Dear Bev - Criminal Code of Canada FYI

Falsification of Books and Documents
397. (1) Every one who, with intent to defraud,
(a) destroys, mutilates, alters, falsifies or makes a false entry in, or
(b) omits a material particular from, or alters a material particular in,
a book, paper, writing, valuable security or document is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years.

PLAINTIVE NOTE TO CBC POLITICS: Two months elapsed between the time the CIDA officers signed off on the recommendation (September 25, 2009), and the time Minister Oda signed (November 27, 2009). There MUST be copies within CIDA of the document signed on September 25.

GIRL POWER

Go, Asmaa! According to Wael Ghonim, she was the only woman present at the Sunday discussions with the Supreme Military Council. I think Germaine Tillion would be cheering her on. Who wouldn't?

*********************

Excerpt from “Déchiffrer le silence”:
A Conversation with Germaine Tillion
by Alison Rice
Research in African Literatures 2004 35(1):162-179


"We see the United States as deeply worried about terrorism. But effectively fighting against terrorism does not mean increasing the number of military operations; it means fighting against what causes terrorism. If you introduce kindness and gentleness at the place where terrorism begins, you will eradicate terrorism without pain. It is necessary to examine the most sensitive areas of the earth. You can do nothing to stop the seventeen-year-old kid who has decided to place a bomb somewhere. You can do strictly nothing, and any effort against him will just fly back in your face. Countering violence with violence is the most ineffective response imaginable. Instead, we should target the pain, with the goal to alleviate it. I firmly desire a worldwide dialogue, and I would like to see the United States discharged from the monologue. The period of great wars is over. Science has put in the hands of children extraordinary means of death. The greatest error the United States is currently making is to think that international military operations can stop a seventeen-year-old child from acting. The focus should be placed instead on alleviating the pain in the most sensitive regions of the world, beginning with Jerusalem."


Germaine Tillion
Indomitable French enthnologist who survived the concentration camps to champion human and women’s rights in Algeria
Obituary from The Times
April 24, 2008

Red White and Black Valentine

(AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

"There will be plenty of time for pessimism of the intellect. Now is a moment to celebrate the optimism of the will, so dramatically and inspiringly demonstrated by the throngs in Cairo's Tahrir Square and other cities across Egypt. The pro-democracy crowds have awakened hope, a sense of possibility, and that -- not Husni Mubarak's resignation from the presidency -- is their revolutionary act. "

The editors of Middle East Report reflect (and rejoice) in "Red-White-and-Black Valentine," now in Middle East Report Online:http://www.merip.org/mero/mero021411.html

Middle East Report Online is a free service of the Middle East Research and Information Project (MERIP).

Phone Conversation Between Ngo Dinh Diem and Henry Cabot Lodge, November 1,1963

DlEM: Some Units have made a rebellion and I want to know, what is the attitude of the U.S.?

LODGE: I do not feel well enough informed to be able to tell you. I have heard the shootings but with all the facts. Also, it is 4:30A.M. in Washington and the U. S. Government cannot possibly have a view.

DIEM: But you must have some general ideas. After all, I am Chief of State. I have tried to do my duty. I want to do now what duty and good sense require. I believe in duty above all.

LODGE: You have certainly done your duty. As I told you only this morning, I admire your courage and your great contribution to your country. No one can take awav from you the credit for all you have done. Now I am worried about your physical safety. I have a report that those in charge of the current activity offer you and your brother safe conduct out of the country if you resign. Had you heard this?

DlEM: No. (pause) You have my phone number.

LODGE: Yes. If I can do anything for your physical safety, please call me.

DIEM: I am trying to re-establish order (hangs up).

SOURCE: Sheehan and others (eds.), The Pentagon Papers, p.232.

Enhanced Interrogations R US

"Future of the Main Battle Tank Looks Secure"

Ehud Mubarak Obama

If you think the Goldstone Report is wrong, you haven't read it.