Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan with the Olympic flag.

Olympic flag raised in Vancouver

CBC NEWS
February 28th

The Torino Winter Games have come and gone and now it's Vancouver's turn to bask in the Olympic spotlight.

The countdown to the Vancouver Winter Games officially got underway Tuesday when Mayor Sam Sullivan presided over the raising of the Olympic flag during a ceremony at Vancouver City Hall.

Click here for entire CBC NEWS coverage on the Olympic flag ceremony in Vancouver.

Michael McCafferty comments:

Canada can be proud that Vancouver is hosting the 2010 winter Olympics.

I am especially proud of Vancouver's Mayor Sam Sullivan who is a genuine Canadian hero and statesman !

British Conservative Party Leader David Cameron.

British Conservative Party leader David Cameron offers new agenda for the UK

The Conservative party's 'aims and values'
David Cameron is to put a statement of the Conservative party's 'aims and values' under his leadership to the entire membership in a ballot. This is the full text of the statement

Tuesday February 28, 2006
Guardian Unlimited
Our aims:
To improve the quality of life for everyone through:
A dynamic economy, where thriving businesses create jobs, wealth and opportunity.
A strong society, where our families, our communities and our nation create secure foundations on which people can build their lives.
A sustainable environment, where we enhance the beauty of our surroundings and protect the future of the planet.
Our values:
The more we trust people, the stronger they and society become.
We're all in this together - government, business, the voluntary sector, families and individuals. We have a shared responsibility for our shared future.
Our Party:
We are an open and inclusive Party. We will act to ensure that our Party, at every level, is representative of modern Britain. What we're fighting for:
1. A successful Britain must be able to compete with the world.
We will put economic stability and fiscal responsibility first. They must come before tax cuts. Over time, we will share the proceeds of growth between public services and lower taxes - instead of letting government spend an ever-increasing share of national income.
2. There is such a thing as society, it's just not the same thing as the state.
The right test for our policies is how they help the most disadvantaged in society, not the rich. We will stand up for the victims of state failure and ensure that social justice and equal opportunity are achieved by empowering people and communities - instead of thinking that only the state can guarantee fairness.
3. The quality of life matters, as well as the quantity of money.
We will enhance our environment by seeking a long-term cross-party consensus on sustainable development and climate change - instead of short-term thinking and surrender to vested interests. We will support the choices that women make about their work and home lives, not impose choices on them.
4. Public services for everyone must be guaranteed by the state, not necessarily run by the state.
We will improve the NHS and schools for everyone, not help a few to opt out. But public services paid for by the state don't have to be run by the state. We will trust professionals and share responsibility - instead of controlling professionals in state monopolies.
5. It is our moral obligation to make poverty history.
We will fight for free and fair trade, increase international aid, and press for further debt relief. But this is not enough. We will also take action to build those institutions - like the rule of law and property rights - that support development.
6. Security and freedom must go hand in hand.
In fighting crime and terrorism, we will be hard-nosed defenders of freedom and security. We will ensure strong defence and the effective enforcement of laws that balance liberty and safety - instead of ineffective authoritarianism which puts both freedom and security at risk.
7. We understand the limitations of government, but are not limited in our aspirations for government.
We believe in the role of government as a force for good. It can and should support aspirations such as home ownership, saving for a pension, and starting a business. It should support families and marriage, and those who care for others. And it should support the shared experiences that bring us together - such as sport, the arts and culture.
8. We believe that government should be closer to the people, not further away.
We want to see more local democracy, instead of more centralisation - whether to Brussels, Whitehall or unwanted regional assemblies - and we want to make the devolved institutions in Scotland and Wales work. Communities should have more say over their own futures.

Guardian Unlimited © Guardian Newspapers Limited 2006

Michael McCafferty comments:

British Conservative Party leader David Cameron is like Canada's Conservative Party leader Stephen Harper in that both men represent a new generation of conservative leadership.

Like Mr. Harper David Cameron realizes the need to modernize the Conservative Party and offer a program for the 21st century.

For more information about David Cameron click here.

Canada's Foreign Minister Peter MacKay is truly a remarkable and outstanding Canadian.

Canada's new Foreign Affairs Minister - The Honourable Peter MacKay

CANADA.com NEWS

Friday, February 24, 2006

LONDON -- Visiting Europe on his first trip abroad as foreign affairs minister, Peter MacKay says he's eager to bring more focus to Canada's role in the world but it doesn't mean keeping a greater distance from the United States.

"This was not meant to be a slight to anyone," MacKay said Thursday in response to reporters asking whether there's a hidden message in his choice of destinations.

"It was simply one country had to come first. So here I am in the U.K.," he said after meeting British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw.

"We are not dodging at all our relationship with the United States."
On Canada's place in the world, MacKay said: "What I would suggest is that we can play a more significant role."

CLICK HERE for complete article about Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay's first official visit overseas.

Michael McCafferty comments:

Canada's new Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay is a very outstanding and remarkable person. I admire Peter MacKay and was absolutely delighted when Prime Minister Harper designated him as Foreign Affairs Minister.

Foreign Affairs Minister MacKay will truly make Canada proud !

Sir Winston Churchill -- truly one of the greatest leaders of all time.

Sir Winston Churchill

Michael McCafferty comments:

The life of Sir Winston Churchill is truly inspiring. Churchill is a 'giant' in world history and ranks as the greatest prime minister in the history of Britain.

Churchill led his nation in the dark days of World War II and his works and deeds saved freedom and democracy from the tyranny of the Nazi.

Churchill's remarkable life was so awe inspiring that today I wanted to share with you my deep admiration for this great man.

Click here to visit the website of The Winston Churchill Society.

Today February 22nd is George Washington's birthday.

Recognize George Washington with his own holiday

column by Douglas Wellman
FORT WAYNE INDIANA NEWS SENTINAL

The combining of the recognition of George Washington’s and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays has done a disservice to both. However, I believe the greater disservice was done to Washington, who was born 274 years ago today.
Among the great statesmen who graced the founding stage of U.S. history, none can compare to Washington. Washington is singularly qualified to be called “The Father of our Country.”

Had Washington not commanded the Revolutionary War army, the war for independence would have failed. Had he not been the presiding officer at the Constitutional Convention, delegates would not have succeeded in producing the best governing document ever produced by men.

What needs to be understood about Washington is why he had such a powerful influence over those other “Founding Fathers” who produced our Constitution.
Anyone who has studied the life of Washington knows of the seemingly never-ending accolades given to his character.

Washington had a sterling character. An enemy in the Revolutionary War, the Duke of Wellington, when notified of Washington’s death said, “He was the purest and noblest character of his time, perhaps of all time.” French historian Alexis de Toqueville said, “The entire world wondered after the character of George Washington.” Why was his character so universally respected? It was because of his unwavering commitment to his Christian faith. From his prayer journal we read, “O most Glorious God, in Jesus Christ my merciful loving Father, I confess and acknowledge my guilt. . . .”

In his farewell address, he said, “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, the firmest props of the duties of men and citizens.”

The plain, simple fact is that Washington’s faith in Jesus Christ and the principles that Jesus and the Apostles taught was so imbued in him that it was an inherent part of his character.

While Lincoln was truly a great president, were it not for Washington’s influence, there would have been no United States for Lincoln to lead. Many have attempted to tarnish Washington’s character along with the other founders.

But Benson Bobrick, in his book “Angel in Whirlwind,” said: "Washington’s consistent dignity, appropriate reserve, high-mindedness, steady decency and meticulous tact have irritated those biographers looking for a weakness, pettiness, faltering, or other evidence of shortcomings redolent of the ‘real’ man. The myth is that there is a myth about him. And those looking to tear down an idol in order to find the ‘real’ man will, as they find him, have to build him back up.”

Michael McCafferty comments:
George Washington was truly a very great man -- and he deserves the honor of his nation. George Washington's life is really an inspiration to America and
the United States Congress should show leadership in making Washington's birthday a special day to honor 'THE FATHER OF HIS COUNTRY'.

Sean Hannity is one of America's 'best' conservative commentators.

Sean Hannity

Sean Hannity, on Where Bush Stands
copyright
Bill SteigerwaldFrontPageMagazine.com
February 21, 2006


Fox News superstar and radio talk-show host Sean Hannity is a Reagan conservative and G.W. Bush supporter who ardently supports the war in Iraq and the war on terror. He is a co-host with Alan Colmes of Fox's successful "Hannity and Colmes" and his syndicated 3-6 p.m. (EST) talk show is heard on about 500 radio stations across the land. Fresh from his trip to San Francisco and the U.S.-Mexican border near San Diego, he called me from New York City.

CLICK HERE to read entire Sean Hannity interview.

Michael McCafferty comments:

Sean Hannity is a very remarkable 'ambassador' for the American conservative movement. He is a genuine patriot and is a very excellent outstanding talk radio and television host.

Sean and I are of Irish descent and you can be sure -- I admire Sean Hannity.

Former United States Senator Alan Simpson is a genuine American statesman.

Dick Cheney coverage is crap - former US Senator

from NewsMax.com

Monday, Feb. 20, 2006

Alan Simpson: Cheney Coverage Was 'Crap'

Former United States Senator Alan Simpson blasted the media's obsessive reporting on Dick Cheney's hunting accident on Sunday, saying reporters typically focus on nothing but "controversy, crap and confusion."

"How are we to trust [the press], after a whole week of absolute dribble, and babble, and people, you know, interviewing themselves," he told "Fox News Sunday."

Noting that Washington is filled with "good people doing good things," Simspon fumed: "You'll never find it if you just follow the Washington media. You'll never know the good. All you get is controversy, crap and confusion."

Simpson said reporters ignored the only real news in the Cheney story because of their cultural biases.

"There is a human element here that got lost in the perfect storm of people who don't like Cheney," he explained. "They don't like hunting. They don't like guns. They don't like people who kill birds and eat them. I mean, good grief."

Simpson also blasted top Democratic Senators Hillary Clinton and Harry Reid for complaining that the Cheney incident illustrated the Bush administration's so-called penchant for secrecy.

"That's an interesting pitch," he told Fox News host Chris Wallace. "But we haven't had another 9/11, so something good must be going on with all this, quote, evil, secret stuff."

Michael McCafferty comments:

Former United States Senator Alan Simpson is a genuine American statesman
and patriot. I am honored to call him my friend because I very much admire Senator Simpson as one of the great people who have served in the US Senate.

I totally agree with Senator Simpson.

The Honourable Stockwell Day, Canada's Minister for Public Safety.

National ID Card for Canada

Canadian Press

Ottawa — Sooner or later, Canadians will have to carry some form of identification other than a passport to travel outside the country, says the new federal minister of public safety.

The British Commons has just adopted legislation for a government-issued national ID card and Stockwell Day suggested in an interview with The Canadian Press that such a card is inevitable for Canada.

Click here for GLOBE AND MAIL news article Day proposes national ID card.

Michael McCafferty comments:

I agree with federal Minister of Public Safety,Stockwell Day that the time has come for a national identification card in Canada.

The world has become a dangerous place -- and I do believe law abiding Canadian citizens would have no problem with a national ID card.

I am pleased that Canada's new Conservative Government is taking this idea seriously because it is an idea whose time has come.

Michael Wilson, Canada's new Ambassador to the United States.

Michael Wilson - Canada's new ambassador to the United States

copyright - TORONTO STAR

OTTAWA—News that former Conservative finance minister Michael Wilson will become ambassador to the United States is already winning praise in Washington and Ottawa.

Patrick Basham, a Canadian who is director of a Washington think-tank, the Democracy Institute, expressed his enthusiasm yesterday.

"... Prime Minister Stephen Harper has injected a good dose of common sense into Canada-U.S. relations," Basham said. "Wilson's stature in political and business circles ensures a positive reception for him both at the White House and on Capitol Hill."

Click here for TORONTO STAR report on Michael Wilson.

Michael McCafferty comments:

Michael Wilson is truly an excellent and remarkable choice to be Canada's
Ambassador to the USA. Mr. Wilson has a distinguished track record in public life -- and I welcome his appointment.

Michael Chong,Canada's Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs.

The Honourable Michael Chong, Canada's Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs

copyright John Geddes

Macleans.ca

Few pegged Michael Chong to be named to cabinet, but now he's responsible for some of the most ambitious parts of the Tory agenda

On the day when a typical federal cabinet was sworn in, the naming of a guy like Michael Chong might have ranked as the big surprise. A complete unknown, who didn't even have a critic's role in Stephen Harper's opposition shadow cabinet, Chong wasn't on anybody's short list -- except, apparently, the Prime Minister's. At 34, the small-town Ontario MP who got the intergovernmental affairs portfolio is the youngest cabinet minister.

Click here to read complete article in Macleans.ca about Michael Chong.

Michael McCafferty comments:

Michael Chong is one of the 'best and the brightest' in the new Harper Government Cabinet. Minister Chong has excellent credentials. He is truly an outstanding young Canadian leader.

CANADA FLAG DAY - February 15

Canada's National Flag Day

February 15 is National Flag of Canada Day. It marks the day in 1965 when our red and white maple leaf flag was first raised over Parliament Hill in Ottawa, and in hundreds of communities from coast to coast to coast.

February 15 — National Flag of Canada Day — is the perfect opportunity to share our pride in Canada and being Canadian.

My letter to the editor of the Regina Leader Post about President Bill Clinton

Dear Editor,

Bill Clinton is coming to speak in Regina, and even though I cannot afford the price of a ticket to go see the former American president in person I am absolutely delighted President Clinton is indeed coming to our city.

President Clinton has lead a very remarkable life. From the time he was a 16 year old teenager who had his picture taken with President John F. Kennedy right through his eight years as America's president Bill Clinton is indeed an extraordinary world leader. Clinton is truly a great statesman.

As a personal hobby I have for over half of my life collected autographed photographs and letters of American presidents. When President Clinton was in the White House he honored me with several beautiful signed photographs and letters.

The key reason I admire Bill Clinton is that he came from humble origins in Arkansas and rose to become a great American president. Yet President Clinton has never lost his 'common touch' as proven recently in Bangor, Maine when he surprised U.S. troops by personally greeting them on their arrival from Iraq. Mr. Clinton's refueling stop at the Bangor International Airport coincided with the arrival of two flights carrying soldiers. That speaks volumes about the kind hearted and compassionate side of President Clinton.

Yes it will truly be an hour with history for those who get to see and hear President Clinton when he comes to Regina. Simply stated, I admire Bill Clinton !

MICHAEL McCAFFERTY

ABRAHAM LINCOLN

Abraham Lincoln

Michael McCafferty comments:

Today February 12th is the birthdate of President Abraham Lincoln.

Lincoln, in my opinion,is the greatest President in American history. Abraham Lincoln was indeed a very extraordinary,remarkable and truly great President.

Ever since I was 9 years old - and I am now 55 - I have read countless books about President Abraham Lincoln. My personal home library has many books about President Lincoln.

I cannot find adequate words to describe the greatness of Abraham Lincoln --
his life has been a lifetime inspiration to me.

Nova Scotia Conservatives pick a young new Premier and Leader in Rodney MacDonald.

Nova Scotia Conservatives pick youthful leader.

Rodney MacDonald won a second-ballot victory to become the leader of the Nova Scotia Conservatives and premier of the province.

MacDonald, the 34-year-old minister of tourism, beat former insurance executive Bill Black by 1,263 votes to 855 on Saturday.

The Conservatives have a minority in the provincial legislature but MacDonald becomes premier because they form the government.

CLICK HERE to see entire CBC NEWS report on Nova Scotia Conservative leadership convention.

Michael McCafferty comments:

It always refreshing when a Conservative Party chooses a bright young new leader as the Nova Scotia Conservatives did in picking Rodney MacDonald as their leader.

Just a few weeks ago the British Conservatives picked a young leader in David Cameron.

These young Conservative leaders are indeed a 'new generation of leadership'.

Nova Scotia Premier John Hamm.

Prime Minister to speak at tribute for Premier John Hamm


Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper will speak at the tribute event organized to honour Nova Scotia Premier John Hamm.

When:Friday, February 10th, at 8:50pm (local time)

Where:Halifax Metro Centre1800 Argyle StreetHalifax, Nova Scotia

Michael McCafferty comments:

Nova Scotia's Premier John Hamm was an outstanding and excellent Conservative premier and I am pleased that he is being honored by a tribute speech from Canada's new Prime Minister.

Carol Skelton is one of the 'best and the brightest' in Canada's federal Cabinet.

The Honourable Carol Skelton - Saskatchewan's federal Cabinet Minister

James Wood, The StarPhoenixPublished: Tuesday, February 07, 2006

REGINA -- Carol Skelton became the first federal cabinet minister representing Saskatoon in nearly 18 years Monday as Prime Minister Stephen Harper named her minister of national revenue and minister of Western Economic Diversification.

But Skelton, voted one of the hardest-working MPs in the Hill Times newspaper, downplayed the burden of carrying the load for Saskatchewan in cabinet.

The last Saskatoon MP in the federal cabinet was Ray Hnatyshyn, who served as justice minister in Brian Mulroney's Progressive Conservative government before being defeated in the 1988 general election.
Skelton said she was honoured to be following in Hnatyshyn's footsteps.

CLICK HERE to see entire SASKATOON STAR PHOENIX article about Carol Skelton.

Michael McCafferty comments:

The Honourable Carol Skelton is a very remarkable and outstanding woman. She will bring to the Federal Cabinet great ability and talent. Carol Skelton is truly an extraordinary parliamentarian with great leadership ability.

I am proud and honored to call The Honourable Carol Skelton my friend. I have known her and her husband for over twenty years -- and I very much admire Carol Skelton -- she is truly one of the 'best and brightest' at the federal cabinet table.

President Bill Clinton is coming to speak in Regina,Saskatchewan.

President Bill Clinton is coming to Regina,Saskatchewan.

The Honorable William Jefferson Clinton, 42nd President of the United States of America, will deliver a keynote speech regarding Canadian-American Relations Thursday March 9th, 2006 at the Conexus Arts Centre at 12 noon.

The speech will address the critical issues that affect the Canadian-American relationship. The relationship between Canada and the United States has seen its fair share of change over the past few years. President Clinton joins us for his first public forum in Regina to discuss important issues affecting the Canadian-American relationship.

Michael McCafferty comments:

Today CKCK TV NEWS broadcast journalist Wayne Mantyka came to my home to interview me with respect to the upcoming visit to Regina of President Bill Clinton.

During the interview the TV News cameraman took shots of quite a few of my autographed White House letters and photographs of William Jefferson Clinton.

I expressed that it is a real honor to have the former president visit our city of Regina because he is truly a respected statesman and world leader.

Canada's new Conservative government takes office.

Harper sworn in as Canada's 22nd prime minister

Stephen Harper was sworn in as Canada's 22nd prime minister on Monday, 14 days after his party's narrow victory paved the way for the country's first Conservative government since 1993.

Click here to see CBC report on the new Cabinet of the Conservative Government.

Michael McCafferty comments:

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has appointed a very remark,able and outstanding Cabinet to govern Canada. These men and women are the best and the brightest !

Saskatchewan's Carol Skelton is a friend of mine -- and i very much admire
her. She will be an excellent Cabinet Minister.

Canadians can be proud of their new Conservative Cabinet.

Canada's new prime minister.

Stephen Harper is a Christian !

Stephen Harper - Evangelical Christian

copyright - The Toronto Star

Stephen Harper just can't quit his inner-Evangelical
Feb. 4, 2006. 01:00 AM
DAVID HASKELL
GUEST COLUMN

Stephen Harper, our new Prime Minister, is an evangelical Christian.

The implications of these findings are staggering: it could mean that for the first time in decades Canadians might have a Prime Minister who doesn't lie to them.

Click here for entire TORONTO STAR column.

Michael McCafferty comments:

Prime Minister Stephen Harper is an Evangelical Christian. I am pleased the media recognizes this.

The fact that our Prime Minister to be is a Christian warms my heart and furthers my deep respect and admiration for him.

You can be sure he and his family will be in my prayers.

God bless Stephen Harper !

Muslims in Europe should realize editorial cartoons are part of 'freedom of the press' in western democracies !

Muslims protest cartoons of Muhammad

Protest in the Muslim world over cartoon images of the Prophet Muhammad is escalating after newspapers in France, Germany, Spain and Italy reprinted the cartoons.

The newspapers claimed they reprinted the cartoons, originally shown in a Danish newspaper, as a defence of freedom of speech and the right to publish.
But outrage from Muslim leaders in France and Germany and the threat of economic boycotts in the Middle East have prompted European leaders to ask for restraint from the press.

"We are ... a society that likes tolerance and I think it has to be in our understanding that we have a sensitivity for other religious communities," said European Union External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner, according to Reuters.

The managing editor of France Soir, a Paris daily, has been fired over his decision to run the cartoons on Wednesday. The owner of France Soir, Raymond Lakah, said he fired the editor to show "a strong sign of respect for the beliefs and intimate convictions of every individual."

Islamic tradition prohibits any depiction of the prophet, even a respectful one, on the grounds that it could promote idolatry.

The caricatures include drawings of Muhammad wearing a headdress shaped like a bomb, while another shows him saying that paradise was running short of virgins for suicide bombers.

Jyllands-Posten, the Danish newspaper that first printed the cartoons last September, has apologized for any hurt it might have caused, but not for publishing the cartoons. A reprint of the cartoons in a Norwegian paper in January sparked a fresh wave of protest.

Arab newspapers denounced the drawings as blasphemous and called for sanctions against the newspapers that had published them. "Freedom of expression does not justify insulting people's feelings and beliefs," said Saudi Arabia's Al-Riyad.

Syria and Saudi Arabia have recalled their ambassadors to Denmark and there have been boycotts of Danish products throughout the Middle East.

The dispute continues to rage in the European press, with newspapers that used the images standing by their right to publish. Le Temps in Geneva and Budapest's Magyar Hirlap ran some of the offending cartoons on Thursday, bringing more European nations into the dispute.

France Soir defended its right to publish in an editorial, saying religious freedom gives people the right to practise their faith, but not to impose the rules of their religion on all of society.

Berlin's Die Welt argued there was a right to blaspheme in the West, and asked whether Islam was capable of coping with satire.

Press freedom group Reporters Without Borders said the reaction in the Muslim world "betrays a lack of understanding" of how essential a free press is to democracy. The call for European governments to use sanctions against newspapers shows a misunderstanding of the relationship between the press and the state, it said.

Initially Muslim anger had centred on Denmark, but now the dispute encompasses most of Europe. On Thursday, Palestinian gunmen briefly surrounded European Union offices in the Gaza Strip demanding an apology for the cartoons.

Denmark has warned its citizens in Muslim countries to be cautious after militant groups made threats.

Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen said the issue had gone beyond a row between Copenhagen and the Muslim world and now centred on Western free speech versus taboos in Islam. Islam is the second religion in many European countries.

"We are talking about an issue with fundamental significance to how democracies work," Rasmussen told the Copenhagen daily Politiken. "One can safely say it is now an even bigger issue."

Copyright ©2006 Canadian Broadcasting Corporation - All Rights Reserved

Michael McCafferty comments:

Muslimns have to learn that in democracy there is free speech and freedom of the press and that they have no excuse for violence because they are upset over cartoons of Muhammad.

If Muslims wish to live in western democracies they must accept freedom of the press !

President George W. Bush gave an inspiring and outstanding STATE OF THE UNION address on Tuesday night.

President Bush Delivers State of the Union to US Congress

President George W. Bush has delivered his 2006 State of the Union address to Congress and the nation. Mr. Bush vowed to stand tough against the enemies of freedom, and proposed steps to wean America off its dependence on foreign oil.


Click here to see entire VOICE OF AMERICA report on The President's State of the Union Address.

MICHAEL McCAFFERTY comments:

President Bush gave a very inspiring STATE OF THE UNION speech full of inspiration,hope and renewal for America. The speech is a moral compass that shows the President's vision for America and the world.

President Bush in his STATE OF THE UNION address demonstrated that he has the blue print and strong leadership to guide the United States in the year ahead.

Three cheers for President Bush on an outstanding STATE OF THE UNION speech.