The Canadian-American

Test the Coalition: Call an Election

2008-12-02T12:01:00.004-05:00

Talk has surfaced about defeating the Conservative minority government in a confidence-vote on Monday. Stephane Dion (L-Saint Laurent-Cartierville, QC) has announced a deal in which he would form a coalition government with the NDP and Bloc Quebecois, with Mr. Dion as Prime Minister. While this move is fully constitutional, this option was not presented to the Canadian people in the last, and quite recent, election. Many interpreted the results as being a stronger mandate for the Conservatives, with a retained sense that the government needed to cooperate with the opposition to pass needed legislation. A change in government would be a repudiation of this clearly stated desire of the electorate.

The Canadian-American, knowing the extreme costs of holding a federal election, supports returning Canadians to the polls. Canadians would then have full knowledge that anything short of a Conservative majority would result in a conditional-majority government which includes the Liberals, NDP and the Bloc Quebecois. Consent of the governed is a key element of any liberal democracy, and it is critical that the proposed coalition government has the explicit consent of the Canadian people to govern. The Canadian-American supports a Conservative majority in the event of an election.

Election 2008: Endorsements

2008-11-04T18:14:00.002-05:00

The Canadian-American is pleased to announce its endorsements for Election 2008.

President: Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL)
Representative in Congress: Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT)
State Senator: Sen. Tony Guglielmo (R-Stafford)
State Representative: Rep. Penny Bacchiochi (R-Somers)
Registrar of Voters: Paul C. Adamski (R)

I'll be posting updates on this critical election later.

Prime Minister Support: Stephen J. Harper

2008-09-09T11:32:00.003-04:00

With Election 2008 slated for 2008-10-14, The Canadian-American is thrilled to support the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Stephen J. Harper (C-CAN/AB) for re-election as Canada's prime minister. This, of course, implies the support of Conservative MPs in ridings throughout the country. Prime Minister Harper has demonstrated and offers Canadians strong leadership on the important issues of the day. Prime Minister Harper is a member of a new generation of leaders and will work well with President Barack H. Obama on issues of critical importance to North America, including ensuring the quality of our environment, strengthening North America's economy and restoring North America's place in the world. Check back periodically for more updates as Election 2008 continues, on both sides of the border.

Presidential Endorsement: Sen. Barack Hussein Obama

2008-08-25T15:56:00.005-04:00

Despite my earlier post that I would endorse Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) for the presidency, recent events have have persuaded me to change my endorsement. I have supported Sen. McCain for a long time, dating back to the 2000 GOP primary for President. I strongly believe that our World would be more peaceful and just and our Republic more vibrant and prosperous were Sen. McCain's term as President expiring 2009-01-20. However, the Sen. McCain I have passionately supported and defended is not running for President this year.

While I have discontinued my support for Sen. McCain for many reasons, one recent event caused me to lose any remaining feelings of support for him. Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) was discussing how keeping our tires properly inflated would save as much gasoline as, if not more than, that produced through granting additional offshore oil drilling leases (which The Canadian-American opposes). Sen. McCain responded by saying, "My opponent doesn't want to drill, he doesn't want nuclear power, he wants you to inflate your tires." Mocking practical, existing tools to make better use of our energy resources is unacceptable and unbecoming of an individual running for President.

In this and many other examples, Sen. Obama has shown that he has the wisdom and judgement to be the next President of the United States. The Republic needs a President who will reverse the damage caused by 8 y of the destructive polices of the Bush Administration. We need a President who will assertively pursue a peaceful and just World. We need a President who will passionately uphold the Constitution. We need a President who will respect the individual choices of the Republic's citizens and the right of Nations to set their own course, without outside interference. I am confident that Sen. Obama will be that President. Therefore, The Canadian-American is thrilled to endorse him and Sen. Joe Biden (D-DE) for election as President and Vice President, respectively, of the United States.

I have updated my sidebar to include a link to Sen. Obama's campaign website and his Republicans for Obama page. I have discontinued the GOP news feed for the duration of the election, as it mostly contains links to anti-Obama material. This blog is staunchly pro-Obama-Biden and will therefore not host such material. Please look for more Obama-Biden content and coverage (including this week's Democratic National Convention) as Election 2008 continues. More endorsements (including those for U. S. House of Representatives and the Connecticut General Assembly) will follow.

In Memoriam: Virginia Tech Massacre Victims

2007-04-17T15:32:00.000-04:00

On 2007-04-16, 33 people were murdered at Virginia Tech as Cho Seung-Hui, 23, unleashed what is the worst case of school violence and the most bloody shooting in U. S. history. This senseless, heinous act highlights the need for close and loving communities, which the faculty, staff and students at Virginia Tech have so clearly exemplified over the past 2 d. Our thoughts and prayers should be with all of the victims, their family and friends, Virginia Tech and the Blacksburg, VA community.

God bless Virginia Tech.

Mutual-Link Blogroll Addition: From a Canadian Cadet to an American Soldier

2007-03-06T11:31:00.000-05:00

This morning I am proud to introduce an addition to my Mutual-Link Blogroll, From a Canadian Cadet to an American Soldier. Here you'll find "stories by and about a multinational patriot -- an American Soldier -- and a military mom." With all of the broad strategic pronouncements we make on our blogs daily, this wonderful resource shows us very clearly that the War on Terror is being fought by people with families who love them very much.

God bless North America, its fine service-people and those they are working to protect.

In: John McCain Announces Candidacy

2007-03-01T21:52:00.000-05:00

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) announced on the Late Show that he will seek the Republican nomination for President of the United States in 2008. Based on his long history of defending traditional conservatism and his general independence of thought, The Canadian-American is preliminarily endorsing him for the Republican nomination and ultimately the Presidency. While this is subject to change in the unlikely event that a superior Republican candidate emerges, this blog is proud to support his campaign. This page encourages Sen. McCain to stay true to his maverick character and hopes that he will not further compromise his values in his quest for the nomination. Final endorsement for President of the United States, if any, will be given at the conclusion of the 2008 Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, MN.

You can access his campaign website through the sidebar graphic.

Iraq Locks Down: Syrian, Iranian Borders Closed

2007-02-13T15:13:00.000-05:00

Responding to a bloody start to the week, Iraq has temporarily shut down its borders with Syria and Iran. The 72 h closure is designed to disrupt the flow of terrorists and materiel from both countries in an effort to reduce the violence which continues to plague central Iraq. Given the length of each border (605 km with Syria and 1 458 km with Iran), extensive aerial reconnaissance and ground enforcement will be necessary to monitor activity in areas between established ports-of-entry. Until the security environment in central Iraq improves to a level which can be managed by law enforcement and the judicial system and effective, lasting agreements are reached with Syria and Iran, this action should be repeated as often as the Iraqi government sees fit. While unfortunate, the economic disruptions generated by this necessary trade barrier may inspire the citizens of the region to step up their efforts to secure their respective nations. In any case, this is a prudent step to take and is an encouraging sign from a government which has had its credibility questioned over the past several months, which needs to be firmly established if Iraq is to regain any sense of stability.

NannyAlert System Goes Online

2007-02-07T22:08:00.000-05:00

It is a commonly held position that one of government's primary responsibilities is affording protection to its citizens which they cannot provide for themselves through legal means. However, in their well-intentioned quest to ensure our safety, many lawmakers cross this line by proposing (and sometimes passing) legislation which creates more restrictions on behavior which is likely best left to the discretion of citizens themselves. As a proponent of limited and efficient government, The Canadian-American is launching the NannyAlert System. The system will flag laws which are unnecessary, insult the general public's intelligence and/or are blatantly intrusive. This past week, the NannyAlert System has detected two of them.

Texas State Representative Wayne Smith (R-Baytown) has authored a bill which would provide a criminal penalty for parents who fail to attend a public school parent-teacher conference without a valid excuse. The fines collected would be used to "(1) provide additional compensation to classroom teachers in the district; or (2) purchase school supplies other than textbooks as defined by Section 31.002." While increasing funding for school teachers and school supplies is a good step for state governments to take, surely there are better ways to do this. It is well-known that clear parent-teacher communication is a key element of the educational process and periodic conferences are a key channel. However, criminalizing lapses in parenting is counter-productive and makes avoiding punishment a motivation for attending parent-teacher conferences, which should be an opportunity for a positive exchange of information. The Canadian-American trusts the wisdom of the Texas Legislature to kill this bill as soon as possible and work on more constructive ways to enhance the educational experience of students in the state.

In New York, State Senator Carl Kruger (D-Brooklyn) will introduce legislation which would impose a 100 USD fine for using handheld digital technology while crossing a street in selected major state cities. Having observed the (mis)use of digital media players, cell phones and other technology on Cornell University's high-traffic (vehicular and pedestrian) campus, Mr. Kruger's concerns are well-placed. Our "plugged-in" culture has created an oft-impenetrable bubble which blinds us to the blessings and hazards just centimeters away. Sometimes sidewalk greetings are abbreviated because individuals are engaged in a cell phone conversation or off in "the zone" while listening to their digital media players. What is dangerous is being off in that zone while crossing streets (especially intersections) and not having the common sense to turn one's head to check for vehicles in all possible directions of travel. As reasonable citizen, I look all ways while crossing a street and listening to music. Gracious, I even remove my ear-buds when I must cross a street at a blind curve so I can hear if cars are coming! The vast majority of my few close-calls have occurred when I left my player plugged in at home. While NannyAlert would have flagged highway cell-phone restrictions as well, there is a big difference between yakking at 100 km/h and doing the same at 5 km/h. It is the responsibility of parents, not the State, to instill reasonable standards of everyday conduct. This is no exception, and The Canadian-American hopes the New York State Senate will find more productive ways of improving the safety of our sidewalks and highways.

NannyAlert will continue to provide updates on unreasonable legislation, so please keep an eye on this space for additional postings. As a proud New Englander, I believe New Hampshire's motto is one to live by: "Live Free or Die!"

Prime Minister Stephen Harper: One Year Later

2007-02-06T14:42:00.000-05:00

Speaking of real leaders, today marks a year since the Rt. Hon. Stephen J. Harper took office as Canada's 22nd Prime Minister. After watching his brilliant years of performance as Leader of the Opposition, it is still a welcome change to see his name prefixed by "Prime Minister." For an enumeration of his minority government's remarkable accomplishments, visit the Conservative Party of Canada's website and click on the video "Getting Things Done: One Year in Office." While there is certainly room for improvement (more aggressive climate change mitigation efforts, reducing towards abolishing the income tax rather than the GST, etc.), his efforts have been overwhelmingly positive. The Canadian-American congratulates Prime Minister Harper on his achievements and wishes him many more productive years in office.

Garth Turner for Liberal Leader

2007-02-06T13:55:00.000-05:00

After this morning's news that MP Garth Turner (I-Halton, ON) will join the Liberal Party of Canada, The Canadian-American is recommending him for the post of that party's leader. He brings several assets to Canada's so-called "Natural Governing Party." He has no organic connection with the Chrétien-Martin government, eliminating a critical election liability. Turner has a long history of independent thought, meaning that he might be able to bring the Grits away from the culture of entitlement which has stunted the progress of their previous governments. He is also from Ontario, which would be a geographic innovation for the party as they try to keep up with the westward movement of Canada's population centroid. In all seriousness, The Canadian-American wishes Garth Turner good luck with the Liberals, asks him to say hi to the Hon. Belinda Stronach (L-Newmarket-Aurora, ON) and hopes he enjoys his years in Opposition.

War on Terror Goes Critical

2007-02-04T22:29:00.000-05:00

February finds North America and her allies at an important point in the ongoing War on Terror. Despite the best efforts of NATO and other allied forces in Afghanistan, the Taliban are resurgent in parts of the country and top al-Qaeda officials remain at-large. Iraq is experiencing conditions which can now be accurately described as a civil war. Iran is continuing to develop its nuclear energy infrastructure, much of which has the capability of supporting the production of weapons-grade material. We are now faced with critical choices which will have a lasting impact on our security environment.

The attacks of 2001-09-11 originated in Afghanistan, so it must therefore remain the central front of the War on Terror. It must remain so until the Taliban are crushed with extreme prejudice and top al-Qaeda officials are either captured to face justice or neutralized. The War in Iraq has distracted the United States from defeating a proven threat, which has made the United States less secure and given al-Qaeda more time to plan additional strikes on our Nation and interests. President George W. Bush (R-US) stated that he preferred not to wait for our Nation to be attacked by WMDs supplied by Iraq's military stockpiles. The operation's main target, Saddam Hussein, was executed over a month ago, yet very few WMDs have been located and terrorist activity remains high in Iraq. The threats which the United States and her allies cited in attacking Iraq have instead been amplified, reducing our national security.

The still gaping hole in New York City's skyline and the sheer number of names listed at the temporary memorial on the site are testaments to a demonstrated threat to our Nation. Yet almost 6 y later, those responsible have not faced the justice they so richly deserve. Our Nation's justifiable anger must therefore be focused on destroying elements which have actually defiled our soil through their barbaric actions. Any future augmentations to our military engagements abroad must first enhance our objectives in Afghanistan so that we may achieve a decisive victory in that theater. In addition, we must use all appropriate elements of our national power to pursue top al-Qaeda elements in Pakistan if accurate intelligence supports these actions.

Iraq's developing civil war meanwhile poses a significant threat to the security of the region. The question of whether it was prudent to go into Iraq is relevant only for accountability purposes. The Election of 2006 sent a strong message and the Election of 2008 likely will amplify that message. What is prudent now is achieving a sustainable victory in Iraq so that we may redeploy our forces to other theaters and/or needed rest. For many, the term "civil war" conjures up images of Blues and Grays fighting what was, for the most part, a classical form of warfare. It is understandable that they don't think ground conditions in Iraq meet the definition of civil war. However, civil wars are conducted differently in the various nations they are fought. The combatants will use whichever methods they deem are most appropriate to meet their operational objectives. In the case of Iraq, our enemies have chosen to use terrorist tactics against civilian and, to a lesser extent, military targets. Many of these groups are getting reinforcements from Syria and Iran. Any plan for victory must include aggressively filtering the borders to stop the flow of terrorists and materiel and talks with both nations. We must understand Syria and Iran's interests in Iraq and make it abundantly clear to both that they are best served by having a stable neighbor in the region. For example, an Iraq which is a responsible member of the international community will not attack Israel, which could certainly include Syrian targets during its next retaliatory operation. In addition, an Iraq which is content and prosperous is unlikely to launch a strike on Iran.

Iran's continuing nuclear ambitions continue to be a source of escalating tension between the Islamic republic and the United States. Against a backdrop of increased U. S. forces levels in the Persian Gulf and technological pronouncements by Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadi-Nejad, a number of independent news outlets have raised the spectre of a new military offensive against Iran. GlobalSecurity.org has posted a countdown which, while "necessarily speculative," indicates the beginning of hostilities will occur within days. It is well-known that the success of any operation against Iranian nuclear infrastructure will require a level of secrecy so that the enemy's assets cannot be reconfigured into a more survivable posture. All of the requisite denials of plans to attack Iran have been made by top U. S. officials, so this secrecy remains intact.

While military action must remain an option in our strategy to deny Iran nuclear weapons, it is not yet time to exercise it. There is a belief in some circles that one should not talk with what we see as "illegitimate regimes" and that doing so constitutes weakness. This is extremely dangerous in practice and does not serve our interests. While Iran's government is clearly unworthy of a nation with such a rich cultural history and its people, it is the acting government and its policies do carry the force of law within the nation. Therefore, we must develop an understanding of their motivations and interests so that we may negotiate with them effectively. In the case that diplomacy fails, we may then use this information to plan a targeted and lethal military offensive which will have maximum effectiveness. Furthermore, aggressive, honest diplomatic activity will continue to provide an atmosphere which is conducive to military action and would give us the moral justification to act if our differences cannot be resolved peacefully.

Interestingly, the United States' greatest allies in the fight against Iran's fundamentalist regime are its youth and young adults. They have long since become weary of their nation's repressive policies and general isolation from the international community. Even more than us, they would like to see a responsible government in Tehran. In time, the ayatollahs and their "elected" puppets will exit the scene and will be replaced by those who are more representative of the Iranian people. We cannot risk alienating this incipient ally through a premature attack. Young Iranians are not naive; they recognize that their current government's possession of a nuclear weapon is unacceptable to the United States and its allies and that these countries will exercise all elements of their power to defend this objective. However, they expect us to achieve our objectives as efficiently as possible so, when conditions permit, they can reform Iran on their terms. This will inspire a greater sense of national pride and a corresponding desire to aggressively defend their efforts.

The War on Terror has indeed gone critical. It is imperative that we remain fully engaged with the region we are attempting to reshape so we may act with the moral authority and full confidence which we need to be effective. The troops who have so nobly volunteered to defend our freedoms desire and deserve a sound strategic context so they can carry out their missions as safely as possible. It is high time our leaders delivered this to them.

Democrats Take Control: Time to Deliver

2007-01-04T21:01:00.000-05:00

This week was a good one for Democrats, as they took control of Congress and several key governorships. In Washington, DC, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) was sworn in as the first female Speaker of the House and Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) assumed the post of Senate Majority Leader. For my Canadian readers, Congresswoman Pelosi has a similar parliamentary position as Prime Minister Stephen Harper and would be our first female prime minister if the United States operated under the Westminster system. She and Senator Reid should be congratulated for their achievements and The Canadian-American wishes them productive sessions in the 110th Congress.

Just over the border in Massachusetts, Deval Patrick (D) was inaugurated today as the Commonwealth's 71st Governor. Succeeding former Governor and 2008 Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney, he is the Commonwealth's first Governor of African descent. Outside New England, Eliot Spitzer (D) took control of New York's Governorship on 2007-01-01.

Closer to home, it was more of a mixed bag for the Democrats. At the federal level, Congressman Joe Courtney (D-CT) began his service today for the 2nd Congressional District. At the state level, my representation in Hartford is still firmly in Republican hands. Governor M. Jodi Rell started her first full term yesterday. State Senator Tony Guglielmo (Stafford) and State Representative Penny Bacchiochi (Somers) continue their terms as well.

The Canadian-American will be providing coverage of the Democrats' "First 100 h" in Congress next week. While I support the new Democratic majority in Congress for both the health of the Nation and the Republican Party, there will be no honeymoon for them on these pages. In times which require decisive action and measurable results, honeymoons are a luxury which we cannot afford. During the last election, the Democrats promised to bring change to Congress. Now that they are in the majority, it is time for them to deliver.

Hussein Executed: Iraq Receives a Measure of Justice

2006-12-30T13:26:00.000-05:00

Shortly after 06:00 local time (22:00 EST), Iraq executed their former President Saddam Hussein by hanging at the death chamber in Kazimiyah. A 2.5 cm x 3 m rope and the force of gravity finally delivered a measure of justice to the Iraqi people who have suffered and continue to suffer as a result of his nearly quarter-century of rule. While his sentence was carried out for the 148 victims of the 1982 Dujail massacre, the survivors of his thousands of other victims elsewhere in Iraq, Kuwait and Iran should take comfort that Hussein has finally been brought to account for his heinous actions. Blessed with abundant resources and a rich cultural heritage, Iraq could have been the modern, progressive nation befitting the place which gave us Hammurabi's Code and the basis of Western Civilization. The Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, from their marshland deltas (which Hussein destroyed) to their sources in the mountains of Iraqi Kurdistan, should sparkle as ribbons of prosperity which would be the envy and demonstrate the best of the Islamic world. Instead, Hussein squandered these opportunities in favor of an aggressive and unsuccessful strategy for regional dominance, which Iraq certainly could have achieved through peaceful means.

As an American, Hussein's execution (which I fully support) does not give me any deep sense of satisfaction. The fact remains that Hussein did not pose a direct threat to the United States, was effectively contained by Operations Northern and Southern Watch and any use of Iraqi WMDs on U. S. domestic or foreign interests would be met with a devastating strategic response. On the other hand, Osama bin Laden and his top associates are responsible for the deaths of over 3 000 U. S. citizens in the 2001-09-11 and other terrorist strikes. Our efforts should be focused on bringing bin Laden to justice after his appalling and numerous attacks on our nation and world. While Hussein was clearly among the worst dictators the world has seen, I don't feel passionate enough to pull the lever, especially since Iraq and her neighbors suffered the most from his actions. However, I'd gladly sign up to inject a few dL of justice into bin Laden's veins, as he inflicted mass-murder less than 250 km from where I sit right now. Nevertheless, I fully support coalition forces in their efforts to stabilize both Iraq and Afghanistan, as a sustainable peace depends on their success.

Blessed Eid ul-Adha and may God bless Iraq and North America.

NOTE: Iraqi flag is from the CIA's The World Factbook.

Iraq Executes Saddam Hussein

2006-12-29T22:25:00.000-05:00

Iraq has executed former President and convicted killer Saddam Hussein. Details and analysis to follow.

Saddam Hussein's Death Sentence Upheld

2006-12-27T12:51:00.000-05:00

The countdown to former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's execution has begun. Hussein's single appeal with the Iraqi Appeals Court has expired, which means that the former dictator and convicted killer's execution date must be set no later than 2007-01-27. While his execution warrant must be signed by the Iraqi Executive (which contains capital punishment opponents), indications are that this will be completed quickly. In contrast to U. S. executions, Hussein's execution by hanging will likely not be preceded by extensive media coverage. In an effort to control the sectarian violence which may result from Hussein's execution, the sentence will probably be carried out at an undisclosed time and a government press release will announce its completion.

Despite the questions of fairness surrounding his trial, Saddam Hussein's death sentence is just and should be carried out quickly to provide a measure of closure to the thousands of families whose wounds still run deep. While Hussein is still a co-defendant in other trials in Iraq, his execution will not deny victims justice. Surviving co-defendants will still face their accusers and must still serve whatever sentence Iraqi courts impose. The world needs to hear the truth about the actions of Hussein's regime and their real effects on people.

These lessons should encourage consistency in terms of which governments we enlist in promoting our interests abroad. In this War on Terror, will we ally ourselves with governments which do not share our fundamental values for short-term gain (as we did with Hussein against Iran in the past) or will we stand firm and build a sustainable peace for doing so? We can no longer afford to fight the wars of this generation and create the conditions for the next in the process. North America and her allies are in this fight for a better future. Let us make sure that this better future lasts.

Gerald Ford: 1913 - 2006

2006-12-27T12:05:00.000-05:00

Former President Gerald Ford (R) has died at age 93. As the United States' 38th (and only unelected) President, Ford is largely remembered for attempting to heal the wounds left by the Watergate scandal and pardoning former President Richard Nixon (R). In a statement this morning, President George W. Bush (R) described Ford as a "true gentleman who reflected the best in America's character." He is survived by his wife, former First Lady Betty Ford, and their children.

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-23T14:46:00.000-05:00

The Canadian-American wishes everyone a Merry Christmas! Enjoy your time with family and friends and let us rejoice in the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. While anytime is appropriate, this is another excellent opportunity for us to recommit ourselves to doing His will, by loving our neighbors as we love ourselves.

God Save the Queen

2006-12-07T19:42:00.000-05:00

Some have rightfully commented on my mention of Her Majesty in my previous post. Since she is the Queen of Canada, I have nothing but respect for her. My previous suggestion regarding Her Majesty's citizenship and residency is based on warm intentions. She should indeed be considered to be Canadian and codifying this would draw her loyal subjects closer to her. In addition, a 2 - 3 month annual residency in Canada would make her more accessible to her subjects and strengthen the relationship between Sovereign and realm. It would be a tremendous cultural asset for Canadians to be able to experience the pageantry and ritual which some United Kingdom citizens may take for granted. While I am sympathetic to the republican movement for many reasons, these two reforms could mitigate several of their concerns.

Furthermore, my intention in referring to Her Majesty's shared citizenship is that the Canadian people trust her because she is their Queen. Her United Kingdom citizenship has no bearing on this trust, because she is Canada's Sovereign. Through her extensive good works in Canada, she has maintained this trust. Likewise, Her Majesty's Prime Minister is endowed with the people's trust because his or her party has been deemed through the electoral process to be the most fit to govern. As the people's advocate in government, he or she must maintain this trust through effective and accountable government.

God Save the Queen indeed and long may she reign.

Stéphane Dion and Dual-Citizenship

2006-12-07T15:58:00.000-05:00

The blogs are abuzz with healthy debate on the implications of Liberal leader Stéphane Dion's dual citizenship with France. While the concerns expressed are well-intentioned, it raises the issue of consistency.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is the Queen of Canada, the Nation's Head of State and a citizen of the United Kingdom. While this may justifiably be a concern for some members of the Québecois and Acadian communities, I highly doubt that the majority of Canadians question Her Majesty's commitment to the continued strength of the Dominion. While I would support legislation to require the British Monarch to be a citizen of each of his or her realms and reside in each for an appropriate percentage of the year (in addition to an active Governor General), the absence of such indicates that the majority of Canadians are comfortable with a foreign citizen holding the Nation's top office.

Some have expressed reservations about the possibility of divided allegiances which may be created through dual-citizenship. The holders of all major public offices should expect close scrutiny of their activities and the complications which may be introduced by their citizenship status are certainly not exempt from thorough examination. In the case of Dion, I would expect Franco-Canadian relations to change at a rate which is commensurate with conditions. Any aberrations on this file should lead to a motion of no confidence and the defeat of a Dion government. However, as long as he stays above board on this issue, this should not be a major impediment to him becoming and staying Prime Minister. These impediments are to be found in his policy viewpoints, which should become clearer during Question Period as well as the next election.

Stéphane Dion Elected Liberal Leader

2006-12-05T01:37:00.000-05:00

The Liberal Party of Canada has elected Stéphane Dion as leader in last weekend's leadership convention. The Canadian-American congratulates him for his achievement and hopes that he will help encourage rational debate in the House of Commons. However, this blog also hopes he will living at Stornoway for the foreseeable future.

A former Environment Minister, a major plank in Dion's platform is environmental protection. While fighting threats such as global warming is essential, Dion supports doing so through dubious means, including the Kyoto (his dog's name) Protocol. And of course, 12 y of Liberal government has done little to help Canada meet its emissions targets. Instead of viewing Kyoto as the standard for addressing one of our century's greatest challenges, North America (in cooperation with its economic partners) needs to accelerate its transition away from fossil fuels at the fastest rate its innovators can provide. Simply meeting artificial targets should be viewed as mediocrity and dithering where we can afford none.

While he has a clean record, Dion's ties to the Chrétien government does not inspire confidence in the Liberal Party's leadership. Clearly, it is not the desire of the party elite to bring in fresh leadership. The Canadian people didn't send the Liberals to the penalty box in the last election to get more of the same in the next.

While the Canadian electorate is ultimately charged with making this assessment, Prime Minister Stephen Harper has demonstrated the strength of his leadership throughout his 10 month tenure. He has consistently articulated a Canada which is strong yet compassionate, one which leads rather than follows and one which remembers its traditions. For these and additional reasons, The Canadian-American once again renews its support for Prime Minister Harper and wishes him a majority in the next election, whenever it takes place.

Blessed American Thanksgiving!

2006-11-22T22:30:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow marks American Thanksgiving, and as I figure I'll be pleasantly distracted by family and a tryptophan-induced stupor, now is an excellent time to mention it. Despite the fact that our Nation faces many significant challenges at home and abroad, we have much to be grateful for. Among these are the faith, family and friends we draw support from, our Nation's freedoms and the relative security many of us enjoy in our neighborhoods. It is also appropriate to recognize those among us who are less fortunate, which should inspire us to recommit to offering equal opportunity to all of our fellow citizens.

So enjoy time with family and friends, turkey and all the fixings, a football game and your inevitable nap on the couch. Blessed Thanksgiving!

More MSM Harper Bashing: U. S. Style

2006-11-16T20:03:00.000-05:00

Just when you thought that only such Canadian organizations like the Toronto Star were being outsourced to produce attack ads, this nice gem by The Nation disabused me of that notion when I read it this morning. Contained within are the same tired phrases employed by Liberals to brand Prime Minister Stephen Harper's reasonable government with the "scary" label. "Christian Right." "Worst excesses of Bush's presidency." "Bellicosity, slash-and-burn attitude." And supporting Israel's legitimate right to self-defense is a big no-no since, as Joel Johannesen over at ProudToBeCanadian so often puts it, that ain't liberal. And of course, trotting out the names of fundamentalists Ralph Reed and Pat Robertson helps multiply the fright factor.

As an American, I'd go for a President Stephen J. Harper over President George W. Bush any day. I consider him to be more of a McCain-North than Bush-Light. Liberals like to complain that Prime Minister Harper is no fan of the Kyoto Protocol. As a conservative environmentalist (yeah, we exist), I accept the scientific consensus that global warming is real and that while we may be on the upswing of a natural cycle, humans are certainly amplifying it at a minimum. Therefore, it is our responsibility (one of our favorite words) to reduce our impact on creation as much as we can. If we really believe that the government that governs the best is the one that governs the least, we should surely apply this principle to our dominion of the planet. But I digress.

Any agreement which does not recognize the problems of China and India's current and projected emissions is fundamentally flawed. This applies to Kyoto. Instead of addressing one of this century's greatest issues in a common-sense manner which engages both emerging powers, it is essentially another redistributionist treaty which will ultimately fail. Harper knows this and is right to favor a "Made in Canada" approach to cutting emissions. 12 y of Liberal government clearly accomplished little, as this little barb demonstrates. While I would charge that the government's plan is not aggressive enough, it is still a step in the right direction and should stimulate the discussion of concrete solutions.

What the article also fails to mention is that the Conservatives were elected earlier this year to replace a party which had been in power for 12 y, developed a sense of entitlement and got mired in a particularly rank combination of scandals and incompetence. Instead of using these similar circumstances to take a justifiable shot at the outgoing GOP majority in Congress, the article demonstrates its bias towards conservatives in all conditions.

Liberals consistently pride themselves on their open mindedness, but this assessment of Harper's performance clearly lacks the objectivity required for a strong argument. Members of both parties, Republican or Democrat, Conservative or Liberal, should be reminded that arguments should be won by facts and not pure rhetoric, as governing from the truth will ultimately deliver maximum benefit to the people.

Joe Courtney Wins Election in 2nd Congressional District

2006-11-15T13:43:00.000-05:00

After an extensive recount, Rep.-elect Joe Courtney (D-CT) has secured his seat in the 110th Congress, ousting six year incumbent Rep. Rob Simmons (R-CT). Rep. Simmons has served his district well during his tenure, and has been a staunch defender of traditional conservative principles, including strong national defense and the protection of our natural heritage. The margin of victory in this election, a mere 90 votes, should encourage Simmons to run again in 2008 and continue to be a voice for principled Republicanism in Congress. With the apparent dearth of viable Republican U. S. Senate candidates in Connecticut, Simmons should also consider this option in 2010.

Nevertheless, Rep.-elect Courtney should be congratulated for his victory. Courtney's name is not unfamiliar to me, as I pass his law office frequently while I am home in Connecticut and it is good to have such local representation in Congress. The Canadian-American wishes him a productive term in the 110th Congress.

Veterans / Remembrance Day: Never Forget

2006-11-11T13:05:00.000-05:00

North Americans mark Veterans and Remembrance Day today, commemorating the end of World War I on 1918-11-11 at 11:00. This morning, the Canadians at Cornell Club commemorated the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform with a lovely service overlooking Cayuga Lake. Poppies have been sprouting from lapels across campus this week and weekend, especially at our hockey games versus Harvard and Dartmouth. With our fine military members serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and many other theaters, please take a moment today to remember their service to North America in defense of our freedoms. As Terry Kelly notes, it's "A Pittance of Time."

I've also added a military section to the links sidebar, so you can keep track of what today's heroes are doing in defense of our homeland.

A Thumpin': Democrats Take Control of Congress

2006-11-09T15:43:00.000-05:00

In what President George W. Bush described as "a thumpin'," the Democrats have taken control of the U. S. Congress. This afternoon in Virginia, a dignified Sen. George Allen (R-VA) conceded to Sen.-elect Jim Webb (D-VA), handing control of the U. S. Senate to a coalition of Democrats and Independents. Now that Sen. Allen has graciously saved his Commonwealth from a potentially exhausting recount, the new Congress and the President can begin to create the conditions necessary for a productive 110th Congress.

In the end, the results of Election 2006 are ultimately good for the Republican Party. In 1994, the American people handed the GOP the keys to Big Government. Instead of trading it in for a more agile, efficient and compact model, they took it for an extended joyride. If it is to return to power in 2008, it must understand that rhetoric is not a substitute for results and that, as a national party, they must listen to the concerns of all states, not just those shaded in red every four years. Tuesday night confirmed the wisdom of the Democrats' 50-state strategy, and their party will be stronger for it. Likewise, as the GOP prepares for 2008, it must nominate candidates who have a strong chance of winning in all electoral districts. Every state, even those as blue as Connecticut, Massachusetts and California, can be red again!

A Break in the Action

2006-11-08T01:07:00.000-05:00

As I have work to get done this morning, The Canadian-American is suspending election coverage until later in the day. In Connecticut's Second Congressional District, current race standings are:

(143 / 149 precincts)

Joe Courtney (D): 116 039 (50%)

Rob Simmons (R): 115 499 (50%)

Final results and commentary about this important race will be posted tomorrow.

True to its billing, tonight's results have been fascinating. However, the general message has been loud and clear. President George W. Bush and the new Congress must work together to provide real leadership. The Nation is waiting.

Democrats Win Control of House of Representatives

2006-11-07T23:33:00.000-05:00

Most major networks are projecting that Democrats will win control of the House of Representatives. The Canadian-American congratulates the Democratic Party for this achievement. The results underscore the need for the Republican Party to return to its traditional conservative roots and develop common-sense policies to implement when it returns to power in 2008. The American people will not tolerate another "Do Nothing Congress" and the Democrats will find themselves in the same position as the Republicans two years from now if they do not produce the results which current conditions demand.

Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) Wins Re-Election

2006-11-07T21:29:00.000-05:00

Most major networks are projecting that Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) will win re-election. The Canadian-American congratulates him for his victory, yet reminds him that he must listen to his constituents in greater depth. 18 y is a long time in Washington, and can easily foster an "Inside the Beltway" mentality. We encourage him to spend more time in Connecticut in non-election years so that he can better articulate our concerns on Capitol Hill.

Gov. M. Jodi Rell (R-CT) Wins Full Term

2006-11-07T20:37:00.000-05:00

As expected, most major networks are calling the 2006 Gubernatorial Election for Gov. M. Jodi Rell (R-CT). The Canadian-American congratulates her for her well-deserved victory and looks forward to four years of her solid leadership for the State of Connecticut. North of the border, Massachusetts has elected Deval Patrick (D) as the next Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Gov. John Lynch (D-NH) has also secured re-election in New Hampshire. Please stay tuned as more races are called.

Polls Close in Connecticut

2006-11-07T20:07:00.000-05:00

Polls have closed at 20:00 EST in Connecticut. Stay tuned for nationally-significant results, expected within an hour. These include:

Gov. M. Jodi Rell (R-CT) vs. John DeStefano (D-New Haven)
Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) vs. Ned Lamont (D) vs. Alan Schlesinger (R)
Rep. Rob Simmons (R-CT) vs. Joe Courtney (D)

For full disclosure, supported candidates are in bold. Stay tuned as returns are tallied within the next hour.

Meanwhile in Virginia, Sen. George Allen (R-VA) is ahead of Jim Webb (D) in early returns, although his lead is slowly falling. In Maine, moderate Sen. Olympia Snowe's (R-ME) seat appears to be safe.

Election 2006: It's Go Time

2006-11-07T18:23:00.000-05:00

The Canadian-American is back and online to provide coverage of Election 2006 throughout the evening. While I'm primarily concerned with races in Connecticut and elsewhere in New England, I'll be highlighting key contests nationwide. With the Nation facing serious problems such as ensuring the sustainability of our energy supply, combating the economic threat of climate change, maintaining our role as world leader and defending our security and the Constitution, we need a Congress which will be an effective partner in generating solutions. Tonight, the American people will guide the course of our Nation. It is sure to be an interesting night.

Saddam Hussein Sentenced to Death

2006-11-05T20:39:00.000-05:00

Former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein has been sentenced to execution by hanging for his role in the 1982 atrocities in Dujail, Iraq. Under Iraqi law, the sentence will automatically be appealed to the Iraqi High Tribunal. Once the tribunal issues their decision, the sentence must be carried out within 30 d. As Hussein must stand trial for other offenses, his execution may be delayed until these proceedings are complete.

While some may cast some doubt on the fairness of the judicial process, there is no doubt that Hussein committed the offense for which he's been convicted. Based on the magnitude of his crimes, his death sentence is a justifiable response. However, care must be taken to impose his sentence in a way which denies him any appearance of martyrdom and therefore provide a rallying point for Saddamist insurgents. Nevertheless, his sentence must be carried out to provide justice for the thousands of lives which have been destroyed by this brutal dictator.

Shocking: Insurgent Sniper Video Released

2006-10-19T18:10:00.000-04:00

WARNING: As The Canadian-American is pro-family, parents should be advised that the links contained in this post may provide access to graphic content.

CNN today released shocking video showing the targeting and execution of insurgent sniper attacks in Iraq. According to CNN, the video was produced by the Islamic Army of Iraq, likely for propaganda purposes. While al-Zarqawi was previously mocked for his lack of skill in operating his weapon, these marksmen are highly skilled and lethal. One of the U. S. soldiers interviewed about the sniper attacks estimated the firing distance at 300 m.

This video underscores the need for a change of tactics by Coalition Forces in Iraq. I initially supported Operation Iraqi Freedom and am firm in my support of the fine members of our military who are fighting it. However, there has been a distinct lack of accountability to the U. S. taxpayer with respect to the conflict's funding, as well as a corresponding lack of a plan (with concrete and measurable objectives) to successfully prosecute it. For these reasons I have concluded that Operation Iraqi Freedom is an under-performing government program. As a traditional conservative, I believe that such programs should be either fundamentally overhauled or terminated. As a full, immediate withdrawal is neither feasible nor desirable, the remaining option is a substantial shift in how we fight these insurgents.

As the video clearly indicates, having large numbers of conventional forces in Iraq is equivalent to having a target painted on the Coalition's collective back. For this reason, the Coalition needs to seriously consider shifting away from traditional patrols and towards employing special forces virtually exclusively in central Iraq. On an unannounced date, conventional forces should be redeployed to northern and southern Iraq to provide a sufficient deterrent against interference by Iran and Syria. These special forces would have a flexible command structure and be able to blend in with their surroundings. They would be tasked with neutralizing insurgents, ground-truthing airstrike targets and collecting intelligence.

This posture would deny insurgents the bulk of their targets and place them in a highly uncertain operational environment. This would make it more difficult for such groups to organize and carry out their barbarous activities. In addition, it would reduce the heavy collateral damage suffered by Iraqi civilians in each terrorist strike on Coalition Forces. If these strikes continue, Iraqis then wouldn't have the Coalition to blame and could focus their justifiable rage against the insurgents. They could then begin to take responsibility and rebuild Iraq on their terms.

News footage of Iraq show an industrialized country complete with an advanced power distribution network (despite the current unreliability of generation) and an extensive freeway system. This infrastructure was built by Iraqis before Operation Iraqi Freedom. As they are certainly capable, Iraqis should reap the most profit from the reconstruction of their nation and should therefore take the leading role in this critical task. In addition, engagement with constructive neighbors will create additional stakeholders in Iraq's economic growth and security, which will increase pressure on the groups which are currently impeding it.

The United States' continued superiority will depend on our ability to critically analyze current conditions and adapt accordingly. Given the threats in Iran and North Korea, as well as those developing elsewhere, this Nation cannot afford to "stay the course" when it comes to Iraq. We must gain a mature understanding of the context in which we are operating and bring this knowledge to bear to serve our interests. Traditional conservatism means applying common-sense solutions to real-world problems. If the sentiments of the American people are any indication (which they certainly are), we did not get the results we voted for in the last election. It is time that these results are forthcoming, as this great Nation deserves nothing less.

Kim Jong Il's Defiance Continues

2006-10-17T16:47:00.000-04:00

The North Korean government's defiance of the will of the international community against the interests of its citizens continues this week. Despite a U. N. Security Council resolution imposing punitive sanctions and enhanced monitoring of its trade activities, the communist state is apparently readying for a second nuclear test. While reports indicate that their first test was (at 1 kt of yield) certainly unimpressive, there is no guarantee that their second will not be successful.

While I clearly support diplomatic efforts to resolve this crisis peacefully, if North Korea continues its pattern of aggressive behavior, it will be increasingly difficult to do so. The events of this summer and fall demonstrate the results of several decades of dithering, postponement and appeasement on this issue. The United States, Canada and their allies need to make it abundantly clear to Kim Jong Il that we will not tolerate his possession of nuclear weapons and will use any effective means to deny him the same. This, of course, must be meant to include military action. While carrying through on this threat will be difficult given U. S. responsibilities in Iraq, even more onerous is the prospect of North Korea selling nuclear weapons or material and having these items used to attack either our citizens or those of our allies.

To monitor North Korea's nuclear testing, be sure to check out the U. S. Geological Survey's Earthquake Center. If you see an earthquake in northeast North Korea with a magnitude greater than 4.0 and a depth of 1 km or less, Mr. Il's been at it again.

Blessed Canadian Thanksgiving!

2006-10-09T02:09:00.000-04:00

The Canadian-American wishes all Canadian readers a blessed Thanksgiving today. While this morning's news reminds us that we live in a dangerous world, we have a lot to be thankful for. As I'm home for Fall Break, I'll be having turkey with all the fixings at dinner with the family. Enjoy and don't fall asleep for too long before watching your favorite hockey team tonight!

North Korea Tests Nuclear Weapon

2006-10-09T01:43:00.000-04:00

North Korea has reportedly tested a nuclear weapon, which has been confirmed by USGS monitoring systems which detected a magnitude 4.2 seismic event in the northeastern section of the country. I will be posting on this in more detail later as the repercussions of this major event are felt. Nevertheless, this development requires a thoughtful yet robust response from the international community, as we cannot tolerate North Korea's possession of nuclear weapons of any kind.

New England Republicans: Not Dead Yet

2006-09-12T23:04:00.000-04:00

All I have to say is thank goodness. Reports of the demise of my branch of the GOP were greatly exaggerated.

Sen. Lincoln Chafee (R-RI) has defeated Mayor Stephen Laffey (R-Cranston). While sometimes branded a RINO and a liberal, Sen. Chafee represents the traditional conservatism New England Republicans are proud to espouse. He has been a consistent voice for defending our natural heritage, promoting fiscal responsibility, defending individual liberty and encouraging a strong yet humble foreign policy. With the debilitating partisan atmosphere which has pervaded Congress for as long as I can remember, Sen. Chafee's common-sense leadership is needed if the Nation is to move forward on many critical issues.

To keep track of Sen. Chafee's contribution to the defense of the GOP majority in Congress, check out ChafeeForSenate.com.

Never Forget: 2001-09-11

2006-09-11T17:23:00.000-04:00

Today marks the fifth anniversary since the despicable attacks on our nation and world on 2001-09-11. The consequence of the intervening years makes it seem much longer, yet the sparkling weather experienced throughout the region refreshed my memory. People in North America and throughout the world commemorated the tragic event in many different ways, whether at a candlelight vigil, creating street art or at a rally in support of our troops.

September 11th tested our friendships, including that between the U. S. and Canada. As witnessed by the extraordinary warmth offered by our brothers and sisters in the Maritimes after the FAA shut down U. S. airspace, our friendship passed that test with flying colors. We will never forget the barbarism wrought on our people that morning. Even more, we will never forget Canada's demonstration of brotherhood that day. Deepest thanks, Canada!

Right Round the World

2006-09-06T22:55:00.000-04:00

Tonight I've added a new link to the Political Parties section of my Links sidebar. The International Democrat Union is "a working association of over 80 Conservative, Christian Democrat and like minded political parties of the centre and centre right." You can use this excellent resource to keep track of conservative movements throughout the world.

With the first rumblings of another election coming from the United Kingdom, you can monitor their Tories' efforts to regain control of Government for the first time in just under a decade. While as a North American I clearly abstain from any endorsements, party leader David Cameron seems to have a solid platform in place for the next election. One of the Tories' focus areas is addressing the real threat of global warming, which is very impressive (albeit quite appropriate) for a modern conservative political organization. U. K. Prime Minister Tony Blair has been a steadfast ally of North America throughout his tenure. However, a significant change of government would be a sign of a healthy democracy.

While I will continue to support traditional conservatives in every election, no party should develop the sense of entitlement that the mantle "Natural Governing Party" so often fosters. Hopefully my own party will recognize this before this year's general election, as countless reforms can be deferred no longer and it is decades past time for there to be a productive Congress in place. More on this as Election Day in November draws closer.

Crikey! Steve Irwin: 1962 - 2006

2006-09-04T22:30:00.000-04:00

"Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin was killed this morning when a stingray struck his heart while filming a documentary in Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Mercifully, he died instantly from this extremely rare attack. His love for culturally-marginalized wildlife and boundless enthusiasm will be sorely missed. Growing up, I always enjoyed watching his programs while traveling (we didn't have extended cable at home) and his expressions ("Crikey," "What a beauty!' etc.) entered our family's lexicon. He was certainly influential in my growing love for the environment and was an inspiration for many others as well. With the fifth anniversary of the 2001-09-11 attacks coming up, his message of solidarity on behalf of the Australian people shortly after the strikes was deeply appreciated.

Of course, deepest condolences should be extended to his loving family and the entire staff of the Australia Zoo and they should be kept in any of our prayers during this difficult time.

CORRECTION: Apparently Irwin did not die instantly from the stingray attack, but had enough time to remove the barb from his chest before ultimately passing on. This was discovered while reviewing the raw documentary film which was recorded yesterday. This has since circulated via the Internet and has stimulated morbid curiosity. Out of respect for the Irwin family, such recordings should not have been distributed unless expressly authorized.

PM Harper: Real Leadership

2006-07-19T21:41:00.000-04:00

Today Prime Minister Stephen Harper demonstrated real leadership with his announcement that he, his wife Laureen and essential staff members will be traveling to Cyprus to help evacuate as many as 120 Canadians from the theater of operations of the Israel-Hezbollah War. Some may dismiss this move as an effort to score political points, but the fact remains that this is a substantial contribution and an efficient use of government resources. Once again, Prime Minister Harper has shown that he has the fortitude to go into harm's way on behalf of citizens he represents. As always, we should keep all who are fleeing this war in any of our prayers, as well as those who must stay behind in the hell for which Hezbollah, Hamas and their supporters are responsible.

Israel-Hezbollah War

2006-07-16T11:46:00.000-04:00

Israel today continues operations against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, part its ongoing campaign against regional terrorist groups whose main objective is the annihilation of the Jewish state. While some have characterized Israel's response to terrorist activities as "disproportionate," I fully support her efforts to guarantee her security by neutralizing these threats. This support, however, must be qualified.

Over the past two weeks, Israel has targeted civilian facilities in order to deny her enemies the logistical support they need to carry out their plans. For example, airstrikes were carried out on a major international airport in Beirut as well as major bridges to prevent the movement of hostages outside Israel's area of control. A major power plant in the Gaza Strip was also targeted. The blame for these actions clearly rests with the terrorists who precipitated this sequence of events. For the millions of people in both the Gaza Strip and Lebanon whose lives have been disrupted, this fact is not readily apparent. Many of these people may place the immediate blame on Israel and go no further in their analysis.

There is a distinct possibility that the resentments created by the inconveniences of the current operation will lead to the development of a new generation of terrorists. While the IDF claims that needed supplies continue to flow into the Gaza Strip, more needs to be done to demonstrate to the local population that Israel, not Hamas and Hezbollah, has their best interests in mind. A psychological victory on this front would help prevent terrorist strikes in the future and generate additional support for any needed counterterrorist operations. Ultimately, this could create needed moderate Muslim pressure on the primary bad actors in the region, Iran and Syria.

Until Israel can recast public opinion in a favorable manner and the aforementioned external threats are minimized (diplomatically or militarily, if necessary), wars like the current one will periodically flare up. For regional security interests, we can only hope that Israel prevails over Hezbollah and soon this scourge will no longer plague the region.

NOTE: Israeli flag is from the CIA's The World Factbook.

Mutual-Link Blogroll

2006-06-30T18:53:00.000-04:00

Today I'm announcing the establishment of a mutual-link blogroll. This is intended to encourage networking among bloggers and stimulate healthy debate. Since blogrolls (i.e. Blogging Tories) serve an identical purpose, fellow blogroll members will not be included. This is in the interest of maximizing the efficient use of screen space so I can deliver the most content to you, the reader.

This week, The Canadian-American welcomes Western World Politics. There you'll find discussions on "news, current affairs, the war on terror and developments in the culture war." Like The Canadian-American, it is "proudly pro-family, pro-American and pro-freedom."

Inclusion in this list does not constitute endorsement or agreement with the opinions expressed in linked blogs. However, you'll likely find their content thought-provoking and worthy of discussion. If you would like your blog to be included in this program, please leave a comment to this post giving its title and URL. I'll add a link to your blog ASAP and keep it there as long as you add a link to The Canadian-American within a day. While The Canadian-American is a traditional conservative blog, I will honor requests from thoughtful bloggers across the political spectrum (no moonbats from either wing, please ;) ). Thanks!

Celebrate Freedom in North America

2006-06-30T16:59:00.000-04:00

As I have the family up for Canada and Independence Days, I likely won't be blogging over the weekend. Tomorrow, Canada marks 139 years of Confederation and on Tuesday, the United States turns 230. All North Americans should take this weekend to celebrate (responsibly please; DWI isn't cool) the freedoms we are blessed to enjoy.

While we're on the subject of freedom, I can't resist commenting on the publication of the New York Times story on the financial surveillance and tracking systems the U. S. Government are using as tools in prosecuting the War on Terror. Many on the right have decried the revelation of this information as tantamount to treason. For the record, I fully support monitoring enemy transactions in a constitutionally-sound manner. As terrorists need money to plan and execute their murderous deeds, it is simply a common sense thing to do. As a citizen and a stockholder in the U. S. Government, I expect the same to exercise such common sense in fighting the scourge of terrorism.

In this light, the response of the right is quite baffling. If the leadership of the terrorist networks do not have the wherewithal to suspect that their finances might be carefully examined, I would be highly suspicious of their competency in other matters. After 2001-09-11, these doubts are clearly unfounded. Therefore, if the terrorists understand their accounts are being watched, what national security threat is posed by letting the American people know that the government is doing what it should be doing anyway? While I clearly condemn the revelation of any specific methods (computer algorithms, detailed protocols, etc.), reporting the existence of the same does not meet the basic requirements for treason. As a taxpayer, I expect the government to focus its energies on real national security threats. At the same time, those whose sensibilities are offended can do what any traditional conservative worth their salt would: use the free-market to express their opinion and don't subscribe to or read the New York Times.

NOTE: U. S. and Canadian flags extracted from the U. S. Coast Guard's CANUSLANT Joint Response Team's website at http://www.uscg.mil/d1/staff/m/jrt/.

22nd Birthday Post

2006-06-20T15:01:00.000-04:00

Once again I've laid pretty low over the past two weeks, but I figured my 22nd birthday would be a good time to post again. It's a nice day in the mid-20s, as opposed to the soporific low-30s we had over the past weekend.

The Hartford-Carolina Whalercanes have won the Stanley Cup in Game 7 against the Edmonton Oilers. While Canadians may mourn the Cup's extended stay in the United States, I saw plenty of Whalercanes mouthing "O Canada" before the game last night. While I wish they would have achieved this level of success when they were in Hartford, they should still be congratulated for their achievement. Until I get my old home team back (doubtful), I'll still be rooting for the Boston Bruins (they play in New England's capital city) and the Montreal Canadiens (they play where my mum was born). I've been told this is akin to supporting both the Boston Red Sox (my home team) and the New York Yankees, but I have good reasons support both teams.

On a more sinister note, the "Democratic People's Republic of Korea" could be planning to test a Taepodong-2 long range missile. Although previous versions have had ranges of up to 6.7 Mm (1 000 km = 1 Mm), Globalsecurity.org estimates the range of the latest version to be anywhere between 10 - 15 Mm. A range of 10 Mm places the majority of the North American Eastern Seaboard at risk of a nuclear strike, assuming that DPRK possesses such capability. The U. S. has raised the possibility of using its missile defense system (which has since been activated) to neutralize the potential threat of any DPRK launch. The system has a rather mixed record, but hopefully it will be sufficient to destroy any incoming DPRK missile. For obvious posture reasons, it is imperative that the first use of the missile defense system is successful. On the other hand, there is always the possibility that such talk on the part of the DPRK is bluster designed to exact needed concessions. In any case, the U. S. and her allies must prepare for any contingency while maintaining a cool, rational approach to dealing with the DPRK. Unfortunately, the current regime is not particularly known for its rational thinking, which complicates any diplomatic efforts to resolve this issue peacefully. Until such time, the low-level (but high-stakes) phase of the Korean War continues and we should be thankful for all those who are standing on guard on our behalf.

Stand on Guard

2006-06-03T13:30:00.000-04:00

This morning, the RCMP announced the arrest of 12 suspects in connection with planned terrorist activities in the GTA. They had apparently tried to acquire 3 t of ammonium nitrate. Assistant Commissioner Mike McDonell noted that only 1 t of the explosive had been used in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, which killed 168 people and was at the time the deadliest terrorist attack on U. S. soil.

While the guilt of these individuals must still be determined by the criminal justice system, these arrests should remind all North Americans why we are fighting in Afghanistan. Canada is not immune to terrorist strikes and must act intelligently to ensure that the threat thereof is minimized to the greatest extent possible. This means defeating existing terrorists, addressing the root causes of terrorism and being vigilant at home while not subjugating the civil liberties we enjoy that distinguish our Nations from the terrorists we are fighting. The Mounties "always get their man" and today they honorably upheld this proud tradition, for which all North Americans should be grateful.

Down Time

2006-06-01T16:07:00.000-04:00

As you can probably see, I haven't posted anything for over two weeks. I've been on break back home in Connecticut and haven't had much time for blogging. I was at a conference in NJ 05-22 - 05-23 and had several medical appointments since then. In the meantime, a lot has happened.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has introduced much-needed democratic reforms, including measures to fix elections every four years (except when a government is defeated) and limiting Senators' terms to eight years, down from a current maximum of 45. While these reforms are certainly not the comprehensive solution Canada needs, they are certainly a step in the right direction. With Prime Minister Harper flirting with a majority government, the Opposition would be well-served to support this legislation.

South of the border, President George W. Bush has nominated Goldman Sachs Chairman and CEO Henry Paulson for Treasury Secretary. Interestingly, he is also the Chairman of the Board of Directors for The Nature Conservancy. While some have criticized this move as a potential conflict of interest, on the balance it is an encouraging sign from an administration which has not distinguished itself on the environmental protection file. The Nation needs more green capitalists like Paulson who understand that intelligent environmental stewardship is a, if not the, critical component of any sound economic maintenance strategy. Traditional conservatives can only hope that this indicates some move towards salvaging what remains of a potential Bush environmental legacy.

In other news, I've been selected to serve as an alternate juror in a civil case in my judicial district. Today's selection process was actually quite painless, and I was impressed by the professionalism and thoroughness of all involved. While I might post on my general experiences, you obviously won't get any details on the case here.

Securing the Southern Border

2006-05-15T19:03:00.000-04:00

President George W. Bush addressed the Nation on immigration reform last night. As if by delaying episodes of "Prison Break" and "24" (Fox shows, no less) he would improve his approval ratings. In all seriousness, immigration is an important issue. It is one which will have a significant impact on North American society and the choice on the type of society we wish to have couldn't be clearer.

Some members of my party wish to establish a Fortress USA, one which would severely limit mobility across our borders. While I have to believe that they have the Nation's best interests at heart, implementing their policies will have a devastating impact on both the Nation and the hemisphere. It is interesting to note that many of the same individuals who advocate a hard border are also against NAFTA. However, this introduces an unworkable economic paradox which is not in our best interests. If we shut down our southern border completely, we confine a willing labor force to Mexico. If we were to also pull out of NAFTA, these workers would be forced to work for Mexican companies. Many of these companies are owned by the elite in Mexico's highly stratified society. The continued lack of a viable middle-class is socially unsustainable and creates conditions which are favorable for unrest. The possibility that a Mexican Hugo Chavez could tap into that resentment and gain power should give American security buffs pause.

There is a viable alternative to this path, however. It requires a respectful policy of engagement with Mexico. Most of us would argue that if we must have a border, it must be secured properly. To avoid wasting our resources on families who simply want a better life in our Nation, we should set up a system which allows the free and secure flow of people across our border. Instead of a wall, we should place one mobile immigration center every 5 km along our border, with signs every 100 m directing immigrants to the nearest one. These modified vans would be equipped with access to our customs database and could be used to document all who cross the border. Individuals who report would be issued proper identification and enjoy resident alien status. Those who do not, however, are clearly true security threats and would be deported immediately. Special treaties would need to be negotiated to ensure the timely repatriation of illegal immigrants from countries other than Mexico.

These legal immigrants could then build a better life for themselves and demand fair compensation for their work, as they no longer fear the possibility of deportation. Better wages would mean that U. S. citizens could compete successfully for these same jobs, as they are no longer underbid by their Mexican counterparts. While the prices of our agricultural products would likely increase, the free-market would minimize this effect. Enhanced continental mobility would also mean that future generations of successful immigrants could have the option of moving back to Mexico to help build a prosperous middle class which would demand more just business practices (better wages, effective environmental stewardship, etc.) and a more accountable government. Over time, the incentives for Mexican immigration would be diminished as the quality-of-life in Mexico improves.

As any traditional conservative would affirm, an informed free-market is a powerful force for desirable change. It is time that we unleash that free-market to build a stronger and more humane North American society. This would send a strong message to leftists in other parts of the hemisphere that the United States rejects using the resentments of the disenfranchised for political gain and would rather give them the opportunity for full self-determination.

Moussaoui to Rot in Jail

2006-05-03T18:57:00.000-04:00

Terrorist Zacarias Moussaoui has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. While I am a strong supporter of capital punishment, I am not disappointed by this verdict. Moussaoui has repeatedly expressed his desire to be executed, most likely to become a martyr for his perverse cause. Therefore, it is appropriate that he is denied this opportunity and, instead of dying relatively young (likely sometime in his 40s), he will wither away in a 2.1 m x 3.7 m prison cell. By the 2040s or 2050s, his shriveled countenance will still serve as a reminder that a life of terrorism does not always end in a barbaric moment of "glory." Luckily for him, he still has several decades to repent, as the Allah (the Arabic name of the God which Christians, Jews and Muslims share) I believe in does not condone the actions this terrorist was participating or planning to participate in.

As for you bin Laden and al-Zawahiri, your respective needles are waiting!

Canadian and Connecticut Budgets 2006

2006-05-03T00:21:00.000-04:00

Finance Minister James Flaherty presented the new Conservative government's 2006 Budget in the House of Commons yesterday. I haven't had a chance to thoroughly review it, but after watching Flaherty's speech on CPAC yesterday afternoon, I was very impressed. After 13 years of dithering by the "Natural Governing Party," I forgot what it was like to have a government which actually kept its campaign promises.

Meanwhile, Connecticut hammered out its 2006 budget recently. A bright note is that towns in eastern Connecticut will see modest increases in state aid. It is not a perfect document, which is to be expected given the makeup of the Connecticut General Assembly. However, it still beats past years, when budget contention forced the state to operate on executive orders throughout much of the summer. With Governor M. Jodi Rell continuing to enjoy strong support, she should be able to guide the deferred, but needed reforms into the 2007 budget after winning a term in her own right in November.

NOTE: As usual, the heading graphic has been provided courtesy of the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat.

Softwood Lumber Deal Reached

2006-04-27T20:10:00.000-04:00

Canada's new government, led by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, has reached a new deal to resolve the softwood lumber dispute between the U. S. and Canada. While Prime Minister Harper acknowledged in the House of Commons this afternoon that the agreement does not solve all of the problems faced by Canada's forest products industry, it is a step in the right direction. I still look forward to the day when imports from Quebec to Connecticut are treated no differently than shipments from Maine. Of course, as a proud New Englander, I still trust Maine to employ fair and free market competitive techniques to stay competitive in Connecticut's markets, which will lead to better pricing for the consumer.

Recent events show how respectful dialogue and strong leadership is better than invective in addressing problems. With Conservative popularity increasing, it'll be interesting to see how this factors in politically as the new budget is presented next week. The Question Period theatrics will be entertaining as always.

Flight 93 Memorial Blocked

2006-04-25T16:43:00.000-04:00

Rep. Charles H. Taylor (R-NC) has blocked a proposal to purchase 486 ha of land in Shanksville, PA for a memorial to those killed in Flight 93 on 2001-09-11. He believes that, as the largest landowner in the country, the federal government should not purchase any additional land. Given the current management at the agencies charged with the stewardship of America's public lands, I would tend to agree with him. But I digress. The benefits of federalism with respect to the protection of our heritage is subject matter for another post.

While its full historical context is still unclear, the events of 2001-09-11 deeply affected the character of the Nation as a whole. For this reason, it is very appropriate that the federal government have some role in preserving its associated landscapes for future generations. In fact, the establishment of a September 11th National Historic Park, with additional units at the World Trade Center site, the Pentagon and Boston's Logan International Airport, would be a fitting memorial to the deadliest foreign terrorist strike on U. S. soil to date. We have a national memorial for the U. S. S. Arizona, the site where the U. S. last entered hostilities after a domestic strike by the enemy. Likewise, we should establish an enduring memorial to the thousands of lives which were so senselessly taken that clear morning and, if the moniker "The Long War" proves correct, to remind us what we're fighting for.

Links Sidebar Upgrade

2006-04-21T12:33:00.000-04:00

Today's upgrade features a better organized Links section and more American content. Prime Minister Stephen Harper gets some company in Governor M. Jodi Rell (R-CT) and Congressman Rob Simmons (R-CT) in the Political Leaders section. Their Election 2006 sites are added as well. While I reserve the right to modify these endorsements, they'll probably remain through their victory parties this November. Look for additional links to traditionally conservative people and organizations in the future.

Blessed Easter

2006-04-17T19:25:00.000-04:00

He is Risen!

The Canadian-American wishes all fellow Christians a blessed Easter season.

Blessed Good Friday (and Passover)

2006-04-14T11:03:00.000-04:00

Today the world's billion-plus Christians commemorate the ultimate sacrifice paid by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ some 1 973 years ago. For those who aren't familiar with the story, today's liturgy can be found here (I'm actually a mainline Protestant, but I went to a Catholic high school and Catholicism is the Body of Christ's largest part).

It's no coincidence that Holy Week typically falls within the same general time as Passover. In anticipation of Christ's deliverance of humanity from the bondage of sin at His death and subsequent resurrection, God through Moses delivered the Israelites from second-class citizenship in Egypt. As Christians celebrate Holy Week, we should remember our entire salvation history and remember that it was our Jewish brothers and sisters' (not the least of whom was Jesus Himself) openness to God which made it all possible.

Federal Accountability Act

2006-04-12T00:50:00.000-04:00

On 2006-04-11, Canada's new government tabled the Federal Accountability Act, designed to provide the Canadian taxpayer with a more efficient and ethical government. In doing so, Prime Minister Stephen Harper is delivering on one of his five major priorities. While it should thoroughly review the proposed legislation, the Opposition would be best served by being generally supportive of the bill. Interested readers should take the time to become familiar with the Federal Accountability Act and provide feedback as necessary. More thorough analysis of the Federal Accountability Act's provisions will be provided as the debate continues during this Parliamentary session.

NOTE: Since accountability begins at home, the heading graphic has been provided courtesy of the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat.

Mont Orford Privatization

2006-04-06T16:10:00.000-04:00

As I was watching the TVA 18 heures news feed on SCOLA last night (my Canadian TV news source deep in Yankee territory), I noticed a plan by the Quebec government to privatize about 649 ha of the Parc national du Mont-Orford. Such land would likely be used to expand the existing commercial development located within the park. Similar plans, such as those proposed for Greylock Glen in Berkshire Co., MA, have recently failed or stalled. A grassroots group, SOS Parc Orford, has formed to fight the proposal.

The issue stimulated my interest because my mum grew up about 45 km west of the park in Granby, QC and enjoyed the area during her 12 years in the Eastern Townships. No similar resource area along the A-10 corridor between Montreal, QC and Sherbrooke, QC carries equivalent protection, and it is important that the natural heritage of the region be transmitted unimpaired between this and future generations. If the private sector wishes to develop additional property to support the use of current recreational facilities (including Ski Mont Orford), I'm sure they have the wherewithal to do so without requiring park lands. This has been done rather successfully in the upper Pemigewasset Valley in New Hampshire, New England's most conservative state. As said in an earlier post, environmental protection equals long-term economic protection, both of which are good conservative values.

UPDATE: It turns out that the land involved represents just over 11% of Parc national du Mont-Orford's area, so most of the park will clearly not be privatized. However, such a deal would set an unfortunate precedent which affords a less than desirable level of protection for our critical natural heritage (remember the traditions we conservatives love to conserve?) spaces.

Speech From the Throne Text

2006-04-05T15:23:00.000-04:00

As promised, here's the link to the Speech From the Throne text. As you can see, it's efficient, focused and consistent, which had the Liberals in quite a tizzy during Question Period in Parliament this afternoon.

PMO's New Online Look

2006-04-04T23:51:00.000-04:00

It looks like the new Prime Minister's Office (PMO) is finally putting its own stamp on its official Internet presence. True to Prime Minister Stephen Harper's governing technique, this upgrade is just as much about substance as style (although the real maple leaves in the background is pretty cool). Note the link to the official site for Canada's Afghanistan mission as well as an invitation to support the Canadian Forces electronically, both signs of the new government's commitment to the Canadian Forces and their mission. Although I believe Canada's Head of State should be a Canadian citizen, Prime Minister Harper's invitation for Canadians to extend warm wishes to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's on the occasion of her 80th birthday is another great touch. As long as there's a Tory living at 24 Sussex Drive, you'll be able to access the PMO's website from the Links section of my sidebar.

New Link: CanadianAlly.com

2006-04-04T18:14:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Joel Johannesen at Proud to be Canadian for pointing out this link, which has been added to the Links section of my sidebar. Americans should check it out to see what Canada is doing to build upon what is (and I think should be) our most important bilateral relationship.

DeLay's Done and Harper's Just Getting Started

2006-04-04T16:29:00.000-04:00

U. S. Representative Tom DeLay (R-TX) has announced his intention to resign his post and decline to run in the 2006 general election. He stated that "because [he cares] so deeply about this district and the people in it, [he refuses] to allow liberal Democrats an opportunity to steal this seat with a negative, personal campaign." It is now time for a moderate Republican (read "traditional conservative") to step up and help defend the current GOP majority in the House. Despite DeLay's record on strategic issues such as environmental (read "long-term economic") protection, he should be applauded for 21 years of service to his district.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Stephen Harper has presided over the opening of the 39th Parliament. The Canadian-American wishes him the best of luck in implementing the major priorities outlined in his Speech from the Throne and hopes that the 40th Parliament will be controlled by a Tory majority (conditional on the wisdom of the Canadian electorate, of course). A link to the Speech from the Throne text will be posted tomorrow.

Passports for Gas Station Trips?

2006-04-01T11:27:00.000-05:00

President George W. Bush, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Mexican President Vicente Fox just wrapped up a two-day summit in Cancun, Qunitana Roo, Mexico. Among the issues discussed between President Bush and Prime Minister Harper was the U. S. Department of Homeland Security's passport or other "secure document" requirement for Canadian visitors entering the United States. This plan is still scheduled for implementation in 2007, with little hope of modification before then.

The world's most extensive bilateral trade relationship spans the 6 416 km border between Canada and the lower 48 states, as well as the 2 475 km border between Canada and Alaska. The fee for a U. S. Passport is $97, while the fee for renewing a Connecticut Driver's License (a currently acceptable form of identification at our border) is $66. Such a substantial increase in the costs required for a successful border crossing and re-entry to the U. S. could prevent many citizens from enjoying the continental mobility we should enjoy as citizens of free societies. Another absurdity of the new regulations is that residents of some towns and villages (Estcourt, ME and Campobello Is., NB, for example) on both sides of the border would need a passport to simply fill up their gas tanks. In both cases, the nearest domestic gas station is at least 50 km away and, in the case of Campobello Is., NB, includes one or more ferry trips.

The security features proposed for the new "laser visas" (fingerprints, retinal scans, etc.) should instead be incorporated into all new state, provincial and territorial driver's licenses. This would allow an efficient, single form of identification which could be more easily accessible to all citizens. In addition, the security features could make fake ID's increasingly difficult to produce, which could help in the fight against underage smoking and drinking, which all states, provinces and territories are pursuing.

Blog Upgrades

2006-03-24T16:49:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted anything for over a month, so it's about time for The Canadian-American to see some activity. A few upgrades:

The Blogging Tories Blogroll. Your "Mainstream" Media (MSM) alternative, here you'll find links to the blogs of like-minded Canadian conservatives.
Blogging Tories Television. Several video clips of Canadian conservatives in action, as well as liberals raising global temperatures a few hundredths of a degree Celsius through excess oral CO2 production.

I'm hoping to add an appropriate GOP / U. S. conservative blogroll soon, so please check back often for new features and links.

2006 CT Governor's Race

2006-02-21T22:13:00.000-05:00

Here's something you don't see often enough:

JR - Schedule - Jodi Rell

Fortunately, Connecticut voters know a keeper when they see one, as indicated by this 2006-02-16 Quinnipiac University poll. Stay tuned as Election 2006 nears.

Torino 2006

2006-02-11T02:13:00.000-05:00

Best of luck to Team USA and Team Canada athletes in the 2006 Torino Winter Olympics!

Welcome

2006-02-09T19:34:00.000-05:00

Welcome to The Canadian-American! Although I have always been a U. S. citizen, my mum's side of the family has been in Canada since well before Confederation. Therefore, it's only natural that I'm interested in issues and events on both sides of the border. Here you'll find political and other items of interest. I tend to agree the most with the U. S. Republican Party and the Conservative Party of Canada, but I am fairly independent and will call things as I see them.

While Canada and the United States have the closest relationship of any two countries, they are prone to the sibling bickering which flares up from time to time. From the Canadian stereotypes and ignorance that persist among some in the U. S. to the tendency of some Canadians to define their national character in contrast to the U. S., both nations have much to work on if we are to build on our already strong relationship. This work starts with respect for one another. It is my hope that this blog will provide a resource for Canadians and Americans to gain a greater appreciation for each other on a citizen-to-citizen level.

CANADIAN ELECTIONS DISCLAIMER: While I may create posts about Canadian elections (another one hopefully won't be anytime soon), they are by no means intended to influence Canadian electors' choices. I will however, praise candidates who endorse stronger U. S.-Canadian relations while defending Canada's interests. The strong citizens of the True North should make their own free choices.