Where's William?

First, let us commend Munir Sheikh on his integrity for standing by his principles. These days, even finding someone with principles, let alone living them, is rare.

Soon after 1066, the Domesday Book was compiled by William I, in his newly conquered England. It was considered to be a great administrative step forward in the future progress of the U.K. Now, almost a thousand years later, Stephen Harper wants to muffle the practice. His wishes are unclear...

Today, the call is "Can we find a compromise?" What rubbish! There are so many real problems in our country. Denmark has far more information on its citizens and I find Denmark to be one of the most democratic countries in the world.

Amazon.ca, The Musical Heritage Society of Canada, Revenue Canada - and pharmacy Jean Coutu, when I take in film for processing - know far too much about me already! What more can the federal government need to know?

Mr. Harper is, again in the mire and, after slapping his boys, Clement et al,  for insubordination, is trying to extricate himself. How I wish the leader of the Liberal Party would interrupt his, "I'm just one of you guys" BBQ tour and do something useful to help create a real opposition.

Who Benefits?

All evidence suggests Canada is wasting lives and money but achieving nothing for the people of Afghanistan, by having our troops in their country. Our Conservative government's Department of National Defence is about to spend $9-16 billion on 65 "modern" aircraft - like the ones used by the Americans, who also build them!

May we hope that these planes will be more accurate in their aim, so that fewer Afghan civilians will be killed or injured?

What Next?

Just when you are sure you've seen it all - something, even more astonishing - appears.

If, as I do, you watch CBC Newsworld, you will have seen this ad. A grown man (fortunately no women) cheating small children with offers of candy, toys and ice cream he doesn't fulfill. This is in the name of Ally Insurance. It proudly points out that even children can tell when they are being cheated! Frankly, with such a limited sense of purpose, I wouldn't go near Ally Insurance. On the one hand, even if one could see, or condone, how it was going to increase profits, using children, not only the ones in the ads but all those watching others being ripped off by adult shysters, is obscene. Obviously, it has either worked, or the public hasn't reacted yet. It continues, every few minutes, daily. I guess clients are offered a good deal, so who cares what damage it might do to children who already have enough to put up with regarding adult neglect?