Best wishes to you for the New Year !

Greetings from Michael McCafferty's World 

Police released the identity of Jane Glenn Creba, 15, who was killed in the Boxing Day shooting.

Toronto gangland shootings - a shame for Canada.

CTV NEWS

Progress is being made in the investigation of the Boxing Day shooting on Toronto's Yonge Street that injured six people and claimed the life of Jane Glenn Creba, 15, police said Wednesday.

Click here for complete CTV NEWS coverage.

Michael McCafferty comments:

It is a tragic shame that a sweet innocent 15 year old girl was shot to death on Yonge Street in Toronto by a gangster -- a no good hoodlum.

Let's quit beating around the bush -- the people who do these shootings are not
misunderstood kids -- they are no good rotten scum killers.

I have spoken out quite clearly in support of banning hand guns in Canada -
along with that there must be very severe punishment for those who would kill a
15 year old girl in cold blood.

It's time for law and order.

Ukraine celebrates the first anniversary of the Orange Revolution.

STATEMENT BY CANADA'S PRIME MINISTER ON FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINIAN ELECTION

Canada's Prime Minister Paul Martin today issued the following statement on the anniversary of the Ukrainian election:

"A year ago Ukrainians went to the polls in a compelling affirmation of their democratic rights. Canada congratulates Ukraine on the anniversary of this truly historic event. It has been a year of great challenges and difficulties, which President Yushchenko has met with courage and resolve.

Canada sent an unprecedented number of election observers to the 2004 presidential rerun as part of the inaugural mission of Canada Corps, and we were proud to play a meaningful role in those elections. Ukrainian-Canadian relations have been further strengthened during the past year. Ukraine's designation as one of Canada's key development partners is just one example of the way in which our two countries continue to support each other and work together toward common goals and future progress.


Canada will continue to support the efforts of the Ukrainian government to introduce significant political and economic reforms that will strengthen Ukraine as a democracy with strong Euro-Atlantic ties and as a partner in global security issues."

Michael McCafferty comments:

As one who truly loves freedom and democracy I was thrilled and delighted by the 'orange revilution' in Ukraine. The Ukraine is truly a model to the world of people who cherish freedom and democracy.

John McCain - a real American hero.

John McCain attracts legion of admirers to book-signing

San Diego Union Tribune

John McCain - American hero.

Hundreds of people waited in line outside Warwick's last night. Most were readers hoping for an autograph. Many were political junkies hoping for a sign.
A handful were too young to understand the hoopla – but they had hopes, too.
"We're going to see a hero," Johnny Chen of La Jolla told his son.

"A superhero?" asked Jacob, 2.

Chen thought for a moment, then nodded. "Yes."

At the end of the line was Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. He came to La Jolla as the co-author of a best seller, "Character is Destiny: Inspiring Stories Every Young Person Should Know and Every Adult Should Remember." Or at least that's how Warwick's billed the event. But you had to be as naive as Jacob Chen to believe the book-signing was the only item on the evening's agenda.

"The thing I want to do is tell him to stop messing around and please run for president before we're both too old," said Don Pollett, a Vietnam veteran from Del Mar.

McCain ducked questions about his plans for 2008. But "Character" could have been dubbed "Profiles in Courage" if that title hadn't adorned a 1955 book by another ambitious U.S. senator: John F. Kennedy.

McCain's book contains 34 mini-biographies, each one devoted to an aspect to character. E.J. Dionne, a Washington Post columnist, recently analyzed how these chapters would play in a future McCain campaign. Turns out, there's something for every voter.

Do you seek strong executive leadership in a time of crisis? McCain and co-author Mark Salter give you Lincoln ("Resilience"). Are you a soccer mom? There's Joan of Arc ("Authenticity"). A voter of color? Sojourner Truth ("Idealism"). Part of the religious right? The four chaplains aboard the ill-fated World War II troopship Dorchester ("Tolerance").
Many profiles involve prisoners: Thomas More ("Honesty"), Viktor Frankl ("Dignity"), Nelson Mandela ("Forgiveness"), Aung San Suu Kyi ("Courtesy"). Several endured torture.

McCain insisted that any similarities between those lives and his own are coincidental. Yes, he was a naval aviator who spent 5½ years as a prisoner of the North Vietnamese, who physically and mentally abused this son and grandson of American admirals. Yes, he is a senator who has won praise successfully advocating campaign finance reform and banning the torture of suspected terrorists in U.S custody.

"But I'm still a work in progress," McCain said. "My mother calls me quite frequently with various critiques of my performance on TV and other public events. She's usually pretty severe with her comments."

The people at Warwick's issued severe comments, too – about other politicians.
"I'm a Democrat. I voted for Kerry," said Kathy Chen, 34, Jacob's mom. "But in my lifetime I've never seen a great man run for president. Up until now, we've been using the junior varsity. McCain's definitely varsity."

"I'm a registered Republican but I'm not happy about being that anymore," said Linda Cunningham of Mission Valley. "I just like McCain."

"He's an exemplary figure for all Americans," said Michael Quinn, a senior at McCain's alma mater, the U.S. Naval Academy. "He's mentioned often at school."

But Annapolis instructors do not dwell on McCain's academic career. He almost flunked out.

"I was a hell-raiser and a rebel," McCain admitted. "But I think that was due to immaturity. The qualities of honor and integrity were instilled in me early by my family."

MICHAEL McCAFFERTY comments:

No doubt about it. John McCain is a genuine American hero. He ranks up there with John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan.

It is my heartfelt hope that John McCain is destined for greatness.

Merry Christmas and God bless you !

From Michael McCafferty 

Pope Benedict XVI appears to be getting into a different kind of Christmas spirit, donning a Santa-style hat for his weekly appearance at the Vatican.
At a chilly St Peter's Square, the Pope draped a red cloak over his shoulders and covered his head with a red velvet hat lined with white fur.
Vatican officials said the hat, known as a camauro, has been part of the papal wardrobe since the 12th century.
But it has not been worn in public since the death of John XXIII in 1963.
Riding the popemobile and waving to crowds, the 78-year-old pontiff smiled as he was cheered into the square.
Follower of fashion
Although missing Father Christmas' trademark white furry bobble, the pope's timely discovery of the long-forgotten camauro seemed as much a nod to the season as to the chilly weather.

I am shocked by the anti-Canadian comments made by some American conservative commentators. Ronald Reagan would never have made such comments.

U.S. pundit Tucker Carlson : Canada a 'retarded cousin'

WASHINGTON (CP) - Canada has been described lately by a conservative U.S. television host as "a stalker" and a "retarded cousin."

Another pundit recently asked if Canadians weren't getting "a little too big for their britches." There's been a spate of Canada-bashing by right-wing media commentators in the United States ever since Prime Minister Paul Martin's complaints about lumber penalties and U.S. policy on climate change. His remarks prompted an unusual rebuke last week from the American ambassador.

The attacks on Canada have had web bloggers typing overtime and a non-profit group that's monitoring the trend, Media Matters for America, says it's disturbing.

Last week, MSNBC host Tucker Carlson, a well-known conservative pundit, let loose with a string of anti-Canada rants.

"Anybody with any ambition at all, or intelligence, has left Canada and is now living in New York," he said.


"Canada is a sweet country. It is like your retarded cousin you see at Thanksgiving and sort of pat him on the head. You know, he's nice but you don't take him seriously. That's Canada."

Carlson also said it's pointless to tell Canada to stop criticizing the United States.

CLICK HERE for Canadian Press article on anti-Canadian rants by Tucker Carlson of MSNBC.

Michael McCafferty comments:

That great American President Ronald Reagan cherished America's friendship with Canada -- President Reagan would have been shocked and horrified by the very unfriendly and down right ignorant comments some so called American conservativepolitical commentators are making about Canada.

As a small 'c' conservative who was named an Honorary Citizen of the states of New Hampshire, Montana and New Mexico by their governors I cringe at the anti-Canadian commentary because it certainly does not help Canada-USA relations.

President Bush addresses the American people on the war for freedom in Iraq.

President Bush asks Americans not to give up hope on Iraq

U.S. President George W. Bush portrayed Baghdad as an "ally of growing strength in the fight against terror," in a prime-time address aimed at boosting American support for the war in Iraq.

INDEPTH: click on Iraq

Bush acknowledged the campaign had been tougher than expected but rejected the view that it was "not worth another dime or another day."
"I do not expect you to support everything I do, but tonight I have a request," he said in a rare Oval Office address broadcast live on Sunday night.

Please 'CLICK HERE' for entire CBC NEWS report on the speech by President Bush.

Michael McCafferty comments:

President George W. Bush is a Christian man with integrity and honor. I am sure the war in Iraq weighs heavy in his heart.

I agree with the President when he said: "Do not give in to despair, and do not give up on this fight for freedom."

In my blog recently I wrote in support of US Senator Hillary Clinton's common sense plan to withdraw the American troops from Iraq. It makes a lot of sense.

I also agree with President Bush when he said: An immediate U.S. withdrawal would "signal to the world that America cannot be trusted to keep its word" and hand Iraq to "enemies," Bush warned.

Most important to me is that all who love freedom and emocracy should support the young men and women in uniform who are in Iraq. Many of them have died for this cause -- and it is my prayer their sacrifice shall not be in vein.

I comment President Bush for showing the courage and leadership of taking his message directly to the American people.

President Bush has demonstrated great leadership in the war against terrorism.

President Bush Says He Ordered Domestic Spying

Copyright NEW YORK TIMES

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 - President Bush acknowledged on Saturday that he had ordered the National Security Agency to conduct an electronic eavesdropping program in the United States without first obtaining warrants, and said he would continue the highly classified program because it was "a vital tool in our war against the terrorists."

CLICK HERE for entire NEW YORK TIMES report.

Michael McCafferty comments:

I agree with President Bush. In the war against terrorism there must be weapons to defend freedom against terrorism. It takes leadership and courage for President Bush to defend his actions in fighting terrorism and I support America's Commander in Chief.

Former US President Bill Clinton will speak in Saskatoon Canada on March 8 2006.

Bill Clinton will speak in Saskatoon Canada

Bill Clinton comes to Saskatchewan.

One of the most charismatic world leaders of the past decade has a speaking date lined up in Saskatoon.

Former U.S. president Bill Clinton will speak on Canada-U.S. relations at the Centennial Auditorium on March 8.

"I think it will be one of the best events we've ever had," said Centennial manager Rob Jones. "I'm pumped up."

CLICK HERE for Saskatoon Star Phoenix news article on President Bill Clinton.

Michael McCafferty comments:

President Clinton is a very remarkable and outstanding world leader and statesman. For my birthday this year my son got me President Clinton's memoirs - "My life" -- and what an extraordinary life Bill Clinton has lived.

Back in 1992 I was sorry he defeated my friend former President Geore Bush but in the years Clinton was president and the years since he has been a former president I have come to respect and admire him -- and you can be sure I will
be in Saskatoon to see President Clinton in real life. After all he is truly a great man.

The Iraqi election is a giant step for freedom and democracy in that nation.

Iraq Election

BBC NEWS


'High turnout' in Iraqi election

Voters had to dip their finger in ink to guard against multiple votingIraqis have voted in large numbers for their first full-term government since the US-led invasion in 2003.

Voting was extended by an hour in some areas because of the high turnout, Iraq's election commission said.


Click here for complete BBC NEWS report on Iraqui election.

Michael McCafferty comments:

This is a moral victory for freedom and democracy and a great day for the Iraqi people. At the White House, President Bush called the election a "major milestone in the march to democracy." He congratulated Iraqis for "defying the terrorists and refusing to be cowed into not voting."

The Iraqi election is a giant step in nationhood for the Iraqi people.

Now is not the time for Canadian politicians to be attacking our friend the USA.

United States Ambassador scolds Prime Minister Martin

toronto star

OTTAWA—U.S. Ambassador David Wilkins has warned Canadian politicians — Prime Minister Paul Martin in particular — to stop provoking his country by treating it as a political football in the election campaign.

"I get election-year politics. I understand political expediency. But the last time I looked, the United States was not on the ballot for the Jan. 23 election," Wilkins declared in a major speech in Ottawa yesterday.

CLICK HERE for entire Toronto Star article on the speech by United States Ambassador David Wilkins.

Michael McCafferty comments:

I believe that one does not have to attack our good friend and neighbor the United States in order to show they are truly a Canadian patriot. There are more positive ways to show our love of Canada.

United States Ambassador David Wilkins has clearly expressed the concerns of the USA in saying that it is time to stop provoking his country by treating it as a political football in the election campaign.

Winston Churchill was and is a real giant in world history.

Winston Churchill and his friendship with America

Churchill and America
by
Martin Gilbert


Dec. 13 (Bloomberg) -- On the evening of Dec. 8, 1941, Winston Churchill was dining at Chequers, the official country home of the U.K.'s prime minister, with U.S. ambassador John Winant and presidential envoy Averell Harriman.

After hearing a radio announcement of the Japanese attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Churchill later remembered feeling relief that the U.S. was entering World War II: ``So we had won after all!'' he wrote. ``How long the war would last, or in what fashion it would end no man could tell, nor did I at this moment care. Once again in our long Island history we should emerge, however mauled or mutilated, safe and victorious. We should not be wiped out. Our history would not come to an end.''

Churchill's careful, and lifelong, cultivation of the U.S. and its citizens is detailed in Martin Gilbert's ``Churchill and America'' (Free Press, 503 pages, $30), which can now be reckoned the last word on the subject.

CLICK HERE for review of Martin Gilbert's book "Churchill and America"

Michael McCafferty comments:

Winston Churchill was and remains one of the true 'giants' in world history. Churchill was without a doubt the greatest leader in the entire history of
the United Kingdom.

The life of Winston Churchill has been an inspiration to me, and I recommend this book to you. Winston Churchill like Abraham Lincoln was truly a very remarkable leader. Thank you to Martin Gilbert for writing another Churchill book.

John McCain is the author of the best selling book "Character is Destiny"

US Senator John McCain - new best selling book

Character is Destiny

Best selling book by
John McCain


copyright THE AUSTIN STATESMAN


Former presidential candidate Sen. John McCain made his way to Austin this weekend.

A huge crowd gathered at BookPeople on Lamar Boulevard Sunday to get a chance to snap pictures and get an autographed copy of his new book.

McCain says that his new book, Character is Destiny, takes issues that we look at today and tries to make sense of it all.

"We think that young people are exposed to a lot of influences today, and sometimes they confuse celebrity with heroes. They confuse Terrel Owens with Pat Tillman, and we want them to know the difference," McCain said.

The senator is an author of three New York Times bestsellers.

Michael McCafferty comments:

John McCain is truly a genuine American hero, a patriot and statesman.
As you can see I very much admire John McCain.

It is my heartfelt hope that greater days lay ahead for this great man -
US Senator John McCain.

Prime Minister Paul Martin declares war on hand guns in Canada.

Paul Martin declares war on hand guns !

CTV.ca CTV News copyright.

Liberal Leader Paul Martin is proposing a sweeping ban on handguns to combat growing gun-related violence in Canada's cities.

"Handguns kill people -- that's why they exist, and they're taking too many Canadian lives," said Martin during his "safer communities announcement" at a school near Toronto's violence-plagued Jane and Finch area this morning.
Details of the Liberal proposal include:

* a new 250 officer unit from the RCMP dedicated solely to fighting gun-related crimes, as well as other organized crime and drug trafficking;
* 75 new officers at Canada Border Services to combat illegal importation of handguns from the U.S.;
* tougher sentences for gun-related crimes, by changing the Criminal Code to double the mandatory minimum sentences for such crimes;
* encouraging community-based gun prevention, with help from a $50-million Gun Violence and Gang Prevention Fund to focus on youth at risk;
* waving the re-registration fees for owners of long guns in order to encourage compliance with the Canada Firearms Program; and
* a gun amnesty and buy-back program that draws from an Australian model, including a gun stoppers initiative aimed at ensuring the turn-in of illegal weapons.

CLICK HERE for entire CTV NEWS article on hand gun policy announcement by Prime Minister Paul Martin.

Michael McCafferty comments:

A few weeks ago on this blog I called for stronger laws and policies with respect to hand guns in Canada. Unlike most conservatives I am in favor of a total ban on handguns except for those in law enforcement positions such as the RCMP and police.

Prime Minister Martin has made a sweeping policy announcement on hand guns and I believe it is a step in the right direction in bringing law and order to cities plaugued by hand gun murders.

I for one welcome this war on hand guns.

US Senator Hillary Clinton has a very thoughtful plan to withdraw US troops from Iraq.

Hillary Clinton Advocates 'Third Way' on Iraq Troop Withdrawal

ABC NEWS SPECIAL

Clinton Opposes Immediate Withdrawal, But Says U.S. Must Tell Iraq 'We Aren't Going to Be There Forever'

Joining the furious debate over withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq, Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., rejected calls for an immediate pullout while suggesting Iraq may not be stabilized until the new government is told that the U.S. troop commitment is not open-ended.

Speaking to reporters in Rye Brook Senator Clinton recommended that pressure be put on Iraq's new government after the Dec. 15 election.
"Then we have to tell this new government we are not going to be there forever, we are going to be withdrawing our young men and women and we expect you to start moving towards stability," Clinton said.

The former first lady said an immediate withdrawal from Iraq would be a "big mistake."

CLICK HERE for entire ABC NEWS article on Senator Hillary Clinton speaking out on removing US troops from Iraq.

Michael McCafferty comments:

US Senator Hillary Clinton is right. There must be a serious plan to withdraw US trrops from Iraq.

Clinton's efforts to fashion a "third way" on Iraq were reminiscent of the political approach her husband made famous when he announced his presidential campaign in 1991. "The change we must make isn't liberal or conservative," Bill Clinton said then. "It's both, and it's different."

I commend Senator Hillary Clinton for offering a very thoughtful and common sense plan to withdrawing US troops from Iraq.

David Cameron, the new Leader of the British Conservative Party.

Cameron elected Leader of British Conservative Party

BBC NEWS
Cameron chosen as new Tory leader

David Cameron will now choose his shadow cabinet.

David Cameron has been elected as the new Conservative leader by a margin of more than two to one over David Davis.
The 39-year-old beat Mr Davis by 134,446 votes to 64,398 in a postal ballot of Tory members across the UK.

CLICK HERE for BBC NEWS report on the election of David Cameron as Leader of the British Conservative Party.

Michael McCafferty comments:

I am absolutely thrilled and delighted that David Cameron has been elected the Leader of the British Conservative Party. Mr. Cameron is a remarkable and outstanding young leader who will truly make a great Prime Minister
when the time comes.

A few weeks ago I endorsed Mr. Cameron on my blog and I am pleased by the solid mandate he has received in being elected Conservative party leader.

Rod Parsley is the author of the remarkable Christian conservative book SILENT NO MORE.

Rod Parsley - Silent No More

Pastor blends evangelism, politics

ASSOCIATED PRESS
December 3, 2005

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Evangelist Rod Parsley wants to gather voters as he wins souls, a mixture that's causing a stir in the state that put President Bush back in the White House. The televangelist opposed to gay "marriage" and critical of Islam hopes the effort he calls Reformation Ohio will convert 1 million people to Christianity, help the poor and register 400,000 new voters.

"We just seek to be a voice in the public arena," said Mr. Parsley, who has a TV ministry seen across the country and a 12,000-member church. "For some reason, it has become chic to say that everybody should have a voice in that public square, but when born-again or evangelical Christians begin to lift up their voice, everyone gets nervous."

CLICK HERE for Washington Times article about Pastor Rod Parsley.

Michael McCafferty comments:

Rod Parsley is most definitely NOT your typical conservative Christian preacher. In his book, SILENT NO MORE he cuts through the clutter of conflicting extremes and makes a very persuasive case for people concerned with the moral decay of America to get out of the pews and take action. In chapters covering topics as diverse as judicial tyranny, race, poverty, Islam and life issues, Parsley shows both boldness and compassion. This book could well be the catalyst that starts a moral revolution in America.

CLICK HERE to AMAZON.COM books to order SILENT NO MORE.

Stephen Harper and the Conservatives will cut Canada's GST to 5 per cent.

Election Canada - Harper says he'll cut the GST to 5%

CanWest News Service
Thursday, December 01, 2005
CREDIT: Canadian Press


MISSISSAUGA, Ont. - The Conservative party is promising to reduce the goods and services tax from to five per cent from seven per cent over the next five years, a measure that leader Stephen Harper said will save an average Canadian family of four $400 each year.

Speaking at a suburban electronics store near Toronto, Harper said the tax relief will save Canadians a total of $4.5 billion.

CLICK HERE for entire CanWest News Service article.

Michael McCafferty comments:

Canadians deserve accountable government that gives back money that it does not need – not politicians who spend, waste and mismanage your money to benefit themselves and their friends.

The immediate saving to ordinary Canadians will be $4.5 billion.

The real choice is between tax relief for some Canadians and tax relief for all: tax relief you can see versus tax relief you never see. “This will be a tax cut that you will see every time you shop, tax relief that you experience, a tax break that no politician will be able to take away without you noticing."

Simply stated: Stephen Harper has made a very excellent and remarkable promise of a solid cut to the GST. I believe it is truly an outstanding commitment to the Canadian people.

Barbaric Singapore hangs for drug dealing.

Singapore executes Australian for drug trafficing

CNN -- Singapore's government hanged an Australian man for drug trafficking early Friday.

CLICK HERE for CNN news and poll on this matter.

Michael McCafferty comments:

I believe it is barbaric and uncivilized that Singapore uses capital punishment for those who traffic in illegal drugs. I believe in very tough laws to punish drug dealers but I do not believe the death penalty should be used.

Australia does not have capital punishment and I agree with the Australian Attorney General Philip Ruddock who called the hanging "barbaric."