Thank You Stephen Harper

Stephen Harper and I

Stephen Harper has been the best Prime Minister of Canada in my memory.  These have have been the best 10 years of my life.  It wasn't Stephen Harper that made them great but I must acknowledge the man who created the conditions for that to happen.

The GST cuts alone have put thousands of dollars where they belong: in my pocket.  If you bought a house, car or some other big ticket item you can count your savings in the thousands as well.  I'm thankful for the TFSA and the UCCB.  These are things that affect my family directly and I will always respect and appreciate the consideration the Harper Government has shown us.

If Stephen Harper were a monarch I would have called him Harper The Trader.  I'm still amazed at the deals Harper's team was able to reel in.  A trade deal with Europe and another with the nations of the Pacific as well as many others are golden geese that the Harper Conservatives can be most proud of.

Canada's position in a world of turmoil and evil demonstrated courageous morals and emotional discipline.  We can be proud of our clear support for Israel and against Russian aggression.  I'm proud of our humanitarian efforts in the world despite opportunist claims to the contrary.

I used to think of Harper as the accidental Prime Minister.  It seemed so unlikely.  Here we are after almost 10 great years.  How unlikely that he turned out to be the best of them all.  I'm glad he didn't take a walk in the snow.  Stephen Harper ended his tenure as Prime Minister the same way he started it and practiced it; fighting all the way.

 The Economist PM was always a hard sell.  It was never about him honestly.  Conservative voters wanted policies based on values and economics.  Stephen Harper was the delivery man, never the package.  Yet. after all the Minority Years, the Coalition Crisis and even terrorist attacks, I've come to both love and admire this unlikely hero Stephen Harper.

That democratic pendulum has swung ferociously back to the natural governing party now.  There is an eerie symmetry in the accidental Prime Minister being replaced by someone who was born to be one.  These are silver linings of a very dark cloud, but I see hope in Trudeau's easy win.  If Trudeau was aiming at Harper he's managed to hit Mulcair between the eyes.  That's where strategic voting gets you.  Liberals with their shiny pony PM and their majority will have no excuses now.

Conservatives may have lost the mantle of power but Stephen Harper's record is one we can all be proud of.  The Conservative party never had a divine right to govern.  The privilege Canadians have assigned them is of the Loyal Opposition.  It's a job Conservatives, including lowly MP Stephen Harper, are ready and eager to do.

Could Opposition Policy on ISIS Draw Attacks on Canadians?

On March 11th 2004 Al Qaeda killed 191 people and injured 1800 others in Madrid Spain.  10 homemade bombs were detonated in passenger trains almost simultaneously.  The bombs exploded via cell phone trigger while 4 more were discovered unexploded.   

This was perpetrated just 3 days before the Spanish General Election.  Spain was a country divided at the time over joining the second Iraq war.  The terrorist attack was a key event in the election and toppled the ruling party for a socialist party who advocated withdrawing from the Iraq.

It was a master stroke for the Islamists.  Al Qaeda could never have removed the Spaniards from the Iraq war by force of arms.  Instead they managed to remove Spain with 10 bombs targeting civilians on their own soil and turned an election.  Diabolical evil.

10 years later we find ourselves in Canada approaching a situation similar to Spain's.  An election looms in the near future and the Harper Government is compelled to enter a war in Iraq.  Also similarly the parties are divided about the war.  The Harper Government supports direct, though minimal, military intervention against ISIS.  The opposition socialist parties if elected would withdraw that support. 

This is in contrast to other anti-ISIS coalition members.  European countries who are arguably both more socialist and "progressive" than Canada have voted unanimously in their democratic houses to fight ISIS.  Here the NDP and Liberals are focused on election politics and have tried to use the ISIS threat as a wedge issue.  On the question of sending a miniscule force to engage the most brutal and bloodthirsty army since the Nazi terror our House voted 157 - 134 in favor. 

As we know that same House of Parliament was attacked by ISIS last week.  The so-called "lone wolf" was ideologically identical to the terrorist army we are currently at war with.  The murderer would have surely gone to Iraq to fight with ISIS if not for his passport being withheld.  The terrorists Satanic sacrifice on our National War Memorial and the cold premeditated attack on our uniformed soldier earlier in the week are a clear message to Canadians from ISIS. 

There certainly seems to have been an uptick in terrorism towards Canada since the war on ISIS began.  The twin attacks last week were followed by a threat on our Embassy in Turkey for example.  We'll have to stay vigilant for more of the same. 

ISIS has named Canada several times in its threats as well as other countries.  The major difference between Canada and its allies is that our involvement in the war against ISIS pivots on the outcome of next year's election.  Canada is the only country made vulnerable by its opposition parties this way.

ISIS currently does not have the means to knock our CF-18s out of the sky.  The only way to remove our 6 CF-18s from the battle space is politically.  Through terrorism ISIS can turn Carl von Clauswits on his head.   For ISIS politics is a continuation of war by other means.

Uncertain Outcomes of the Looming War Part 1: Our Allies

We are at war right now with the Islamic State.  Canada is in fact currently engaged with boots on the ground as Canadian special forces assist Kurds and Iraqis defend their homelands.  The Islamic Statists many threats against Canada directly and their crimes against humanity require an armed response.

That is the first thing that bothers me about this whole new conflict: its the fact that we have no choice in the matter.  We have to put off or abandon other things we wanted to do in order to deal with this.  Yet we must fight this evil now.  ISIS can't be allowed to get any larger.

So here we are again, 7 months after the end of the war in Afghanistan, going to war Islamic fundamentalists that are even worse than the last bunch.

I don't like it.  Something bothers me here.  I can not raise a single objection to war with ISIS.  Western democracies have been placed in check early in the game and now we have no option but to move against ISIS.    A whole new war wrapped with a neat bow.

Several of the deeply troubling things about the coming war can fit into these categories

1. Our Allies
2. Our Enemies
3. A "long war"
4. Unknown Outcomes

Each of these will explored in detail in different posts.

Our Allies

USA

The United States is seeking a broad coalition in the war while conducting most of the bombing against ISIS.  Just as it should since ISIS is a direct result of Barack Obama's foreign policy.  Some argue that the previous Gulf Wars precipitated this crisis but they have merely set the stage.

There is no need to go all the way back to the Barbary Wars.  It's sufficient to examine the current occupant of the White House since he will be the major influence on the current war.  Iraq's security was well in hand when Obama entered office.  His ideologically inspired promise to leave Iraq left a vacuum for ISIS.  Progressives essentially believed their own propaganda.  American intervention causes all of the trouble, therefore non-intervention solves all the trouble, or so they thought.

Obama began his version middle eastern meddling with his infamous apology tour.  He did nothing to help a rebellion in Iran.  Then he helped install the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt which was thankfully removed by another rebellion.  He also "led from behind" in Libya to create another vacuum for Islamists and lost an Ambassador and Embassy along the way.  He had some hard words for the Syrian Dictator, but meekly shrank from his "red lines" on Russian promises to hold back Assad's chemical weapons.  The lucky and unanticipated outcome in Syria was that only half of that country was left to the Islamic State.

The White House of Barack Obama is one that has little respect for the American public.  This is evident in the distraction campaign surrounding the death of Ambassador Stevens and the very public cover up that tried to pin it on some amateur movie.  Even now Obama is blaming his failures on bad intelligence while he routinely dodges intelligence briefings for rounds of golf.

Obama can't even find the wisdom to approve the Keystone pipeline.  Keystone will move oil from Alberta in the safest way possible to Texas over a country enmeshed with pipelines.  Obama can't see the obvious logic in approving this pipeline and we are supposed to follow this man into battle?

As much as I'd like to say no, I simply can't.  Genocide is occurring today.  How could we justify our non-intervention to the victims families with talk of some tit for tat for the approval of a pipeline?  That might be Obama's America but that is not who we are.  We can't allow ourselves to be less than who we are because of a feeble minded leftist named Barack Obama.  He caused this crisis but we'll help him end it.

Aside: The best way to snub Obama is to develop nuclear weapons of our own or at least repeal the treaty on non-proliferation.  It would send the message that we lack confidence in our close ally while at the same time strengthening Canada's sovereignty in a cost effective way.  Politically this would be a severe blow to Obama's anti-nuclear agenda since he himself would be the reason for a new nuclear power rising where there was once only a docile neighbor.  It remains politically impossible here for now, but as I'll show you we are on the brink of massive geopolitical upheaval.  The opportunity may present itself.

Europe

Remember when Stephen Harper went to NATO to ask for additional troops in Afghanistan?  Only the US provided more troops.  Now when there is trouble in Europe's backyard Ukraine, they demand we do more.  They haven't been shy about committing jets against ISIS anyway.  That is pretty commendable and actually a shrewd policy.  We should mirror their example in the case of ISIS.

Saudi Arabia

If there were an election held in Saudi Arabia today we would find that ISIS had secured that country too.  The House of Saud is our friend but perhaps frenemy is more correct.   At best they are the pet fascists of the United States.  At worst the Saudis are a useful interface for the extreme Wahabi cult to influence the west.  

Nevertheless we would not be better off by ignoring the ISIS threat to Saudi Arabia.  It doesn't matter that their money and ideology directly created ISIS in the first place.  If Iraq falls then Saudi Arabia would be next.  I have little faith in their military even though they are well equipped.  The Saudi military probably will melt away in the face of serious fighting.  That is the trend shown by Arab armies in modern conflicts.

The streets would run with blood from purges in Saudi Arabia while ISIS ranks would swell like never before.  Their evil army would be replenished with every good imaginable including very possibly nuclear weapons.  Worse than any of that would be the psychological impact of ISIS capturing Mecca.  Every Muslim on earth could not ignore ISIS at that point.  Would Muslims individually side with the infidels or with ISIS?  

We would have a real World War on our hands if ISIS isn't stopped now, never mind the terrorism. 

Canada Lagging Behind On Climate Change

The Climate Models have failed.  Temperature has never been linked to CO2 and now its impossible to ignore.  Other countries have taken steps away from the warmist cult but Canada is lagging behind.

China, home of the lake of toxic poison and slave labour camps, has collapsed the climate talks in Poland.  In a cynical sabotage move the worlds leading polluter led the gullible poorer nations on a walkout of Climate talks.  They are all back in the Climate talks again of course.  Once they realised that "Rich" nations are actually negative rich, or rich in nothing but debt, they all came back in hopes the negative rich nations would be even more gullible.

This comes after Poland fired the chair of climate chatter fest for not being Supportive enough of Fracking.  Poland has asserted its sovereignty and independence by advocating coal and shale gas exploration.  Energy independence is political independence for Poland who is threatened by Russia.  The energy bully can force obedience from Poland by withholding gas exports.  Fracking is very good news for Poland and its heartening to see a country standing up for itself both to the former soviet masters and the creeping fingers of the UN itself.

Elsewhere in the world Australia's parliament has voted to repeal its Carbon Tax.  Tony Abbott was given a mandate by the good and sensible Australian people to abolish the punishing green tithe.  Canadian Voters did the same when they rejected the Liberal "Green Shift" during the 2008 election.  Unfortunately Justin Trudeau's Liberals quietly want to try the insanity again.

While there are two provinces who already have irrational carbon taxes in Canada, there is some good news.  Parliamentary Secretary and rising star Paul Calandra had this to say about Australia's bold move:

“Canada applauds the decision by Prime Minister Abbott to introduce legislation to repeal Australia’s carbon tax. The Australian Prime Minister’s decision will be noticed around the world and sends an important message.
“Our government knows that carbon taxes raise the price of everything, including gas, groceries, and electricity. Prime Minister Abbott has said that, in Australia, the repeal of the carbon tax will reduce the average household’s cost of living by (in Australian dollars) $550 a year, take $200 off household power bills and $70 off gas bills.
“Our government has reduced greenhouse gas emissions while protecting and creating Canadians jobs – greenhouse gas emissions are down since 2006, and we’ve created 1 million net new jobs since the recession – and we have done this without penalising Canadian families with a carbon tax.”

The Liberal government in Ontario has lost its mind in tandem with the federal branch.  They have invited the Goreacle to help lie to Ontarians about her government's green lunacy.  Al Gore's visit will assuredly bring along the "Gore Effect."  There are as many peer reviewed papers on the Gore effect as there are linking large storms to CO2.  Rob Ford had better have the Army on speed dial because everything Gore touches turns white and fluffy.  It wasn't all bad though.  People hurt by Ontario's wind power scheme are protesting the Premier.  You can see why the Media Party only wants to talk about the Senate.

Paul Calandra's message to Australia is also one of hope for Canada.  This is an important step forward, but we need to do more on Climate Change.  Parliament should enact laws that prohibit the taxation of molecules essential to life.  Only then can we put this destructive tax ploy behind us.  Only then can Canadians breath easily that citizens and prosperity come first.

Harper Brings Home the Biggest Trade Deal in Canadian History

"EU free trade deal a 'historic win' for Canada, Harper says"

Well done Prime Minister!  I did not expect it so soon, even though there is still years of work to do. 


Personally I'm looking forward to French Wines, German Beers, Dutch Cheese, Swiss Chocolate, Portuguese Port (especially Madeira), and British uh...... Comedy?  Terrorists?  -More Beer!

We've got OIL! Try the Maple Syrup, Lumber, Beef, manufactured goods and a host of other great things.

It feels really good as a Canadian to shake off the US just as they decided to destroy themselves. Whew.

Here's to a promising future for us all.  Thanks again Harper Government.

Joint News Conference of Canada US Border Talks

Stephen Harper and Barack Obama held a joint news conference on Friday.  The portions of their speech and comments pertaining explicitly to the shared border negotiations have been spliced together in this video.  The parts related to Egypt have been removed.  The parts in french are exactly the same as the english and have also been cut.  The full video from CPAC can be found here.  Enjoy.




Joint News Conference of Canada US Border Talks

The Resplendent Canadians

Look at these people.  I love them.  I'm one of them.  We all are.  We are the resplendent Canadians.  

Resplendent Canadians

 I sometimes wonder if newspaper editors request copy that is inherently offensive.  A congratulatory piece about Canada would get a general yawn from even the most patriotic Canadians.  Kevin Libin's self-loathing year end  feature in The National Post had the opposite effect.  The article was designed to raise my ire and the formula worked perfectly.

The photo above was taken during the historic Gold Medal Hockey Game between the United States and Canada at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.  Which red blooded wild eyed Canadian wasn't hooting and cheering the moment this picture was taken?  The title of Libin's article, the de facto caption for picture was "The Ugly Canadian."

Hey!  That's me right there.  Well not me exactly but someone exactly like me.  A Canadian.  A proud Canadian.  Boy.  It takes a real weenie to pout about so many happy enthusiastic citizens.

Libin actually suggests at one point that instead of enjoying pride and patriotism we should try "abolishing war or eliminating world hunger," as if those things were mutually exclusive.  So lets do that.  I hearby abolish war forever so long as nobody starts a war.  Done.  World hunger?  That one is tougher.  Every Miss Universe has tried and failed to crack that one.  I'm sure if we just stopped cheering at curling events the solution would present itself.  Call it the Libin Anti-Hunger Doctrine.

Listen to this:

The Economist observed a “jingoistic mood” in Vancouver. A Dallas columnist notoriously compared the display of Canadian “chauvinism” to that of the Nazis in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. He raised some valid points—that Canada, at times, forgot to act graciously to the world’s Olympians; that organizers dwelled too much on local winners and not enough on the memory of a killed Georgian luger—but being a sports columnist, not an academic specializing in group dynamics, he was forced to apologize after Canadians erupted in outrage. “[It] doesn’t excuse me from making what may have been seen as an insensitive comparison,” Gil LeBreton wrote. But in all the previous 14 Olympics he’d attended “never were the cheers for the visiting countries’ athletes drowned out so ferociously.”

The cockiness of Sport Canada’s “Own the Podium” program left the world cold—especially after it was fingered as possibly one reason the luge track had been made deadly fast, and so unavailable to non-Canadian athletes for practice—wondering how we had become so cutthroat. The U.K. press lashed out at our “lust for glory” and the “perversion of the Olympic movement for national gain,” ours had become a “culture of worthless aggrandizement and pride.” The Olympic hosts had “mislaid their manners.” Canadians had grown so obnoxious, British skeleton champion Amy Williams recalled: “other nations began looking at it as the Rest of the World versus Canada. You wanted your own country to win, but beyond that you didn’t care who it was as long as it wasn’t Canada.”

Call it sour grapes, except Canadians saw it, too. How could they miss it in those extravagant ceremonies so dripping with pro-Canadian propaganda? This “hayseed, own-the-podium nationalism … was excruciatingly embarrassing,” wrote one Hamilton columnist. “When my beloved Canada resorts to cheap patriotism, when Canadians lay phoney claim to being the best country in the world, I feel a little ashamed,” added another, from Guelph.

Wow eh?  Take a wild guess who the unnamed Hamilton columnist probably votes for?  Imagine for a second what their politics is like?  Our Prime Minister gave us all explicit permission to sing and wave our flags and cheer for our athletes.  Thats what its really about isn't it.  What sort of person refers to true patriot love as "cheap patriotism?"

That my friends is your typical self hating liberal. That individual is ashamed we aren't ashamed at our shameful lack of shame.   

-And what is this about a "phoney claim to being the best country in the world."  Excuse me but most of us like it here a whole lot.  Every time I go abroad I'm relieved to be back home when its over.  I love visiting other countries and I love returning.  I know Canada is the best country on earth precisely because I've seen a lot of it.  Do we really care if someone who doesn't like Canada is embarrassed by the rest of us?  Even if this person happens to like Canada it would only be because they think it sucks enough for them to feel suitably low. 

No Thanks.  These people have nothing to teach us.  There is no nobility in self righteous misery.  Humility is not self loathing.  Canadians are the hobbits of the world.  We like to have fun whatever it says on the scoreboard.  If the score is favorable then so much the better.  The competition is no more entitled to success than we are.  Why not set out to win and forget the pouters and doubters. 


We are winning too.  That is the best part.  Shall I list the real successes and advantages there are to being Canadian?  Thats more like gloating.  I'll leave it to you.  Just look at the picture above and you'll see what we've got is love and we are willing to share.

2010 was a historic year for Canada and more than that.  2010 was a fantastic opening to our greatest decade yet.  It is a decade that will see Canada resplendent in the eyes of her proud citizens.

Haiti Needs Our Help

I came home from a long day at work to find my girlfriend crying today.  She is a teacher and she had seen pictures of children who were killed in their classroom during the earthquake in Haiti.  It didn't take long before I saw our Governor General profoundly distraught as well.  Tears are contagious and so is action.

My government has sent ships, planes, helicopters, personnel, and millions in emergency aid.  I am quietly proud of Canada today.  Lets all show them who we really are.  Lets donate money.

I work hard for my money and I'm sure you do too.  We know the value of a dollar.  I'll work to see those people who survived the earthquake make it through this to rebuild.  The Canadian Government has announced that it will match each dollar raised for the victims of Haiti's tragic earthquake.  Thank you Prime Minister.

I assume that all charities will be aggregated to calculate the governments contribution.  Pick your favorite charity or go to World Vision Canada to donate please.

Thank You
Alexander Fernandes