Saskatchewan Canada celebrates 100 years as a province.

Saskatchewan Canada celebrates 100th anniversary

Message from Glen Hagel, Member of the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly
and Saskatchewan Centennial Celebrations Chairman.

It's hard to believe, but in just a few short weeks we will be celebrating our official birthday.

September 4, 2005, marks the 100 th anniversary of Saskatchewan 's entry into Confederation and I know that people are ready for the party of the century!

When we became a province in 1905, the celebrations began early in the morning and extended well into the night. Newspaper reports from the day describe festivities that ranged from lacrosse games and parades, to formal dinners and elegant parties. A September 6, 1905, article in the Leader said the day ended with “… the biggest and most magnificent display of fireworks ever in the Dominion.”

CLICK HERE to visit the official website of the Saskatchewan Centennial.

michael mccafferty comments:

25 years ago in 1979 - October to be exact - I moved to Regina from Ottawa to start a new job. I was originally from New Brunswick but had a lot of association with Saskatchewan because I had worked as a personal aide to Saskatchewan's John Diefenbaker.

Mr. Diefenbaker truly loved Saskatchewan and some of it rubbed off on me.

In the 25 years since I moved to Saskatchewan as a young man of 28 I met my wife here in Regina, and our two children were born here in Regina and we all have come to love this great province.

Saskatchewan is a naturally beautiful province and I believe our province is built on the spirit of caring,community and co-operation.

CLICK HERE to see Michael McCafferty's Saskatchewan webpage.

Happy 100 years birthday to Saskatchewan !

Bob Woodward is the author of 'THE SECRET MAN' - the inside story of Watergate's Deep Throat.

The Secret Man

The Secret Man: The Story of Watergate's Deep Throat
Author: Bob Woodward

In Washington, D.C., where little stays secret for long, the identity of Deep Throat -- the mysterious source who helped Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein break open the Watergate scandal in 1972 -- remained hidden for 33 years. Now, Bob Woodward tells the story of his long, complex relationship with W. Mark Felt, the enigmatic former No. 2 man in the Federal Bureau of Investigation who helped end the presidency of Richard Nixon.

CLICK HERE to read complete CHAPTERS.INDIGO.CA review of 'The Secret Man'.

michael mccafferty comments:

31 years ago I was one of millions who read with sheer excitement the book 'All the President's Men' and now that we know that Mark Felt is Deep Throat I am going to literally enjoy reading Bob Woodward's new book 'The Secret Man'.

I admire Bob Woodward. He is without a doubt the 'best' journalist in America. Woodward is a very remarkable and brilliant man and I for one am grateful that he is sharing this important part of American history in 'The Secret Man'.

Manmohan Singh and George Bush at the White House
President Bush and Indian Prime Minister Singh have agreed to enhance cooperation in security, economic and energy matters. After talks at the White House, both men spoke of a "transformation" in relations between the U.S. and India.
India Prime Minister Singh and President George W. Bush.

U.S.-India relations

DIPLOMACY
Strengthening U.S.-India relations

BY DANIEL SNEIDER dsneider@mercurynews.com

COPYRIGHT THE MIAMI HERALD



In the more than a half-century since India gained its independence from the British Empire, these are unquestionably the best of times in Indo-U.S. relations. India stands out as one of the few places in the world where polls show a vast majority favorably views the United States. The Bush administration has smartly embraced India's rise as an economic and military power, part of a broader strategy to balance another Asian power -- China.

CLICK HERE to read entire Miami Herald article on US INDIA Relations.

michael mccafferty comments:

India is the largest democratic nation in the entire world. India deserves the respect and high regard of the United States, and I am pleased by the excellent leadership President George W. Bush has demonstrated in building the solid friendship between the USA and India.

India is a very important nation and is on its way to becoming a major nation in the global community. It is very encouraging that President George W. Bush has the vision to see the importance of India.

Stop Canada's foreign aid to China.

Stop Canada's foreign aid to China

C B C . C A N e w s - F u l l S t o r y :
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Tory wants aid to China stopped
Last Updated Sat, 23 Jul 2005 23:29:12 EDT
CBC News
A Conservative MP says it's time to "turn off the tap" of Canadian foreign aid to China.

Canada has given China over $1 billion in aid over a decade and will contribute $50 million this year, Tory MP Helena Guergis said in media release on Thursday.

"Every dollar that Canada gives to China, no matter how well intended, is a dollar that the Chinese government can spend on its military, space program and propping up other corrupt and abusive regimes like North Korea or Zimbabwe," she said.

Guergis asked why the Liberal government is giving money to a country that:

Has the biggest army in the world.
Abuses human rights.
Has the second-largest economy in the world.
Has a space program.
Has a nuclear-weapons program.
China doesn't need Canadian aid, and has even been trying to buy up Canadian companies, she said.

Earlier this year, Minister of International Cooperation Aileen Carroll refused to end aid to China. "No, I will not," she said in response to a question in the House of Commons.

"China influences hugely and will continue to influence the international scene. As such, it is very much incumbent on Canada to continue to work with the groups to build freedom in that country, to develop human rights and to develop a rules-based society ...

"We are helping China grow and influence it in the right way."

On its website, the Canadian International Development Agency says aid to China is necessary because, despite its progress, it still contains 20 per cent of the world's poor and "some of the earth's most severe environmental problems."

Inequality between rural and urban areas, particularly in western China where women and ethnic minorities are "disproportionately affected," means "targeted measures are needed to address these imbalances."

The last shipment of UN food aid to China, wheat donated by Canada, reached the country in April.

China is now being encouraged to become a food donor.

"We need China's help and resources to apply the crucial lessons learned here to other countries still struggling with hunger," James Morris, executive director of the UN's World Food Program, said in a release announcing the final shipment to China.

CLICK HERE for CBC In depth on China.


Copyright ©2005 Canadian Broadcasting Corporation - All Rights Reserved




michael mccafferty comments:

I agree with Conservative Member of Parliament Helena Guergis. Stop Canada's foreign aid to China !

The 'original' BIG BOOK of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Alcoholics Anonymous ®

Alcoholics Anonymous® is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.

Copyright © by The A.A. Grapevine, Inc.

CLICK HERE to see the web site of Alcoholics Anonymous.

michael mccafferty comments:

I am an alcoholic and my life was saved by Alcoholics Anonymous. AA has saved hundreds of thousands of alcoholics since it was founded by Bill W. and Dr. Bob 70 years ago in 1935.

For over 20 years from age 16 to 36 I was a hopeless binge drinking alcoholic whose who life was messed up by alcohol.

I have been sober for 18 years and no longer have the desire to drink. Thanks to God and Alcoholic Anonymous I have peace of mind and most important - I lead a sober life.

As AA celebrates its 70th anniversary I am happy that it plays a very important role in my life.
Thank God for Alcoholics Anonymous.

China is becoming one of the most powerful economies in the world.

China revalues its currency

Copyright BBC NEWS World Edition

China has abandoned its currency's peg to the dollar and revalued the yuan by 2.2%. It now buys more US dollars than before.
With China both one of the world's largest exporters of manufactured goods and one of the largest importers of raw materials, the move's economic impact will be felt worldwide.

CLICK HEREto read BBC NEWS article on the revaluation of China's currency.

Michael McCafferty comments:

The US, in particular, has been worried that China's cheap currency gives it an unfair advantage as it sells its goods to Western consumers.

Already China has built up a huge trade surplus with the rest of the world, and appears to be able to make things more cheaply than its developing country rivals.

This move by China is going to have a real impact on both China's economy and the world economy.

President Bush nominates John Roberts to the US Supreme Court.

John Roberts nominated for US Supreme Court

WASHINGTON-- President Bush chose federal appeals court judge John G. Roberts Jr. on Tuesday as his first nominee for the Supreme Court, selecting a rock solid conservative.

CLICK HERE for NEW YORK TIMES coverage of the nomination of John Roberts to the US Supreme Court.

michael mccafferty comments:

John Roberts at age 50 is a very highly respected American who will bring honor and integrity to the US Supreme Court. President Bush is to be congratulated for nominating such an outstanding and remarkable American to the US Supreme Court.

UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT

Laura Bush says she hopes a woman will be appointed to US Supreme Court

July 18, 2005 COPYRIGHT NEW YORK TIMES

WHITE HOUSE LETTER
Pillow-Talk Pressure for a Woman in O'Connor's Robe

By ELISABETH BUMILLER

WASHINGTON

When Laura Bush said in a television interview last week that she hoped her husband would name a woman to succeed Justice Sandra Day O'Connor on the Supreme Court, a lot of people saw it as a top item on the first lady's "honey-do" list. But Republicans close to the White House said that people had it reversed. Mrs. Bush, they said, was not so much nudging her husband as reflecting his thinking.
The current consensus among Republicans with close access to the White House is that President Bush is interested in picking a conservative woman for the court. Mrs. Bush's words, they said, were the most powerful evidence so far.

CLICK HERE for entire NEW YORK TIMES article.

michael mccafferty comments:

I agree. President Bush should appoint a conservative woman to the United States Supreme Court. Not only would the President be making history he would be doing the 'right' thing.

Peace loving Muslims must show leadership in helping to stop terrorism.

Most Muslims are not terrorists, but most terrorists are Muslims.

A religion of peace vs. apologists for terrorism

The war on terror will never end unless moderate Muslims all over the world confront it

COPYRIGHT
Harvey Enchin
Special to the VANCOUVER SUN
Friday, July 15, 2005

Most Muslims are not terrorists, but most terrorists are Muslims. There is no place in civil society for an ideology that celebrates mass murder or deems suicide bombing a sacred act.
Moderate Muslim leaders must take aggressive steps to ensure that Islam proves to be what they keep telling everybody it is -- a religion of tolerance and peace.


CLICK HERE to read the article in the Vancouver Sun.

michael mccafferty comments:

I agree. The war on terror will not end until peace loving Muslims confront it.

My friend Karl Rove.

President Bush has confidence in Karl Rove

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Copyright

July 12, 2005

WASHINGTON -- President Bush supports Karl Rove, the White House said Tuesday, rebuffing Democratic calls for Bush to fire his top political adviser over his role in the leak of an undercover CIA officer's identity.

CLICK HERE to read full article about Karl Rove.

michael mccafferty comments:

Karl Rove is my friend of over thirty years and I very much respect and admire him. Karl Rove is one of the brightest and most remarkable Americans to ever serve a President in the White House.

The enemies of Karl Rove are out for blood because they are still outraged about loosing the 2004 election. It was Karl Rove who was the 'architect' behind the victory of President
George W. Bush.

Like President George W. Bush I have total confidence in Karl Rove. God bless my friend Karl Rove.

A truly great Prime Minister.

Blair vows to hunt down bombers

BBC NEWS Copyright 2005

Tony Blair has promised one of the most "vigorous and intensive" police manhunts the UK has seen to catch those responsible for the London bombings.

CLICK HERE to read entire BBC NEWS
report.

michael mccafferty comments:

I admire Prime Minister Tony Blair. He is truly a great world leader and statesman. Tony Blair is exactly the kind of leader Britain needs at this dark hour -- just as Britain needed Winston Churchill in World War II. It is my heartfelt hope the British people will rally around Prime Minister Blair.

Terrorism has hit Britain and the British people.

Blair says 'terror will not win'

Copyright BBC NEWS

Tony Blair has vowed the British people will not be intimidated after blasts hit London's transport network.
Speaking in Downing Street, the prime minister said: "It is a very sad day for the British people but we will hold true to the British way of life."


CLICK HERE to read entire BBC NEWS article.

michael mccafferty comments:

Just as Winston Churchill and the British people stood up with courage against Hitler and the Nazis in World War II Tony Blair and the British people will stand up with courage against the evil al-Qaeda.

A statement from the G8 called the blasts "an attack not on one nation but on all nations and civilised people".

Now, more than ever there must be the determination to defeat terrorism.

Protecting news sources should be a key part of freedom of the press.

NEW YORK TIMES REPORTER JAILED

Copyright NEW YORK TIMES
July 6, 2005


New York Times Reporter Jailed for Keeping Source Secret

WASHINGTON, July 6 - A federal judge today ordered Judith Miller of The New York Times to be jailed immediately after she again refused to cooperate with a grand jury investigating the disclosure of the identity of a covert C.I.A. operative.


CLICK HERE to read entire NEW YORK TIMES
article.

Michael McCafferty comments:

"If journalists can't be trusted to honor promises of confidentiality, then journalists can't function and there is no freedom of the press," Miller told the judge. "I do not make confidentiality promises lightly, but when I do I keep them."

Freedom of the press and confidentiality are very very important in a nation like the United States or for that matter Canada or any other free society.

I hope this case goes to the United States Supreme Court.

2008 RACE FOR THE WHITE HOUSE

2008 race for the White House

Clinton, McCain are ’800-pound gorillas’ of 2008 Presidential race

Copyright
RON FOURNIER AP Political Writer

WASHINGTON — If you want to be the next President, it’s time to start running — unless your name is Hillary Rodham Clinton or John McCain. They can wait.

CLICK HERE to read entire article.

michael mccafferty comments:

Hillary Clinton and John McCain are the obvious front runners in the 2008 race for the White House. Yes there are other serious contenders. Governor Jeb Bush for the Republicans comes to mind as does Governor Bill Richardson for the Democrats. Yet at this point in time both Clinton and McCain have commanding leads if they do decide to run for President of the United States.

JULY 4th 2005. God bless the USA.

JULY 4th - GOD BLESS AMERICA !

JULY 4TH RADIO MESSAGE BY PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH

THE PRESIDENT:


Laura and I wish all Americans a happy Fourth of July weekend. I look forward to celebrating Independence Day with the people of Morgantown, West Virginia.

On the Fourth of July, we remember the vision and conviction of America's Founders. We remember the ideals of liberty that led men from 13 colonies to gather in Philadelphia and pen a declaration of self-evident truths. And we remember the extraordinary personal courage that made their efforts a success. Doctor Benjamin Rush said that signing the Declaration of Independence was "like signing your own death warrant." He signed it anyway -- right above his fellow Pennsylvania delegate, Benjamin Franklin.

On Independence Day, we are also mindful that the promises of the Declaration have been secured by the service and sacrifice of every generation. America's first defenders were mostly farmers, artisans, and shopkeepers who waged a desperate fight for independence. Our Union was preserved through the costly battles of the Civil War -- including one at Vicksburg that ended on Independence Day, 1863. And we live in freedom because Americans prevailed in the hard-fought struggles of the 20th century, from the Marne and Normandy to Iwo Jima and Inchon Bay. America is home to 25 million military veterans -- and we will always be grateful for their unselfish courage.

Today, a new generation of Americans is defending our freedom against determined enemies. At posts in Afghanistan, Iraq, and around the world, our men and women in uniform are taking the fight to the terrorists overseas, so that we do not have to face the terrorists here at home. And by freeing millions from oppression, our Armed Forces are redeeming a universal principle of the Declaration that all are created equal, and all are meant to be free. Those who serve today are taking their rightful place among the greatest generations that have worn our nation's uniform.

The burden of war falls especially hard on military families, and I thank them for the support they give our troops in their vital work. Some of America's finest men and women have given their lives in the war on terror, and we remember them on Independence Day. We pray for the families who have lost a loved one in freedom's cause. And we know that the best way to honor the lives that have been given in this struggle is to complete the mission, so we will stay in the fight until the fight is won.

In this time of testing, all our troops and their families can know that the American people are behind them. On this Fourth of July weekend, I ask every American to find a way to thank men and women defending our freedom -- by flying the flag, sending letters to our troops in the field, and helping the military family down the street. The Department of Defense has set up a website - AmericaSupportsYou.mil. You can go there to learn about private efforts in your own community. At this time when we celebrate our freedom, we will stand with the men and women who defend us all.

In the summer of 1776, John Adams called the American Revolution "the most complete, unexpected, and remarkable of any in the history of nations." And 229 years later, history has proved him right. The Fourth of July is a day to be proud of our heritage as freedom's home and defender. It is a day to be confident in the future, because the spirit of our founders still shapes the conscience of our country. Above all, it is a day to give thanks to God for His many blessings on America, and for the privilege to call ourselves citizens of this special land.

I hope all Americans enjoy a memorable and safe Independence Day celebration. Thank you for listening.

michael mccafferty comments:

To all of my American friends Happy Independence Day.

May God truly bless America !