Party to show Jewish Canadians their full support for Israel; possibly taking Conservative votes in the process.

They messed up. Too many Jews are now, as someone I met at Nick Nicolaides BBQ said to me, "Conservative votes waiting to happen."

The only question remains is, when and will the Liberal Party of Canada do anything about it?

Support for war from the Nation of Israel

It seems a number of different publications today have broke the news that citizens of the Nation of Israel support Israel's defensive. Cudos! We have to remember who this war about -- the people. Man, woman, and child are being killed day in, day out because of this war. There is a responsibility among the world to make sure their deaths mean something. That something is peace. I only hope that such a peace can be salvaged with the Government of Israel and legitimate governments of Lebanon and the Palestinian Authority.