Ambassador Frank McKenna
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Toronto Star: Frank McKenna tells it like it is

I admire and respect Ambassador Frank McKenna. Canada's Ambassador to the United States of America is a very distinguished and outstanding Canadian. All you have to do is read his impressive biography at Canadian Embassy, Washington D.C.

This excellent editorial from the Toronto Star says it all about our wonderful and remarkable Ambassador Frank McKenna.


Mar. 4, 2005 copyright: THE TORONTO STAR



Editorial:

Frank McKenna tells it like it is



It is refreshing to have a Canadian ambassador to the United States who hasn't yet learned the diplomatic art of leaden, elliptical speech. Frank McKenna told it like it is this week, as he took up his new post.

Washington has adopted a punitive approach to key Canadian trade issues that has bred grassroots resentment here, McKenna warned. The unnecessary American ban on imports of Canadian cattle has cost us $7 billion, and outrageous U.S. tariffs on softwood lumber have cost us $4.5 billion more. That's a lot of lost Canadian jobs.

"The temperature in Canada has been at a pretty high level because of these irritants," McKenna told reporters. "And so, the logical extension of that is that if you could turn down the temperature, then you would have a different political environment." Well, it couldn't hurt.

Prime Minister Paul Martin's government would not — and should not — shun military co-operation in areas like missile defence because of trade frictions. Not after 9/11. Not ever. The Americans are our closest allies and friends. We have to do our part to protect the continent we share. It was good to see Martin boost defence and foreign aid in the budget.

Still, U.S. President George Bush found himself pressing missiles on an audience whose reservoir of goodwill wasn't what it might have been.

McKenna deserves credit for pointing this out to Americans in language they understand. Bush is not popular in Canada, as he is not popular in many other countries. We have good reason to be irked over cattle and lumber. And most of us opposed the Iraq invasion. Selling missile defence here was never going to be easy. This clutch of irritants didn't help.

Effectively, McKenna reminded Americans that Canadian politics works much like their own. Washington can't take Canada for granted, walk all over our interests, and then expect a groundswell of public support for whatever the U.S. administration of the day proposes.

Bush, who prides himself on McKenna-style straight talk, is sure to understand this message, even if he doesn't like it. And McKenna's candour is refreshing for Canadians, too, who have had to listen to the unrealistically rosy spin that Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew seems to bring to almost every contentious issue.

McKenna skewered the predatory practices of U.S. lumber interests. He likened the U.S. lumber producers who stand unlawfully to profit from $4.5 billion in tariffs collected by the U.S. from Canadian producers to "someone standing on street corners, turning in jaywalkers, and then getting the fine money." He's right. And we weren't even jaywalking!

This week's U.S. court injunction keeping the border closed to our cattle, and yesterday's Senate vote to do the same, are just the latest insults. They left U.S. cattlemen grinning from ear to ear, even as they told the TV cameras that of course they would eat Canadian beef. Health isn't the issue, one all but admitted. It's the money.

In that spirit of frank exchange, McKenna should cultivate his innate candour. Americans stand up for their point of view, and they respect others who do the same. Sometimes, they even listen.

God bless Pope John Paul II

Pope John Paul II is truly a man of God. He is so full of love and compassion and deep faith that he in my opinion is one of the great Christian leaders in the history of the world. There is a special place in my heart for His Holiness John Paul II.

As The Pope enters the twilight of his life I am praying for him in the heartfelt hope that the Lord in His ultimate love will find an immediate place in Heaven for John Paul II. He has inspired faith and hope in thousands upon thousands around the world in his travels and has touched their hearts and souls.

Pope John Paul II was a leader in helping to bring down 'communism' in the old USSR and
other eastern bloc nations including his homeland of Poland.

Pope John Paul II along with Billy Graham are the two Christian leaders in modern history who have inspired hundreds of thousands of people to a faith in God and Jesus Christ. Words cannot adequately express my love and adoration for Pope John Paul II. He is truly a good and decent man and a truly great man.

I thank God for Pope John Paul II and may God in His love bless the Pope. On this Easter Monday I believe it is a special day to give thanks for this amazing and wonderful man --
Pope John Paul II.

Pope John Paul II is truly a man of God.
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Jesus is my Savior. Is He yours ?
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Canada needs democratic reform.

Now more than ever before in the history of Canada we need serious democratic reform. The nation the Fathers of Confederation created in 1867 was as good as it gets for a parliamentary democracy but times have changed. We are now in the 21st century and Canada needs reform.

Let's start with the Senate of Canada. It made sense in another time in history to appoint Senators but in today's modern Canada I believe we should do the following - elect or abolish the Senate.

The current Senators are political appointments and while they are certainly honorable people the point is they are not accountable to the people of Canada.

What should be done ?

There should be a NATIONAL TASK FORCE ON DEMOCRATIC REFORM. That task force should be composed of respected Canadians and reflect the multicultural mosaic of Canada.

The mandate of the Task Force on Democratic Reform would be to determine what to do with The Senate of Canada and also to consider PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION for the House of Commons. The Task Force must look at getting more women,visible minorities,and First Nations people into Parliament.

The United Nations has consistently ranked Canada as one of the best nations in the world to live. We are a very multicultural and progressive nation. Now is the time for democratic reform in Canada.

Euthanasia has no place in civilized society ! God bless President Bush and the Republicans in Congress for their leadership.

Senate Approves Bill in Right to Die Case
Sun Mar 20, 2005 05:40 PM ET

The pro-euthanasia media in the USA calls it 'right to die' when the truth is that allowing Terri Schiavo to die -- that would be another slip own the slippery slope --
and bring about mercy killing in America -- and it would spread to other nations like Canada.

Read this news article -

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate on Sunday unanimously passed legislation aimed at prolonging the life of a brain-damaged woman, Terri Schiavo, in an extraordinary intervention by Congress to move the Florida case into the jurisdiction of federal courts.

President Bush cut short a Texas vacation and flew back to Washington to sign the bill as soon as it passes both houses of Congress.

The House of Representatives is expected to take up the same bill and pass it early Monday morning after a brief delay caused by objections by some Democrats who said it put Congress in the middle of a family dispute and undermined state rights.

Here is my opinion:

I respect and admire the Christian 'courage' of President George W. Bush and the Republican Congress in standing up for what is right in the battle against mercy killing.

Tonight I will pray this bill passes Congress and I will pray for Terri Schiavo.
God bless President Bush, the Republican Congress, and may God especially bless
Terri Schiavo.

Happy St. Patrick's Day's

To all those who are Irish and to all those who wish they were here is wishing you a very

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

Tip O'Neill (1912-1994) the great and wonderful Irish politician from Boston who was Speaker of the United States House of Representatives once said:

"All politics is local."

So as we celebrate Saint Patrick's Day here's a 'tip' of the hat to the grand Irishman -- Speaker Tip O'Neill.

Tip O'Neill, Speaker of the U.S. Congress
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Thank you Ronald Reagan for being a great defender of freedom.
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The day I met Ronald Reagan

Toronto Star
Copyright
Jun. 7, 2004.

Reagan genuine American hero
By
Michael McCafferty

America mourns Ronald Reagan

More than 29 years ago, back in 1975, I was in Washington, D.C. attending a convention of the American Young Republicans. I was all of 24 years old. It was a Saturday morning about 6.45 a.m. when I got into the hotel elevator to attend a breakfast in honour of a former California governor named Ronald Reagan. As I got into the elevator there he was. As large as life: Ronald Reagan.
In my youthful excitement, I quickly stuck out my hand and introduced myself to Reagan. I told him I was from Canada and he kindly told me it was nice a young man from Canada was interested in the affairs of the United States.
When we got down to the lobby Reagan autographed the back of my business card. Today it is a prized treasure to me.
That business card became my ticket to getting many wonderful signed White House photographs and letters from President Reagan. Later on, he would personally autograph his books for me. And Prime Minister Brian Mulroney was so very kind in sending me a gift of a very large beautiful colour photograph of him and Reagan signed by both of them. These are my treasures of Ronald Reagan.
In 1984, I had the honor to attend Reagan's second nomination at the Republican convention in Dallas and then was invited to his 2nd inauguration in Washington in January, 1985, which I also attended. The last time I saw Reagan in real life was in 1988 at a gala banquet in his honor in Washington.
Ronald Reagan was my hero. To me Reagan is one of the giants of history along with Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill. Reagan was truly a good and decent man for whom I will always have a special place in my heart.
Reagan was truly a genuine American hero. God bless him.

Ronald Reagan button
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Peter C Newman - Canada's greatest author.

Copyright 2005
Amazon.ca

Peter C. Newman is truly a great Canadian !

Reviewer: Michael McCafferty (see more about me) from Regina, Saskatchewan Canada Peter C. Newman is truly a very remarkable and great Canadian. He is by far the greatest non-fiction writer in Canadian history. Newman is a very remarkable and extraordinary person -- I admire the man !
'Here be Dragons' by Peter C. Newman is without a doubt a very very excellent book -- and that is why it is a Canadian best seller. Mr. Newman has led a very outstanding life and his memoirs speak volumes about the greatness of this man.
As a Canadian I am proud I got a copy of this great book by a great man for Christmas. Peter C. Newman's life life story is one toadmire and at the end of the day I recommend this book becauseMr. Newman is truly a great Canadian !

BEST SELLER
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THE WAR ROOM Audio Review

The War Room

The War Room is absolutely the best documentary film ever made about a United States presidential campaign. This is Michael McCafferty and I invite you to listen to me on audio sharing with you my thoughts about The War Room and Bill Clinton's campaign for the White House in 1992.

Cheers !

Canada's 13th Prime Minister John Diefenbaker

Leader Post
Regina,Saskatchewan,Canada

Copyright 2002

Thank you for your wonderful editorial, "Remembering Dief the Chief" (Leader-Post, Jan. 12).
As one who served as a special assistant to the Right Honourable John George Diefenbaker from 1976-79, I have many heartfelt fond memories of him.
There is a special place in my heart for the memory of Diefenbaker. I was very loyal to The Chief and loved him as if he were my grandfather.
That is why I very much appreciate this fine editorial, which concluded with the statement: "John Diefenbaker won't soon be forgotten."
It is my belief there are thousands of Canadians from British Columbia to Newfoundland who would agree.
Your editorial is quite right in stating, "there is no denying the deep affection for 'the Chief' held by many voters old enough to recall him." Twenty-two years after his death in 1979, I still have deep affection for my mentor and friend, Dief the Chief.
The first time I met him, I was 14 years of age. The Chief had come to Fredericton to campaign. The year was 1965 and Canada was in the middle of a federal election campaign.
As a young lad, I was in awe of the man from Prince Albert and worked my way through the crowd so I could shake his hand. I remember telling the Chief that someday I wanted to work for him.
My dream came true and one day he brought me onto his staff as a special assistant in his office at the House of Commons in Ottawa.
To me, he was truly a genuine Canadian patriot who was a defender of the mythic "little people".
I remember the countless letters he received from every part of our wonderful country. Those letters were proof that The Chief was really a hero to countless Canadians.
One of my most personal and special memories was of the time my beloved grandmother came to Ottawa for the first time in her life. My Nanny was born in 1895, the same year as him.
I took my grandmother into The Chief's office and what was supposed to be a short meeting turned into a couple of hours.
My grandmother adored Diefenbaker, and when she died, he honoured her with special flowers and a very loving letter to me in which he wrote: "Your relationship with your grandmother was in the finest tradition."
One Christmas, he gave me a special edition "toby mug" bust of himself as a gift. And now, when I show it off to people, I ask, "How many people can say they got a replica of their boss from their boss ?" Simply stated, that gift is one of my treasures.
Though he is no longer of this earth, I want to share with Saskatchewan folks my enduring love for The Chief. He was a man of deep faith and -- just as importantly -- a man of honor and integrity.
The history books will judge his record as prime minister, but I am certain he will always be remembered as a good and decent man who loved Canada.
Dick Spencer, former mayor of Prince Albert, wrote a wonderful book called Trumpets and Drums: John Diefenbaker on the Campaign Trail. I commend that book to readers who want to reflect on the life and times of John George Diefenbaker.
Yes, I have many wonderful memories about the Chief. As long as I live, I will do my part to ensure that John Diefenbaker will not be forgotten.
The Leader-Post editorial about him opened a floodgate of memories for me. As one who loved the Chief and gave him great loyalty I want you to know that I am grateful for the good words you wrote about him!

Abraham Lincoln
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Senator Nancy Jacobs speech on Abraham Lincoln

Nancy Jacobs is a State Senator in the State Senate in Maryland. Senator Jacobs is known and respected as one of America's outstanding state legislators. She is truly
in my opinion a remarkable leader and a genuine American patriot.

Senator Jacobs shares my admiration for Abraham Lincoln.

What follows is an excellent speech Senator Jacobs made in The Maryland State Senate about President Lincoln. I invite your comments.


THE HONORABLE
STATE SENATOR NANCY JACOBS
The State Senate
State of Maryland USA

ABRAHAM LINCOLN DAY SPEECH

On February 27th, 1860, a country lawyer, little known outside his home in Illinois, addressed the Young Men's Central Republican Union in New York City. He was testing the waters for a campaign for the Presidency of the United States of America.
The man appeared before a sold-out auditorium of 1,500 spectators, who had gathered to listen to speeches by prospective presidential candidates. Although he stood on the podium with leaders who inspired greatness, expectations for this prairie lawyer were low. One reporter's description reflected the crowd's unflattering mood toward the man:
"When he rose to speak, I was greatly disappointed. The long, ungainly figure, upon which hung clothes that...were largely the work of an unskilled tailor; the large feet, the clumsy hands...made a picture which did not fit in with New York's conception of a finished statesmen. His voice was high and piercing from the outset."
This was the description of the man the people saw. However, let it be known that on that night, Abraham Lincoln challenged mankind forever with these words:
"LET US HAVE FAITH THAT RIGHT MAKES MIGHT, AND IN THAT FAITH, LET US, TO THE END, DARE TO DO OUR DUTY AS WE UNDERSTAND IT."
Thunderous applause erupted throughout Lincoln's speech, and when he had concluded, the audience, while waving hats and handkerchiefs overhead, gave this lowly country lawyer a standing ovation. The seeds of freedom had been sown.
Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, esteemed guests, thank you for this opportunity to honor the legacy of our nation's sixteenth President, Abraham Lincoln, the GREAT Emancipator.
At a time when America is desperate for strong, virtuous leadership, Lincoln's life is an inspiration to us all. No modern day hero can compare with the unyielding qualities of leadership captured in the person of Abraham Lincoln.
Lincoln's own words and deeds define the noble ideal of leadership. Tonight, I would like to share with you the leadership genius of this great man.
Abraham Lincoln was a man of great principle.
Lincoln's anguish over slavery and the Confederacy's unequal treatment of man guided his administration and served as a beacon for the direction of his policies.
His commitment was simple and direct.
"As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master. This expresses my idea of democracy. Whatever differs from this," concluded Lincoln, "is not democracy."
Throughout his campaign, he condemned slavery as a vast moral evil and blight on the national landscape. Once in office, the Republican Party became the party of Lincoln - the Party that denounced the Dred Scott decision, reaffirmed the "all equal" clause of the Declaration of Independence and worked to abolish slavery from the face of our nation.
When faced with a question regarding the spread of slavery, Lincoln answered that there was "no possible compromise on it."
He insisted that his fellow Republicans should, "on that point, hold firm, as with a chain of steel." To his final breath, Lincoln adhered to his principles. Abraham Lincoln was a man of great compassion to friend and foe alike.
"I shall do nothing in malice. What I deal with is too vast for malicious dealing," said the Commander-in-Chief. Whether it is in his record-setting number of pardons or his approach to the defeated Confederacy, Lincoln knew that there was no purpose in seeking revenge for the sake of revenge. However, his compassion did not express weakness, but was the precursor to a modern day tough love. Yet this spirit of forgiveness allowed him to begin the process of rebuilding--more effectively--that which was ravaged by war.
As Lincoln said, "We are not enemies, but friends. We must NOT be enemies. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield, and patriot grave, to every living heart and hearthstone, all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature."
Abraham Lincoln was a humble public servant...
From the very beginning of his career, Lincoln was recognized for his modest life and his unassuming manner.
"I'll do the very best I can, the very best I know how," said Lincoln. "And I mean to keep doing so till the end. If the end brings me out all right, what is said against me won't amount to anything. If the end brings me out wrong, ten angels swearing I was right would make no difference."
"I confess I do not fully understand and foresee it all. But I am placed where I am, obliged to the best of my poor ability to deal with it. And that being the case, I can only go just as fast as I can see how to go."
Abraham Lincoln perpetuated a vision and inspired greatness in others...
In 1864, the President visited battle-weary soldiers in an attempt to encourage them. He wanted them to know that neither he nor the nation had forgotten them; and he wanted to remind them of the importance of what they were fighting for. Lincoln told the 166th Ohio Regiment:
"It is not merely for today, but for all time to come, that we should perpetuate for our children's children this great and free government, which we have enjoyed all our lives. I beg you, remember this, not merely for my sake, but for yours."
"I happen temporarily to occupy this big White House. I am living witness that any one of your children may look to come here as my father's child has. It is in order that each of you may have, through this free government which we have enjoyed, an open field and a fair chance for your industry, enterprise, and intelligence; that you may all have equal privileges in the race of life, with all its desirable human aspirations. It is for this, that the struggle should be maintained...THE NATION IS WORTH FIGHTING FOR."
And finally, Abraham Lincoln was a man who recognized his dependence on a sovereign God and drew on His strength to govern.
During the violent days of the Civil War, Lincoln said these words: "I have been driven many times tomy knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom seemed insufficient for that day. It is my earnest desire to know the will of Providence, and if I can learn what it is, I will do it.
As we reflect on his legacy, his meaning to our country today, let us remember that Abraham Lincoln truly "belongs to the ages." He is a shining example to every elected official and public servant in America.
His leadership is real. It is eternal.
The very words Lincoln used to inspire then can echo in this chamber tonight to challenge us, as we stand on the doorstep of a new millennium:
"Fellow citizens, we cannot escape history...The fiery trial through which we pass, will light us down, in honor or dishonor, to the latest generation. The way is plain, peaceful, generous, just - a way which, if followed, the world will forever applaud, and God must forever bless."
May we here in this assembly tonight accept Lincoln’s challenge of leadership and rededicate ourselves to these timeless principles.
Thank you.

John F. Kennedy - my life time hero.

THE SEATTLE TIMES

Saturday, November 22, 2003,
12:00 a.m. Pacific

Guest columnist

O Kennedy

By Michael McCafferty Special to The Times

Greetings from Canada from a Canadian who wants to honor the memory of President John F. Kennedy.
Kennedy was my hero when I was a 12-year-old boy, and 40 years later, President Kennedy is a true hero in the heart of a 52-year-old man.
It seems hard to believe that 40 years have gone by since that very tragic day of Friday, Nov. 22, 1963. The day John F. Kennedy died, I shed tears and felt the world had lost a truly wonderful and remarkable leader.
In the 40 years since the death of President Kennedy, I have built up a collection of books, photographs and political buttons from Kennedy's campaign for president in 1960. On my office wall hangs a large campaign poster with a larger-than-life photograph with a caption that reads: "A Time for Greatness" — John F. Kennedy for President. On my desk is a bust of President Kennedy. It is my way of honoring his memory and legacy.
President Kennedy offered America and the world hope and a vision of greatness. He had courage and, like (those portrayed in) his book "Profiles in Courage," he was indeed a man of courage.
Over the years, I had the honor to shake the hand of Robert F. Kennedy and U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy, and in 1989, I spent a whole day at the John F. Kennedy Museum in Boston, where I had the honor of spending time with one of John F. Kennedy's closest friends — David Powers. Mr. Powers shared with me some wonderful memories of JFK.
These encounters with history have reinforced my heartfelt belief that John F. Kennedy was truly a wonderful and remarkable world leader.
Back in December of 1974, on a cold morning, I made the trip to Arlington National Cemetery to visit the grave of President Kennedy. Though it was early and cold, I was moved by the line-up of people filing past President Kennedy's grave. Thousands of people like myself were moved by the life and times of a leader gunned down in the streets of Dallas.
Forty years have not changed my affection and admiration for President John F. Kennedy; he has a special place in my heart.

Michael McCafferty lives in Regina, Saskatchewan