US Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito with President George W. Bush.

Alito sworn in as justice on the United States Supreme Court

Samuel Alito was confirmed and sworn in as the newest justice of the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday, just in time to appear at President George W. Bush's evening state of the union address.

The Senate voted 58-42 to approve Alito's appointment, with all but one Republican supporting him and all but four Democrats voting against him.

Bush nominated Alito, 55, three months ago. He replaces Sandra Day O'Connor, known for being a moderate voice on the country's highest court, who is retiring.

Leading up to Tuesday's vote, many Democrat politicians had objected to the conservative Alito on the grounds of his past support for scaling back abortion rights.

Alito's supporters have argued his views on abortion were expressed while working as a lawyer with the Reagan administration, not when he was later appointed as a judge.

The son of an Italian immigrant, and born and raised in New Jersey, his philosophical similarities to Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia have earned him the nickname Scalito.

Alito and new U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts are the first new justices on the U.S. Supreme Court since 1994. Roberts replaced William Rehnquist after his death on Sept. 3, 2005.

Alito's swearing-in ceremony took place early Tuesday afternoon at the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. He can start considering cases immediately.

Both Alito and Roberts are to attend Bush's address, which begins at 9 p.m. EST.
Copyright ©2006 Canadian Broadcasting Corporation - All Rights Reserved

MICHAEL McCAFFERTY comments:

Today is a banner day for conservatives in the United States. President George W. Bush has succeeded in giving America a truly 'conservative' Supreme Court.
It is my hope the US Supreme Court will now uphold traditional values such as God,the family and law and order.

Congratulations are in order to Justice Alito.

Preston Manning - a true Canadian statesman.

Preston Manning - Canada's next Ambassador to the United States ?

Preston Manning would be a truly remarkable and outstanding choice to become Canada's Ambassador to the United States.

I first met Preston Manning in the fall of 1987 and he impressed me as a very intelligent man with a great vision for Canada. Simply stated -- I admire Preston Manning.

It is my hope that 'Prime Minister' Harper will name Preston Manning as Canada's Ambassador to the USA.

HAMMAS supporters celebrate their election victory. HAMMAS is a threat to the very existance of the STATE OF ISRAEL.

HAMAS wins landslide in Palestinian election

RADICAL PALESTINIAN GROUP HAMAS WINS LANDSLIDE VICTORY

The Palestinian militant group Hamas has won a landslide victory in the Palestinian legislative elections. Officials say preliminary vote totals show Hamas winning 76 seats and Fatah with 43 seats in the 132-seat Palestinian Legislative Council – giving Hamas a majority. Just over 1 million Palestinians voted, about 77 percent of those eligible to vote.

What does this mean for the Middle East?

Huge Hamas win a blow to peace plan

President Bush calls for group to recognize Israel

Please read the Chicago Tribune article by clicking here.

Michael McCafferty comments:

The charter of Hammas calls for the destruction of Israel. The United States and Canada must show strong leadership in showing our friendship and support for the State of Israel.

I agree with President Bush.

"I have made it very clear .. that a political party that articulates the destruction of Israel as part of a platform is a party with which we will not deal," U.S. President George W. Bush told a news conference in Washington.

Canada's Prime Minister designate Stephen Harper and US President George W Bush.

President Bush phones prime minister designate Stephen Harper

WASHINGTON (CP)

President George W. Bush telephoned Stephen Harper on Wednesday to congratulate him on his election win.

"They had a very good conversation," said White House spokesman Scott McClellan, adding that Bush "looks forward to working with him."

MICHAEL McCAFFERTY comments:

I predict that relations between Canada and the United States will improve greatly -- to the point we will see the same positive friendship that existed between the two countries during the years of Ronald Reagan, George Bush 41,
and Brian Mulroney.

As one who was named an honorary citizen of Texas,New Mexico,New Hampshire and Montana by their governors I believe in solid friendship between Canada and the USA.

Prime Minister Harper I am confident will impress the Americans as being a refreshing and outstanding new leader in Ottawa.

Prime Minister designate Stephen Harper and his family arrive back in Ottawa.

Harper ready to start 'rebuilding this great country'

CTV.ca News

Stephen Harper was greeted with a hero's welcome Tuesday as he returned to Ottawa with the brand new title of prime minister-designate.

Michael McCafferty comments:
This is the brand new beginning of a new chapter in Canada's history. Our prime minister designate Stephen Harper is a remarkable young leader who will bring great honor and integrity to Canada's government.

In the days ahead Stephen Harper will name a new Cabinet and then we Canadians can look forward to a new Parliament with a Speech from the Throne containing the positive policies of the new Conservative Government.

God bless Canada and our new prime minister.

A new Conservative Government for Canada

Canada's new Prime Minister Stephen Harper with
Michael McCafferty.

Mount Diefenbaker -- I do hope a mountain in British Columbia is named after The Chief.

British Columbia group wants peak renamed for John Diefenbaker

MOUNT DIEFENBAKER

How does Mount Diefenbaker sound ?

John Diefenbaker, Canada's 13th prime minister, could soon have a mountain named after him. He would join a group of 10 former Canadian prime ministers who have a mountain named in their honour in the Premier Range in British Columbia.

CLICK HERE to read Canadian Press article about John Diefenbaker having a mountain named after him.

Michael McCafferty comments:

I am very proud of the fact that I served Mr. Diefenaker as his personail aide right up until his death in 1979. Mr. Diefenbaker was my mentor and I very much respected and admired him.

I do believe it would be a fitting honor to have a mountain named after John Diefenbaker. He was truly a great Canadian !

25 years ago today Ronald Reagan began a journey to make America great again.

Ronald Reagan inaugurated as President 25 years ago today.

Speech remarks by
The Honorable
Ken Mehlman
National Chairman of the Republican Party.

History can teach us a lot about those kinds of choices, and the people who make them.

Today, we celebrate the history of a man who often had to choose between politics and principle -- and who decided on principle every single time.

It was on January 20, 1981 -- exactly twenty-five years ago today -- that Ronald Reagan raised his right hand and took the oath of office as the 40th President of the Unites States.

The next eight years changed the world ... and it changed my life.
I am here today because of Ronald Reagan.

I was a Reagan Republican before I could vote.

1980 was my first campaign.

I was 14, going door to door, dropping literature, ringing doorbells ... running from dogs ...

I was excited to do it. I was proud to do it.

And I wasn't the only one.

Our generation was the Reagan generation.

We were a generation that remembered the malaise of the 70s ... and became politically aware during the resurgence of national pride in the 1980s.

We were a generation that shocked our college professors, who were used to protest marches and blame-America-first rallies, by celebrating free market capitalism ... debating the entrenched campus liberals ... and chanting 'USA' during the 1984 Olympics.


The nation mourned when we lost the Gipper in 2004 ... but we still honor his memory in so many ways.

The history of the last quarter of the 20th century is the history of Ronald Reagan proving his critics wrong.

They complained when he called the Evil Empire by its rightful name, and saw the end of Communism. He was right, and they were wrong.

They scoffed when he proposed lower taxes, less regulation and sound money to cure the economic malaise of the 1970s. He was right, and they were wrong.
In 1970, the National Governor's Association considered a welfare reform proposal from the Governor of California. It was turned down 49 to 1. Reagan was right, and the other 49 governors, Democrat and Republican, were wrong.
What's most amazing is that these same critics, even those who admit now that Reagan was right, don't seem to have learned anything.

They're making the same old mistakes today.

It's as if they're sleepwalking through history.

Which brings us to our work over the next 10 months.

President Reagan described elections as times for choosing.

In 291 days, the American people will choose.
What kind of leaders do we want in a world of challenge and opportunity?
Do we want members of a Party who recognize the need for government to change and adapt to meet new challenges?

Or people who insist on repeating the mistakes of the past?

Are we going to follow those who have been proven wrong time and again?
Or those who have learned the lessons of history?

MICHAEL McCAFFERTY comments:

President Reagan inspired millions of people in America and around the world.
Ronald Reagan was truly a giant in history.

His faith, and optimism for the future of the USA, restored the confidence of Americans who responded by making America and the world a better place.

I am proud of the fact that I personally met Ronald Reagan back in March of 1975.

Twenty five years ago today Ronald Reagan became president and the world became a better place because of him. God bless the memory of Ronald Reagan.

Stephen Harper is a genuine federalist who believes in Canada.

Paul Martin should distance himself from Buzz Hargrove's telling Quebecers to vote Bloc Quebecois.

CBC News


Stephen Harper laid into Paul Martin on Thursday for not distancing himself from remarks make by labour leader Buzz Hargrove encouraging Quebecers to vote for the Bloc Québécois.

"It is absolutely unacceptable in any way shape or form to suggest that people should vote for the breakup of the country so the Liberals can stay in power," Harper said at a campaign stop in Ancaster, Ont.

Click here to see CBC News about Stephen Harper's comments.

MICHAEL McCAFFERTY comments:

Paul Martin is a political coward. He has said nothing to disassociate himself from labor leader Buzz Hargrove who has urged Quebecers to vote for the separatist Bloc Quevecois.

If Mr. Martn is truly a genuine federalist he should take exception to what Mr. Hargrove has said. Hargrove's encouragement of the separatists is not pro-Canadian.

God bless President Gerald Ford

 
 

Gerald Ford's health improving

CNN

RANCHO MIRAGE, California -- Former President Gerald Ford is responding well to his pneumonia treatment and could be discharged from a southern California hospital later this week, hospital officials said Tuesday.

Click here for entire CNN news about former President Gerald Ford.

Michael McCafferty comments:

Gerald Ford is one of the most honest and honorable men to ever serve in the White House as President of the United States. Gerald Ford is truly a genuine statesman.

In March of 1975 I was invited to and attended a Republican Leadership Dinner in Washington, D.C. at which President Gerald Ford was the speaker. At that time I had the honor to meet President Ford at the White House in a very brief 'off the record'
meeting. For me it will always be one of the honors and highlights of all my years in politics.

In September of 1981 former President Gerald Ford came to Regina for a fund raising dinner at the Hotel Saskatchewan. I went to a book store a bought a copy of his memoirs and during the reception I got President Ford to autograph it for me.

It is my heartfelt hope the Gerald Ford recovers and stays with us for a few more years because he truly is a good and decent man. A shining example of true
integrity.

Canada's national newspaper THE GLOBE AND MAIL has endorsed STEPHEN HARPER and the CONSERVATIVE PARTY.

The Globe and Mail: Three reasons why it's time for a change

Three reasons why it's time for a change

....we have concluded that the time has arrived for a change of government in Canada.

CLICK HERE for GLOBE and MAIL endorsement of Stephen Harper and the Conservative Party.

MICHAEL McCAFFERTY comments:

Canada's 'national newspaper'....the oldest and most respected...THE GLOBE and MAIL...have endorsed Stephen Harper for Prime Minister.

The Globe and Mail has made a very wise choice and I urge you to read their endorsement.

President Bush and German Chancellor Merkel have called on the United Nations to help stop nuclear activity in Iran.

President George W.Bush: Iran poses a grave threat

Fox News

WASHINGTON — President Bush and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday said Iran's nuclear weapons program "poses a grave threat to the security of the world" and called on it to back off its pursuit of the program.


"Iran armed with a nuclear weapon poses a grave threat to the security of the world," Bush said during a press briefing with Merkel.

Bush said he is not going to pre-judge how the United Nations Security Council will respond to the situation, but is preparing a strategy with allies.

Germany is a "valued ally" and the relationship between the two countries will be important in dealing with Iran and other issues, Bush said.
The United States, Germany and other nations need to "send a common message to the Iranians ... to not have a nuclear weapon to blackmail or threaten the world," Bush said.

Merkel said it is important to "persuade as many countries as possible to ally themselves with us" in showing opposition to Iran's nuclear weapons program.
"It is totally unacceptable about what Iran has said recently," Merkel said.

Bush told reporters in the East Room of the White House that they spent time talking about the issue and their shared desire to solve it diplomatically.
"We've got a lot in common," Bush said. "There's a lot of issues in the work that require our intense cooperation and desire to work together."


Merkel, recently elected to office in November, marked her first visit to the United States in an effort to improve her country's relations. She took power last November after an extremely close and protracted race with former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder.

The meeting with Bush follows a decision by European allies to demand answers from Iran about its nuclear weapons program.

On Thursday, Germany joined the United States, Britain and France in calling for the United Nations to look into Iran's nuclear program.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who demanded on Thursday that the U.N. Security Council review Iran's "dangerous defiance," spoke by telephone Friday to Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing. But at the United Nations, China's U.N. ambassador, Wang Guangya, said referring Iran to the Security Council might toughen Tehran's position on its nuclear program.

Rice did not say whether the United States has the votes needed in the U.N. Security Council to punish Iran formally. But Rice added that enough support has been shown for the International Atomic Energy Agency, which oversees nuclear activity, to ask the council to review the issue.

MICHAEL McCAFFERTY comments:

Just as I said the other day: Iran is a dangerous nation -- and I support President Bush and German Chancellor Merkel in showing great leadership in calling world attention to the danger Iran presents.

Nuclear activity in Iran must be put to a stop !

Bill Clinton welcomes home troops

Former US President Bill Clinton surprised trrops returning home from Iraq at the Bangor Maine airport. 

Bill Clinton welcomes returning troops at Banor, Maine airport

BANGOR, MAINE The Bangor DAILY NEWS

— Returning to U.S. soil after a second tour of duty in Iraq, U.S. Army Spc. Joshua Ruschenberg used a cell phone provided by troop greeters at Bangor International Airport on Monday night to call his mother in Texas.

With former President Bill Clinton among the greeters, Ruschenberg placed a second quick call to his sister-in-law Shancy Garrison in North Carolina, then handed over the phone to the former commander in chief.

"Hi, Shancy, it’s Bill Clinton," the former president said into the small phone.
The 42nd president was returning to the U.S. from Paris where he had met with French President Jacques Chirac to discuss plans for the Clinton Foundation, the former U.S. chief executive’s charitable organization. Clinton’s plane had stopped at BIA around 7 p.m. to refuel. His plans for a quick departure went out the window with the arrival of two flights of soldiers returning from Iraq.

Upon learning of the arriving troops, Clinton delayed his departure and joined the line of staunch local troop greeters who meet each plane carrying service men and women either returning from overseas or leaving for duty.

"Thank you for your service," Clinton said as he shook hands and hugged many of the approximately 600 soldiers as they passed by.

Many of the returning soldiers were visibly startled to see Clinton in the line of more than a dozen greeters. The soldiers were from the 3rd Infantry Battalion and the 313th Field Artillery Unit and were returning to bases in Oklahoma, Texas and Georgia.

"This is great," said Staff Sgt. Anthony Thompson of New York City, who stood next to Clinton, a "neighbor" who now lives and works near him.

Some shook hands with the former president, who also autographed hats, cards, paper, whatever the service men and women could find.

Just before the troops arrived, Brook Palcholski, 13, a troop greeter from Hermon, had the president sign her shirt after boldly telling him that she wanted to become a cartoonist.

"I was good fodder for them [cartoonists]," Clinton told her. "There were some for me and some against me."

Brook later said she vaguely remembered Clinton’s presidency when she was little. But most recently, she said, she saw him in animated form on the cartoon "The Family Guy."

With the troops greeted, Clinton got back on a plane at 10 p.m. for the trip home.

MICHAEL McCAFFERTY comments:

Bill Clinton is a very human former president, a good and decent man with a big heart. This story shows what a very kind man he is.

A lot of conservatives love to hate Bill Clinton but I am not one of them --
this story confirms to me how very thoughtful and compassionate a person he really is.

Iran and its nuclear program are a threat to the world and the United Nations must take action.

Iran defies world in nuclear row

Iran defies world !

WORLD powers threatened Iran with UN Security Council sanctions overnight as a defiant Tehran vowed to press ahead with its disputed atomic programme.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair said an emergency meeting tomorrow of an EU troika in Berlin would weigh up its response to the crisis but that it was "likely" to end in Iran's referral to the UN body.

It followed the Islamic republic's declaration Tuesday that it was ending a two-year suspension of nuclear fuel research, sparking a furious reaction from the US, the EU and a host of other countries.

Russia, which has been a frequent ally of Iran over its nuclear programme, hardened its rhetoric, saying the resumption was "cause for alarm."

Central to the concerns of the international community is that Tehran could be trying to develop atomic weapons, a charge Iran strongly denies, insisting the programme is for entirely civilian purposes.

CLICK HERE for entire article about Iran.

MICHAEL McCAFFERTY comments:

I agree with British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Iran is a dangerous nation. The United Nations must show leadership and take action to stop Iran's nuclear programme.

I support Stephen Harper for Prime Minister

Michael McCafferty comments:

Now, more than ever before in Canada's history we need a change of government in Ottawa.

Stephen Harper is a genuine Canadian patriot who will bring honor and integrity to the office of Prime Minister. Stephen Harper has great leadership ability and he will be a great Prime Minister.

I am proud and honored to endorse Stephen Harper and the Conservative Party
and respectfully ask my fellow Canadians to do the same so that on January 23rd there will be real change in Ottawa.

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon of Israel is a great world leader.

Israel Prime Minister Ariel Sharon

STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA ON THE ILLNESS OF ISRAEL PRIME MINISTER ARIEL SHARON

Prime Minister Paul Martin today issued the following statement regarding the health of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon:

"After learning of Prime Minister Sharon's grave condition, I spoke to the Israeli Ambassador to convey our concerns and best wishes on behalf of all Canadians."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Prime Minister Sharon, his family, and the people of Israel during this difficult time.

"Prime Minister Sharon's courage and his leadership should inspire us as we all work to bring about the peace that he sought."

Michael McCafferty comments:

Israel Prime Minister Sharon is truly a great world leader and international statesman. I admire Israel's Prime Minister and at this time my prayers are with him.

Ed Broadbent - Canada's Nation Builder of the Year for 2005 - THE GLOBE AND MAIL..

Ed Broadbent : A salute to Mr. Decent

As he departs the national scene, The Globe and Mail selects the former NDP leader and retiring member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre, Ed Broadbent, as 2005's Nation Builder of the Year -- a man who stood up for principled civility in the face of the politics of contempt. Jan Wong profiles this rarest of creatures, the honest politician: So long, it's been good to know you.

By JAN WONG
Saturday, December 31, 2005
From Saturday's Globe and Mail
E-mail Jan Wong
Read Bio

Click here to read Jan Wong's salute to Ed Broadbent as Canada's Nation Builder for 2005.

Michael McCafferty comments:

Back in the 1970s when I worked on Parliament Hill for John Diefenbaker I had the honor to get tomeet and know Ed Broadbent. While I was a Progressive Conservative and loyal THE CHIEF (John Diefenbaker) I have always seen Ed Broadbent as truly a good and decent Canadian with great integrity.

I am pleased the GLOBE and MAIL has named Mr. Broadbent as Canada's nation builder for 2005. Ed Broadbent is truly a great statesman.

Stephen Harper and the Conservative Party have 'momentum' ..

Harper outlines priorities of a Conservative government

CTV.ca News
Ottawa

Conservative Leader Stephen Harper kicked off the second half of the winter election campaign on Monday by outlining the top priorities of a Tory government.

"Like Canadians who establish priorities in their day-to-day lives, I know that a prime minister needs to have clear priorities as well. You can't be all things to all people at every moment," Harper said.

"You need to know what you want to do and that you have a plan to do it. Today I'd like to outline the five top priorities of a new Conservative government. The five things we will push first in the parliament Canadians choose."
The party's top five priorities include the following:

Cleaning up government by passing the Federal Accountability Act
Cutting the GST
Cracking down on crime
Increasing financial assistance for parents
Working with the provinces to establish a wait-times guarantee for patients

"A new Conservative government will quickly begin negotiations with provinces on fixing the fiscal imbalance and establishing a wait-times guarantee for critical health-care procedures," he said.

Harper also courted the key Toronto vote with the promise that a Conservative government will launch a crackdown on crime, in what is expected to be a key election issue for the vote-rich province.

"On Boxing Day, residents of Toronto watched in horror as the city was ravaged by gunfire in open daylight," Harper said, referring to the brazen shooting of 15-year-old Jane Creba on the downtown streets of Canada's largest city.

"That is not the Toronto I grew up in. We would not have tolerated such violence then and Torontonians should not tolerate such violence today."
Tory measures would include mandatory prison sentences for repeat serious offenders, Harper said.

"A Conservative government will crack down on crime. We will act quickly, we will act comprehensively and we will act decisively to fix our criminal justice system," he said.

MICHAEL McCAFFERTY comments:

Does Stephen Harper and the Conservative Party have the big 'momentum'
as we head into the home stretch for Canada's January 23rd election ?
I hope so.

Stephen Harper has been conducting an outstanding and excellent campaign that makes him worthy of becoming Prime Minister of Canada.