Conservative support on the rise in Canada.

Conservative Party support on the rise in Canada

Tory support edging upward, says Decima poll

The Canadian Press
Wednesday, March 29, 2006

OTTAWA - A new poll suggests support for the new Conservative government may be edging upward.

A survey by Decima Research puts Tory support at 39 per cent nationally, up almost three percentage points from what they received in the Jan. 23 election.

Although the Conservative surge remains within the poll's margin of error, the overall results indicate a widening gap with the second-place Liberals.

Grit support was down two percentage points from election day to 28 per cent.

The NDP was at 19 per cent and the Bloc Quebecois at 11 per cent.

The poll was conducted over four days through last weekend and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 per cent, 19 times out of 20.

Decima says the Conservatives and Liberals are in dead heat in both Quebec and Ontario, but the Tories lead everywhere else in the country.

© The Canadian Press 2006

Michael McCafferty comments:
Prime Minister Harper and the Conservative Government are obviously doing the 'right stuff' !

The United Nations must get tough with Iran.

United Nations must show strong leadership

Western powers watered down a draft U.N. Security Council on reining in Iran's nuclear ambitions but still called on Tehran to suspend uranium-enrichment efforts that could be used to make a bomb.

Michael McCafferty comments:

The United Nations must show strong leadership in calling on Iran to stop their nuclear development. Not a wishy washy kind of feel good resolution.

Winston Churchill said:

If you will not fight for the right when you can easily win without bloodshed, if you will not fight when victory will be sure and not so costly, you may come to the moment when you will have to fight with all the odds against you and only a precarious chance of survival. There may be a worse case. You may have to fight when there is no chance of victory, because it is better to perish than to live as slaves.

Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper - his approval rating is high.

Prime Minister Harper's approval rating soars !

The prime minister's national approval rating has also increased -- eight percentage points to 62 per cent -- following his surprise trip to Afghanistan March 12 and 13 to visit Canadian troops.

"Harper's approval rating is way up," said Darrell Bricker, president of Ipsos Reid Public Affairs. "These are Chretien-type numbers by reaching the 60s. Paul Martin didn't know what the 60s looked like," Bricker said.

Michael McCafferty comments:

Prime Minister Stephen Harper is giving Canada real leadership with honor and integrity. I admire our Prime Minister and the excellent leadership he is giving Canada.

Afghanistan must 'not' execute a Christian. That is wrong.

Harper pleads for Afghan Christian

Harper pleads for Afghan Christian
Urges Karzai to aid religious freedom
Man may face execution for converting


Mar. 23, 2006
SEAN GORDON
TORONTO STAR


OTTAWA—Prime Minister Stephen Harper expended some of Canada's newfound influence in Afghanistan, pressuring President Hamid Karzai to ensure that religious freedom would be "fully upheld" for a man facing the death penalty for converting from Islam to Christianity.

In a telephone conversation with the Afghan leader yesterday, Harper added his voice to the international chorus of condemnation over the treatment of Abdul Rahman, 41, who was recently jailed for having converted to Christianity.

Michael McCafferty comments:

Two points.

One, the president of Afghanistan must ensure there is truly 'freedom of religion' in that country.

Two, I comment Prime Minister Harper for his leadership in contacting the President of Afghanistan on this important issue.

It is barbaric for Afghanistan to allow for the hanging of any person who becomes a Christian. Simply stated: it is wrong.

Bill Clinton Urges World to Aid the Poor

Former President Bill Clinton hugs Ellie Guettler, 7, after dedication ceremonies Thursday, March 16, 2006, of Heifer International's headquarters building in Little Rock, Ark. The girl from Atlanta raised $5,000 during a two-year period for the charity that provides animals to poor families around the world. (AP Photo/David Quinn)

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Former President Clinton welcomed Heifer International to his neighborhood Thursday, dedicating the charity's new world headquarters with a plea for everyone to "give them your hand" and fight hunger.

"Ordinary people of modest means have the power to change lives half a world away," Clinton said in a two-hour ceremony that featured music and dance from among the 50 countries that Heifer serves.

Heifer International provides livestock to poor families, plus training on how to help them produce an income. The families who receive the animals _ from cattle to ducks to bees _ are expected to pass the animals' offspring to others.
Heifer International enjoys a higher profile overseas than it does at home and Thursday's dedication aimed to draw more attention to its work through appearances by Clinton and Jeffrey Sachs, director of the United Nations anti-poverty Millennium Project.

Heifer International is part of a philanthropic corridor developing along the Arkansas River. Clinton's library and school of public service are next door to Heifer International and the region is also home to Winrock International, which runs programs worldwide to help rural residents achieve a balance between food and income while managing natural resources.

Roughly 500 people attended the dedication.

© 2006 The Associated Press

Michael McCafferty comments:

I am inspired by the humanitarian good works of former President Bill Clinton. He truly is a caring and compassionate statesman.

Like President Clinton we all should do our part to aid the poor in the world and that is why my family recently adopted a child in Africa through the
Foster Parents Plan of Canada.

Federal Cabinet Minister David Emerson has been cleared by the Ethics Commissioner.

Federal ethics commissioner clears Prime Minister

CANADIAN PRESS

OTTAWA -- Parliament's ethical code was not breached when David Emerson crossed the floor to join the cabinet of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the federal ethics commissioner has ruled.

Click here for Canadian Press report on ethics commissioner report.

Michael McCafferty reports:

I am very pleased that the federal ethics commissioner has cleared the name of David Emerson and Prime Minister Harper. I believe Minister Emerson is a real asset to the federal cabinet and it is good that the prime minister called on him to serve in cabinet.

Colin Powell speaks to 2500 in Toronto

Prepare for long Afghan stay: Powell
Tells Canada not to set timeline for pulling out
Mar. 15, 2006. 10:59 PM
TORONTO STAR

Canada should prepare for an "extended" military campaign in Afghanistan and not put a time limit on its military stay there, Colin Powell told a crowd of more than 2,500 Wednesday night at Roy Thomson Hall.

Click here for complete TORONTO STAR article.

Michael McCafferty comments:

Colin Powell is a great world leader and statesman. Now more than ever we as Canadians should support our troops in Afghanistan.

A Prime Minister we can be proud of - NATIONAL POST editorial

Mr. Harper has had a tumultuous first five weeks in office. But the image that will linger of his early prime ministership will be his arrival in Afghanistan. It has been a while since we've had a PM we could truly be proud of -- one who makes us believe in ourselves and our country. The wait may be over.
� National Post 2006

Prime Minister of Canada with Canadian troops in Afghanistan.

Address by the Prime Minister To the Canadian Armed forces in Afghanistan

Thank you for your warm welcome.I want to begin by telling you how proud I am of the work you’re doing. You have put yourself on the line to:
Defend our national interests;

Protect Canada and the world from terror;

Help the people of Afghanistan rebuild their country. I thank you.Canadians thank you.And I know that the Afghan people thank you.

Your work is important because it is in our national interest to see Afghanistan become a free, democratic, and peaceful country.

Before its liberation, under the Taliban regime, Afghanistan often served as an incubator for Al Qaeda and other terror organizations.

This reality hit home with brutal force on 9-11, when two dozen Canadians lost their lives suddenly and senselessly in the destruction of the World Trade Centre.

Those were ordinary Canadians. People with families, partners, children and dreams for a better future. Just like all of our citizens, people who died suddenly and for no reason at the hands of fanatics.

Since that time, Al Qaeda has singled out Canada as one of the countries targeted for terror.
And beyond the threat of terror there’s the threat of drugs.

An unstable Afghanistan represents easy pickings for drug lords who would use the country as a safe haven for the production of heroin, which wreaks its own destruction on the streets of our country.

Our Canada is a great place, but Canada is not an island.
And what happens in places like Afghanistan threatens and affects all of us back home in our own country.

Your work is about more than just defending Canada’s interest. It’s also about demonstrating an international leadership role for our country. Not carping from the sidelines, but taking a stand on the big issues that matter. You can’t lead from the bleachers. I want Canada to be a leader.

And I know you want to serve your country. A country that really leads, not a country that just follows. That’s what you are doing. Serving in an un-mandated, Canadian-led security operation that is in the very best of the Canadian tradition:

Providing leadership on global issues;

Stepping up to the plate;

Doing good when good is required.

Finally, but no less important, is the great humanitarian work you’re doing. Working with the Afghan government and Afghan people to enhance their security helps them. It helps them rebuild their country to make a better life for themselves and their children.

Already a great deal has been accomplished. Reconstruction is reducing poverty; millions of people are now able to vote; women are enjoying greater rights and economic opportunities that could have been imagined under the Taliban regime; and of Afghan children who are now in school studying the same things Canadian kids are learning back home.

These are important victories for the people of Afghanistan, and the represent things worth standing up for.

Of course, standing up for these core Canadian values may not always be easy at times. It’s never easy for the men and women on the front lines. And there may be some who want to cut and run.But cutting and running is not your way.It’s not my way.And it’s not the Canadian way.

We don’t make a commitment and then run away at the first sign of trouble.We don’t and we won’t.

Friends, we have made real progress here. You’re work is vital to Canada.To the free world.To the Afghan people.As you get ready to go back to work, know that I am behind you.Your government is behind you.And, most importantly, the Canadian people are behind you.

Thank you. God bless Canada.

Michael McCafferty comments:
This speech makes me proud to be a Canadian and very proud of our Prime Minister, Stephen Harper.
God bless Canada.

CBC NEWS photo. PRIME MINISTER HARPER makes historic visit to Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Harper makes surprise visit to Afghanistan

Prime Minister Stephen Harper arrived in Afghanistan on Sunday in a carefully planned and closely guarded mission to show support for Canadian troops and diplomatic staff.

Click here for CBC NEWS report.

Michael McCafferty comments:

I am very proud of Canada's Prime Minister that he cares enough to go round the world to Afghanistan to show support for our Canadian troops and diplomatic staff.

The TORONTO SUN is right on. Scrap the gun registry.

TORONTO SUN EDITORIAL: Gun registry is a national disgrace

March 11, 2006

While guns have their usefulness, we believe the pen is mightier. And it's certainly mightier than the gun registry. As evidence, we note two fine columns published yesterday -- one in the Sun, and one by one of our competitors -- that once again shot the rightly discredited registry full of holes.

*********
Even the most adamant gun-haters among us should recognize that that is the national tragedy. The sooner the registry is scrapped, the better.

Click here for entire TORONTO SUN editorial on the gun registry.

Michael McCafferty comments:

Right on ! The gun registry must be scrapped !

President Clinton speaks to sell out audience in Regina Canada

Today President Bill Clinton spoke to a sell out capacity crowd at Regina's Centre of the Arts.

I was the guest of a dear friend of mine -- and it was awesome to see and hear President Clinton. He truly is a great American statesman.

President Clinton spoke for one hour -- and it was the most amazing speech on world affairs. He is a very remarkable man.

I was and am very honored and grateful that my kind friend took me as his guest to the President Clinton speech.

Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan truly is a genuine Canadian hero.

Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan: A real Canadian hero !

Fan mail swamps Mayor Sam Sullivan
Turin Games performance wins the hearts of people from around world







Mayor Sam Sullivan has received 1,000 letters and e-mails from people who saw him wave the flag at the closing ceremonies of the Olympics in Turin.

The world is in the grip of Sam Mania.

Since his return from Turin, Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan has been inundated with fan mail from around the globe. More than 1,000 letters and e-mails have arrived for Sullivan from people who saw him on TV wave the Olympic flag at the closing ceremonies.

"It became quite evident that my little twirl actually had a big impact on many people," said Sullivan yesterday.

Among the letters were personal stories from people struggling with tragedy or disability, who said Sullivan inspired them to seek a better life -- or just live.

Michael McCafferty comments:

Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan is truly a real Canadian hero. I admire Mayor Sullivan. He is really a very remarkable and outstanding person -- a great Canadian.


Click here for Canada.com news article about Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan.

US Vice President Cheney: Iran must not be allowed to have nuclear arms.

Iran must not have nuclear weapons: Vice President Dick Cheney

Russia appears to close ranks with U.S. position

CNN
Tuesday, March 7, 2006; Posted: 2:00 p.m. EST

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Vice President Dick Cheney said Tuesday that Iran will not be allowed to have a nuclear weapon and warned "the United States is keeping all options on the table in addressing the irresponsible conduct of the regime."

Cheney said the Iranian government "continues to defy the world with its nuclear ambitions" and that the issue may soon go before the U.N. Security Council.

Click here for entire CNN report on Vice President Dick Cheney's statement on Iran.

Michael McCafferty comments:

In order to defend peace and freedom in the world it is imperative that the United Nations show leadership in stopping Iran from attaining nuclear weapons.

I commend Vice President Dick Cheney for having the courage and leadership to say that Iran must not have nuclear weapons. I support Vice President Cheney on this issue.

SOUTH DAKOTA has passed a law to ban ABORTIONS.

South Dakota law will ban abortions

PIERRE, S.D. -- Governor Mike Rounds signed legislation Monday banning nearly all abortions in South Dakota, setting up a court fight aimed at challenging the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion.

The bill would make it a crime for doctors to perform an abortion unless the procedure was necessary to save the woman's life. It would make no exception for cases of rape or incest.

CLICK HERE to see entire CANADA.com report on the new South Dakota anti-abortion law.

Michael McCafferty comments:

It takes political courage to take on the left wing liberal secular Hollywood crowd in America.
The South Dakota legislature and Republican Governor Mike Rounds have passed a law banning abortion in that state.

This is an action that will find its way all the way to the United States Supreme Court.

I am pro-life and believe in the protection of the unborn -- that is why I salute Governor Mike Rounds and the South Dakota legislature.

Federal Cabinet Minister David Emerson -the Globe and Mail says the Ethics czar has no business investing him or the Prime Minister.

The Globe and Mail editorial is right.

It's a political issue, not an ethical one

No tears for David Emerson, who finds himself the subject of an ethics investigation over his decision to cross the floor and join the Conservatives. The former Liberal could probably have avoided all this if he had done the right thing and agreed to resign his seat and run again as a Tory. He claims he could win such a contest, so why doesn't he put his money where his mouth is and try?

But even if Mr. Emerson brought his troubles on himself, it is disturbing to see a member of Parliament put under investigation for making a political decision. As Ethics Commissioner Bernard Shapiro has noted himself, "crossing the floor has a long and fascinating history in Canada." By one estimate, Parliament has seen 166 party "switchers" since 1921.

Mr. Emerson's case was a particularly egregious example because he crossed to the Tories just weeks after campaigning ferociously against them in his Vancouver riding. That was a betrayal of his constituents, no doubt. But a breach of parliamentary ethics?

Mr. Shapiro is investigating both Mr. Emerson and Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Under the conflict-of-interest code for members of the House of Commons, "when performing parliamentary duties and functions, a Member shall not act in any way to further his or her private interests or those of a member of the Member's family, or to improperly further another person's private interests."

There is nothing to suggest that either Mr. Harper or Mr. Emerson furthered any private interest in the floor-crossing deal.

A political interest, yes. Mr. Emerson advanced his political interest by staying in cabinet even though his former party lost the election. Mr. Harper advanced his political interest by getting a high-profile cabinet minister from a city where he needed to shore up his support. It was an ordinary political deal -- grubby, perhaps, but no ethical conflict.

Michael McCafferty comments:

The Globe and Mail is RIGHT ON. The Ethics czar has NO business investing the Prime Minister and Minister David Emerson. Simple as that.

US President George W. Bush with India Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

India-United States relations

Los Angeles Times editorial
MARCH 1 2006

PRESIDENT BUSH ARRIVES in India today to pursue one of his longtime foreign policy objectives: bringing the United States and India closer. It's a worthy goal. India is the world's largest democracy, and its economy is growing.

Click here for entire Los Angles Times editorial on India-United States relations.

Michael McCafferty comments:

It is very important that the United States have good relations with the world's largest democracy. President Bush has done well to solidfy the relations between the USA and India.

US Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito has sent a 'thank you' letter Dr. James Dobson and Focus on the Family.

US Supreme Court justice Alito Says Thank You; Liberals Cry Foul

A simple note of appreciation turns into a media storm.

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito is the subject of controversy for sending a thank-you note to Focus on the Family Founder and Chairman Dr. James Dobson.

But that controversy appears to have been ginned up by the same liberal activists who opposed the recently confirmed justice's nomination to the high court.

Click here to read FOCUS ON THE FAMILY report on this issue.

Michael McCafferty comments:

US Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito is Christian -- and I admire him for publicly thanking Dr. James Dobson and Focus on the Family for their support of his nomination to the Supreme Court.

It is absolutely wondeful how many caring Christians took the time to contact Mr. Alito and offer their prayers and support.

Prime Minister Harper has promised quick action on an elected Senate in Canada.

Prime Minister promises quick action on elected Senate in Canada

Prime Minister Stephen Harper sent a wake-up call reverberating through Parliament’s sleepy chamber of sober second thought today, saying senators could be running for office by the time the next general election is held.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper said today that he wants to get going on an elected Senate and that he could see it happening in time for the next federal election.

CLICK here for complete TORONTO STAR news article.

Michael McCafferty comments -

I am in favor of electing The Senate of Canada. I respect and admire Prime Minister Harper for showing great leadership in promising quick action on an elected Senate in Canada.