The slow unmasking of the Pakistan People's Party

One is pleased to see that after the media white out following the death of Benazir Bhutto, facts and reason have once again come to light and the international media is belatedly noticing the complete deficit of democratic credentials of both Benazir Bhutto and her party, the Pakistan People's Party (PPP). The leadership past down from by blood line, a non-existent democratic structure, and of course the stone walling following Benazir Bhutto's exile for embezzlement. That a 19 year old boy (son Bilawal Bhutto) whose highest qualification is that he sort of looks like Benazir Bhutto is chosen as the leader of a party who portray themselves as the vanguard of the democratic movement in Pakistan is an indictment against the party in the eyes of anyone claiming to value democracy.

And young King Bilawal's first battle: The Pakistan Elections Commission will soon rule on the timing of elections there, currently set for 8 January, 2008. Currently both the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and PPP are pressing for the schedule to go ahead unchanged, presumably because it looks as if the Government will decide to delay. Added to that of course is the electoral greed embodied within any political party that seeks to capitalise on any advantage in order to make gains, and so the PPP will want to have elections held as soon as possibly after the death of their declared "martyr for democracy", and before the glow of her nostalgia disipates. They will also want to go to the polls ahead of Bilawal's eventual gaffes and loss of public confidence and respect.

Libellés : Pakistan, Politique

par Borges à 18:18

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Go Green? Go to hell.

Constant warnings about the impending collapse of the universe are generally considered background noise by most, however when companies seize upon a certain idea and weild their massive PR machines, it can become indeed mind numbing (this need to "go green"). And so we have multi-billion dollar criminal corporations like GE telling us to conserve and think about the welfare of our planet (apparently buying their products will help towards the betterment of the world?).

It is suggested that it is not in human nature to deprive oneself for the sake of a possible catastrophe in the distant future. Indeed our ancestors buried food, stored supplies, but certainly not enough to feed their great grand children 20 years after they were dead and buried. Regardless of how convinced we tell ourselves we are about the facts of global warming, in reality the most convinced Green Warrior has limits to their combat.

One could suggest that there is even an element of self-delusion in this campaign of consumerism to save the planet. To imagine that reducing the wattage of light bulbs used, and distance travelled on a litre of petrol, will ensure a green, healthy planet tomorrow is quite naive.

And so some find themselves defiant, and one counts themselves among them. I won't be calculating my carbon footprint, or shopping green. I won't be walking to save emissions or reprogramming household devices so as not to allow stand by lights to eat up power.

For a government or company to tell ordinary citizens that it is within their power to reduce the effects of global warming is frankly lying. The power lies with the producers and the governments to act and sacrifice in order to ensure the future of our planet. They work for us, they sell to us, why should they not make the most painful and widespread changes? Certainly citizens and consumers would be willing to make some changes in order to allow that kind of massive change, if that were the only way. As a last point, one would like to add that the hole in the ozone layer did not get closed by people refusing chlorofluorocarbons. it came through industry phase outs and government bans.

Libellés : Diplomatie, Environnement

par Borges à 15:07

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Pakistan People's Party: You call this democracy?

How predictable: That 19 year old son of Benazir Bhutto should lead the Pakistani People's Party. This is absolutely representative of her entire political career. For all those who proclaim her a woman among men fighting her way into politics, get that idea out of your head. Benezir Bhutto is the daughter of Nazir Bhutto, President of Pakistan from 1971-1973, and PM 1973-1977. Her family is and was among the most powerful in all of Pakistan. She was handed everything given to her, including her win 11 years later in 1988.

During her 2 year term as Premier Minister, she managed to embezzle billions, as if she wasn't rich enough, and then left the country in shame. That is not democracy, that is nepotism and larceny and embezzlement. That she returned after more than a decade of living in luxury in Dubai, and globe trotting currying favour with people various world figures, is not heroic. Her return in 2007 was a criminal taking advantage of the political situation in her country, whatever pretence of returning for democracy.

And so after her death, the heir apparent rises to the throne. Bilawal Bhutto, the 19 year old high school graduate counts several months of studying at Oxford (where his mother is a touted alumni) and a lifetime of grooming for the position as his leadership qualities. Surely this young adult, a few years older than me, is emotionally, mentally and politically ready to lead Pakistan's major opposition party. I know I could *eye roll*.

Libellés : Pakistan, Politique

par Borges à 13:09

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Questions pour M. Harper en matière de nationalisme

Après lisant ces deux articles (ici et ici) sur les avis de Monsieur Harper à propos des accommodements raisonnables, multiculturalisme et nationalisme, on pose les questions suivantes:

• Est-ce que M. Harper accepte que le Québec sera toujours nationaliste avec dommage,et est-ce qu'est-il dénonce le sentiment nationaliste dans toutes les formes?
• Qu'est-ce que son avis à propos de la primauté de la langue française au Québec?
• Le modèle canadien multilculturaliste, est-ce qu'est il croit qu'il est applicable au toutes les nations qui forment le Canada, cela inclut les Premières Nations, les Québécoises, les Acadiens etc. ?
  

Libellés : La question nationale, Politique, Québec, ROC

par Borges à 10:07

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Latest Government Press Conference leaves Pakistani government under scrutiny

One has recently been watching GEO TV News and ARY Digital News to get a better sense of what is happening and perceived to be happening in Pakistan. A press conference held by the Press information Department of the Government of Pakistan, chaired by M. Jayed Cheema, Interior Minister Spokesman started by running down the numbers of dead, injured, shops damaged, etc, and one remarks to themselves how senseless such rioting is. *analysis after the screen shots*


(Note that both channels have "Pictures from the Life of Benazir Bhutto" montages in the corner with the banner 1953-2007, ARY bottom left, GEO News top right)

The Pakistani press, judging by the press conference, is somewhat sceptical of the government findings, including the actual account of her death, with fingers being pointed in all directions and questions being asked about those accused. The government spokesman M. Cheema just stated that it "doesn't matter how she died" *his exact words, the question was asked in English and so he responded as such*. There are openly hostile questions from the press, and the spokesman is seems to be towing a line that is almost laughable: There is no anti-military sentiment ("یہ کوی نھین انتی میلیترئ سنتامینت ھے" but did propose an international inquerry, also, he is really harping on the terrorist angle. One senses that the increasing difficulty and defiance of the questions led to an early ending, because he has seemingly abruptly dismissed the meeting. That's all for now.

Libellés : Pakistan, Politique

par Borges à 15:23

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Fearful ramblings from the American Right

Such hate speech is shocking from a place like America. Anti-Islamic scaremongering from the chair of the New Hampshire branch of Veterans for Rudy

"…(Rudy Giuliani has) the knowledge and judgment to attack one of the most difficult problems in current history. And that is the rise of the Muslims. And make no mistake about it, this hasn’t happened for a thousand years. These people are very, very dedicated. They’re also very smart, in their own way. And we need to keep the feet to the fire and keep pressing these people ‘til we defeat them or chase them back to their caves, or in other words, get rid of them."

par Borges à 07:37

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Liberals and Québec: Continué

The definition of the nation-state is one of the most discussed questions in the world politics scene. In the context of the existence of some 200 sovereign nations and the doctrine of the right to auto-determination, it becomes more and more difficult to give a concise definition or set of standards to decide the case of each self-identifying group. How is one to decide on the legitimacy of claims for sovereignty? Kosovar Albanians, Dagestanis, Scottish separatists, the Kabyles of Algeria, there are thousands of ethnic groups calling for autonomy. Does that mean that we are in an epoch of constantly fragmenting nation states?

Of course the problem lies in the definition of a nation state, rather than the definition of the right to self determination. The concept of a nation, and what constitutes such, is in fact limited by the assumption that the only two options for any national group is either oppression under foreigners, or independence alone ,it is limited by the notion that the nation state is the only meaningful political existence.

The liberal Party of Québec proposes, in their document "Liberal Values", offers a recognition of the different concepts of nationhood, those who constitute a culturally distinct national group and those who form a territorial nation. In particular, they discuss the question of Québec and Canada:

A clear difference exists in this regard between the Parti Quebecois and the Liberal Party in the use each make of the word “nation.” The Liberal Party readily accepts that Quebecers form a nation in the cultural and sociological sense of the word. But aware that even designating this
reality inside Quebec, the word “nation” has created more than one misunderstanding, the Liberal Party avoids using this term in a way that could be understood to set apart the French-speaking majority from the other communities which make up Quebec society.

It avoids opposing the “Quebec nation” and the “Canadian nation” as if the word “nation” had the same meaning in both cases. In the view of the Liberal Party, the “Canadian nation” refers
to a political entity which contains more than one nation in the cultural and sociological sense of the term. Quebec is one of these nations, with all the inherent rights that
this implies, including the right to self-determination. But Quebec is not and cannot be a political nation within the Canadian federal framework. Unless there is a change in our constitutional arrangement, nothing can prevent Quebecers from taking part, as individuals and as a society,
as full partners in the Canadian political nation, while at the same time being part of the social-cultural nation which is Quebec. Furthermore, Quebecers can claim all
the freedom they need within the Canadian federation.

Hence the reluctance and caution of the Liberal Party when it comes to using the word “nation.” “To the important question: Is Quebec a nation? One must reply ‘yes’ (translation),” said Jean Charest at the launching of a book on the Quebec nation published by Le Devoir in
..... But the Quebec nation is a pluralist nation, he added. “To respect this pluralism, the idea of nation must go far beyond partisan considerations and the sovereignty debate. It cannot be taken hostage by one side or the other. As much for sovereigntists as for federalists, it is an
idea that must be set apart from political conflicts. It should not be set up as a rampart at any time” (Speech at the launching of the book Penser la nation québécoise, April .., ....). [p.30, Parti Liberale du Québec, 2003]

Libellés : La question nationale, Libéraux, Politique, Québec, ROC

par Borges à 17:20

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Bye-bye Bhutto

Ousted-for-embezzlement-former-Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto has been killed in an attack on a political rally ahead of the 8 Jan. National Assembly elections. According to witnesses, party spokesmen (who descriped the leader of the Pakistan People's Party, Mme. Bhutto, as having been "martyred") and official sources as well, the rally was in a secured venue in Rawalpindi, a large city near Islamabad, when a gunman started firing, forcing her to duck. Subsequently another person detonated a bomb, that which is said to have killed her.

One does not like Benazir Bhutto particularly, nor does one mourn her loss, except for as that of another human being. She was nothing special, besides a traitor to her country (by steeling millions during her term as PM), and a person who has misrepresented herself as the embodiment of the democratic movement in Pakistan.

Regardless of one's personal feelings towards Mme. Bhutto, there will be serious repercussions following this, for most every facet of the political life in Pakistan: Islamists, democrats, military, none can be blamed, but all can be accused, so the Pakistani People's Party will soon, one is sure, be screaming to the world about injustices. The truth is, there's several suicide attacks a week in Pakistan, and anyone could be behind it. This should most certainly not be seen as an attack by the state on the opposition, as from a seasoned perspective that seems incredibly unlikely.

Besides accusations, in response to Mme Bhutto's death the Pakistani People's Party could possibly withdraw from contesting the upcoming election. The possibility of this helping the PPP electoraly is slim, as many in Pakistan will not see an assasination as justifiable grounds for supporting this or that party.

In the world of politics, anything can happen, really.

Libellés : Pakistan, Politique

par Borges à 09:16

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Questions of Liberalism and Québec

One wonders, as of late, how fellow Liberals in the ROC (Rest of Canada*) ,view Québec and its special relationship with Ottawa. The precepts of Canadian liberalism would seem to both support Québec in its struggle for adequate self-determination (within the Canadian confederation), while at the same time seemingly revile any sort of Québécois nationalist sentiment. Personal freedoms and autonomy are paramount to liberals, as is social justice, both highly valued concepts within Québec nationalism, and so it seems that nationalists and liberals share a common world view on so many issues, yet seem to be at complete odds with each other.

Understandably, nationalism is feared, it should be, its a reactionary force that only occasionally plays a progressive role in history. The abuses of nationalist sentiment the world over, both in past and future, reasonably strikes fear into the hearts of most Westerners. However, that kind of nationalism, seen in conflicts throughout history, is not what constitutes Québécois nationalism. The nationalism that has developed in Québec over the past 50 years is not one of hatred or supremacy, it is simply the view that Québec would be more apt to govern itself and serve its people if it were sovereign.

• What is the general Liberal concensus on Québec's current arrangement within the federation
• Is it fair to offer Québec special privileges and deals while other provinces enjoy no such treatment?
• What is Québec's role in the future of Canada- As a positive partner in the advancement of the Canadian nation, or a constant issue to be dealt with and considered, with the posibility of tearing the federation appart?

*If this term offends, one apologises, however it is the only fair appellation of non-Québec Canada one can think of using, as saying Anglophone Canada implies that Anglo Canadians are represented in Québec, when it is well known that they count for a little less than 10% of the population, and also, there's over a million francophones outside of Québec

Libellés : La question nationale, Libéraux, Politique, Québec, ROC, Souverainistes

par Borges à 10:27

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Hamas desperate to stay in the game

Although too late now, Xinhua, the Chinese state media, ponders in an article the possible reasons for Hamas' offer of ceasefire. It is indeed puzzling, how a group bent on the achievement of their goals by any means necessary, with such a bloody history, would offer peace to their sworn enemy.

The conclusion drawn by most would be that it is because it is necessary for their survival. Perhaps, although almost 2 years governing Gaza under seige should have acclimated the Hamas movement towards the extra hard ship. Perhaps its leaders see the end of the conflict in sight and wish not to be left behind, without an oar to paddle with. That too is possible, considering the broad support in the Arab world for the Fatah led peace process, maybe Hamas' neighbours are sick of all the noise. Or is it a call from the grassroots level for peace with Israel?

The Israeli government and the military and security establishments are in favor of launching a large-scale military operation into the Gaza Strip, while many Israeli leaders have said that Israel is ready to reoccupy the Gaza Strip for several months and strongly rein on militant groups. "This means that Hamas as well as all other militant groups active in the Gaza Strip would finish or at least would be exhausted as a result of the ongoing fighting in case Israel carries out the operation," said a Gaza analyst. [Xinhua 23.12.07]

So it is indeed a question of self-survival of the Hamas regime in Palestine. They are afraid, terrified if you will, that even their network of forces is not prepared for any serious Israeli offensive into the Gaza strip. However, let not one think that this move comes without serious political cost to the Hamas movement, as hard-liners are mortified at the thought of a ceasefire with Israel, while others accuse Hamas of ulterior motives.

However, Nabil Amer, an aid to President Abbas, slammed Hamas' call for a ceasefire with Israel, saying: "Hamas insists to offer Israel a free cease-fire" and "this shows the secret love relationship between Hamas and Israel."

"If Hamas is really interested in a ceasefire with Israel, why it doesn't accept the cease-fire agreement that President Abbas had reached with Israel in November, 2006," said Amer.

Meanwhile, Khaled al-Batsh, a senior Islamic Jihad (Holy War) leader from Gaza said his movement rejects a cease-fire with Israel. "There is no possibility to speak about cease-fire with the enemy, which never stopped assassinations and incursion against our people and our militants." [Xinhua 23.12.07]

While I hardly think that it is a sign of a love affair unspoken between Israel and Hamas, I think that M. Amer makes a good point: Why not earlier? Why not when everyone else was ready, and it was only Hamas who stood in the way, and chose to derail the peace process. Again, one believes that it is simply the instinct of self-preservation which has prompted Hamas to reach out its hand to Israel, as strange as that sounds.

Libellés : Diplomatie, Guerre, Israel/Palestine, Politique

par Borges à 14:43

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Kidnapping "surge" in Democratic Republic of Congo

Continued fighting in the North East of the country has led to the a large rise in the abduction of children in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to UK Charity group Save the Children. Whether used as servants, soldiers, or sex workers, these children are vulnerable, and are suffering. One is urged to give what they can to help Save the Children.

Libellés : Afrique, Guerre

par Borges à 09:14

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La nation québécoise et Justin Trudeau

À Toronto, M. Justin Trudeau, fils de Pierre et rival probable de Vivian Barbot dans la circonscription fédérale de Papineau, s'est prononcé à propos de la question de la reconnaissance de la nation québécoise. Apparemment, ce libéral de souche trouve l'idée d'une nation québécoise bête, ben impropre, et nuisible à l'unité du Canada. Sa parole souligne encore la débat tenue par les libéraux quand la motion pour la reconnaissance du pays a été en traitement par Parlement.

Les libéraux de la scène fédérale préfèrent un Québec au sein du Canada et il y a peur que telle reconnaissance est néfaste à la confédération canadienne, qu'elle crée division entre les parties constituantes, avec traitement spécial pour les minorités. Or, le Québec est bien sûr une situation spéciale, avec beaucoup de pouvoirs et accords lui donnés pour se diriger mieux, à cause de la fait que les québécoises forment une nation unique au Canada, et il faut qu'on fasse des compromises pour l'accommoder.

En plus, M. Trudeau a dit qu'il n'aime pas beaucoup les mesures pris pour convaincre le Québec de leur place dans la confédération canadienne. La flexibilité du modèle canadienne, qu'il peut s'adapter aux besoins spécifiques, a permis le Québec se rester au sein du pays, dans sa situation unique. Sans les accommodements accordés au Québec des années 80 et les 90's d'avant, l'électorat québécois ne choisirait jamais pour rester, deux fois.
Donc, il semble que ce n'est pas la vue de minorité, parce qu'on apprend que Samedi M. Trudeau devait retracer ces commentes particulières.

Libellés : La question nationale, Libéraux, Politique, Québec

par Borges à 07:37

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Courage and Confusion: East Jerusalem and the West Bank

It certainly requires gal to stand up at the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organisations and tell the attending crowd that there must be compromise over Jerusalem and the possibility of its partition. Many Israel supporters have expressed great fear at the prospect of East Jerusalem becoming part of a future Palestinian nation state. However, this issue is one which has been identified as one on which the Israeli government is willing to negotiate, and that has angered many hard-liners in Israel and abroad.

Rabbi Eric Yoffie, head of Reform Judaism, has told collegues at a gathering in the States that American Jews must not make trouble for the Israeli government by attempting to block compromise on Israel.

"The Jewish community in the U.S. cannot at this moment make things difficult for Israel and it mustn't tell the Israeli government not to compromise on the issue of Jerusalem," Yoffie said. "If there will be a concession at the end of the day, Israel will receive a tremendous benefit in return."
[Haaretz 23.12.07]

Bravo Rabbi Yoffie.

However in more troubling news, PM M. Ehud Olmert has announced that his government will proceed with a program of colonisation in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, with the construction of some several hundred family units, after making it clear that all settlement would stop. One asks themselves why? One knows very well that M. Olmert's political future hangs in the balance over these talks, and he has stood up to hard-liners in the Knesset before, so why today does he and his government yield to policies that are so extremely detrimental to the peace process.

Libellés : Droits, Guerre, Israel/Palestine, Pauvreté et développement

par Borges à 18:49

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Israel and Palestine: When your enemy offers his hand, you bite it:

As the new Peace Process unwinds over the coming months, it will be wrought with failures and false hopes on all sides. The great game that is international diplomacy is complicated enough without having to negotiate between 3 parties, each of whom refuses to recognise the right to power of at least one of the other (Israel and Fatah won't recognise Hamas government in Gaza, Hamas won't accept Israel's right to exist or Fatah leadership in the West Bank). There is also a considerable gap between the ideologies of the different factions: Hamas and its supporters live outside the nation state, have done without the nation state, for decades, deprived of basic human rights, and so there really are no general standards or acceptable practices defining the struggle led by Hamas. Fatah and Israel are parties of government and stability, with a dissimilar view of what constitutes war and peace and good relations, contrast that with Hamas' stance, and it becomes clear to see that this goal of peace, it seems to becomes more elusive as time passes.

Will these two sides, or three, sides be able to find their middle ground in the next year? Most certainly not, and frankly putting the peace process on such a short schedule (the U.S. wants it accomplished by next year) seems to be setting up all sides for failure. The mindsets of the people, all the different factions and groups, have been fermented over years, decades of fighting and angst and the instinct of self-preservation. Is it reasonable to expect Israeli and Palestinian societies to forget the horror of the past, and work together for a peaceful future?

This cycle keeps spinning, for example today Israeli PM Ehud Olmert refused Hamas' offer of a cease fire. Next time it will be Israel gesturing towards peace, and the gesture will invariably fall on deaf ears. The sentiments ferment, brinkmanship is pervasive, and what do you know, another decade has passed without a solution to this problem.

Libellés : Diplomatie, Droits, Guerre, Israel/Palestine, Pauvreté et développement

par Borges à 12:26

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Assemblée nationale du Québec 2007: Fin de session avec Accolades et Bizous

On note la coopération entre les partis politiques, *oui, même l'ADQ* à la fin de la session parlementaire de cette année. Après un an tremblé pour tous les partis, avec une situation complètement nouvelle, avec un gouvernement minoritaire, le PQ dans le troisième rang pour la première fois dans son histoire et la hausse de la popularité de l'ADQ. Chaque parti a été forcé d'abandonner à moins un de leurs pet-projets, compromise a été achevé sur plusieurs enjeux.

On croit que c'est une bonne affiche , enfin, de comment une assemblée parlementaire peuvent se réunir pour achever leurs buts plus importants des diverses facettes de société et opinion. Or, la réserve accumulée de travail législatif qui a été accru par l'Assemblée nationale dans cette année, le manque de vrais débats ou résultats peut, de temps en temps, être frustrante...

Avec l'appui du PQ, le gouvernement a obtenu hier l'adoption du projet de loi 44 balisant le pouvoir d'emprunt des universités - l'ADQ a finalement consenti que deux dernières étapes pour l'adoption soient franchies le même jour, quand le gouvernement a accepté de recevoir, pour étude, son projet de loi sur le doublage. La ministre Monique Jérôme-Forget a remercié les péquistes François Legault et Sylvain Simard, pour leur appui, en fin de séance, hier.

Le gouvernement a aussi dû mettre de l'eau dans son vin en retirant, à l'instigation du PQ et de l'ADQ, son projet de faire passer la limite d'alcoolémie dans le sang, de .08 à .05. Le leader parlementaire péquiste, François Gendron, a aussi salué la décision du gouvernement d'amender son projet de loi sur les forêts, en dépit des menaces du ministre Claude Béchard. «On n'a pas joué avec les libéraux, mais avec l'ADQ dans ce cas. Pas parce qu'on est en amour avec l'ADQ, mais parce cela aurait eu des conséquences graves dans toutes les régions ressources du Québec», a soutenu François Gendron.

Mme Marois s'est défendue d'avoir été conciliante avec le gouvernement minoritaire. «Nous travaillons de façon responsable, c'est différent».Selon elle, c'est l'intérêt public davantage que la stratégie partisane qui aura guidé les décisions du PQ à l'Assemblée nationale, cet automne. «L'ADQ s'opposait pour s'opposer»... (L'ADQ) «n'a rien proposé sauf l'idée «ridicule» de renverser le gouvernement sur la structure des commissions scolaires. De l'irresponsabilité pure», a soutenu Mme Marois, dont le parti avait alors sauvé la mise au gouvernement Charest. [Cyberpresse 20.12.07]

Libellés : Politique, Québec

par Borges à 16:39

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Guantanamo Bay's Last lingering few

On Thursday, 3 men were flown how to the U.K. from the United States base at Guantanamo Bay. They were the last people associated with Britain to be freed (previously all British citizens were negotiated for, however these mens were permanent residents and so, until no apparently, did not warrant the attention of the Home Office or anybody else). Jamil el-Banna, Omar Deghayes, and Abdennour Samue had been held in the prison camp for years without any charge, or evidence.

Now upon return to Britain the men's lawyer, Clive Stafford Smith suggested that they were prepared for police questioning. However Deghayes and el-Banna, upon arrival, found themselves the subjects of a European Arrest Warrant, basically an extradition order, from Spain in connection with the Islamic Alliance (Spain's dominant terror cell). Considering that these men have been charged, the longest of them 6 years, without any charge or reason to be charged, if this extradition order goes ahead, at least they will get a trial. Still, will these men's hardships never end?

In other Guantanamo news, Condi Rice has put a notice to all nations that if they have prisoners there they should garauntee a safe return and take them, so that the United States can close down Guantanamo. Far too little, too late, but still it was kind of surprising to learn that George Bush's "express" wish was to have the camp closed down as soon as possible. There's less than 300 prisoners left, Let's hope.

Libellés : Droits

par Borges à 07:21

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Vous-êtes sûr, M. Harper?

Premier Ministre Stephen Harper est déclaré qu'y a une dissipation de sentiments souverainitstes au Québec et plus, il croit qu'il est à cause de lui et ses mesures dans la dernière année. Vous-êtes sur?

Il cite à l'appui l'adoption aux Communes, en novembre 2006, d'une motion reconnaissant le fait que les «Québécois forment une nation au sein d'un Canada uni»...
«Je sais que la reconnaissance de la nation, par exemple, s'est avérée controversée et honnêtement peu populaire dans certaines régions du Canada anglais, mais cette reconnaissance a produit des dividendes pour le pays. (...) Le mouvement séparatiste a connu un épouvantable repli depuis ce moment et aussi à cause d'autres choses que nous avons réalisées», a déclaré M. Harper, en anglais, lors d'une entrevue de fin d'année au réseau de télévision CTV. [Cyberpresse 20.12.07]

On ne nie pas que la reconnaissance de la nation québécoise par le Parlement canadien a affecté la situation politique, mais ce n'est pas nécessairement a causé la défait hivernale des élections de Mars.

Lors de l'élection provinciale, le PQ s'est retrouvé pour la première fois en 30 ans au troisième rang...
De fait, ce mouvement semble vivifié depuis l'arrivée de Pauline Marois aux commandes puisque les troupes souverainistes ont repris leur position d'antan.Les plus récents sondages placent même le PQ en tête dans les intentions de vote, et quand on interroge les électeurs sur qui ferait le meilleur premier ministre, la chef péquiste Pauline Marois arrive au premier rang devant ses adversaires. [Cyberpresse 20.12.07]

On devrait noter les faits d'aujourd'hui, la débat sur les accommodements raisonnables et le manque d'action rapide démontré par M. Charest a aidé la réveille du parti, mais aussi il est à cause de Mme Marois et son leadership du parti et le PQ devrait donner grâce à lui.

Libellés : Politique, Québec, ROC, Souverainistes

par Borges à 21:09

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Prostitution

Sometimes following the news can be an exercise in self-discovery. A discussion of advertising in British newspapers turned into a debate on the morality of the governments policy towards prostitution, which I was surprised to learn was that it is legal, and when British secretary for Women and Equality MP Harriet Harman joined the debate she stated, to shock from the presenter, that "paying for sex should actually be outlawed" in an attempt to protect women in the illegal sex trade, and in further of her argument, liberate women from such a profession *okay, she did not use the word "liberate", however her discourse against payed sex was definitely towards the socialist argument that it is an oppression and exploitation *which surely it is*. There is now a debate, one that seems to crop up every few years in Britain, about the legality of the sex trade.

It was listening to this conversation between Mme. Harman and the England Collective of Prostitutes that I realized how shocked I was with what seems to be a normal British attitude: That prostitution is not morally wrong. I do not consider myself conservative, and although Muslim, I do believe myself to be of Western values, however I was surprised by it all the same. And so one finds themselves asking where on this spectrum I stand, at the confluence of morality and politics.

Libellés : G.B., Pauvreté et développement, Politique

par Borges à 16:50

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Escamotage- Le Québec perçu d'ailleurs

Dans un billet récent, j'ai examiné un article du Devoir, écrit par un français au sujet de la perception du Québec en France.

Comment comprendre mes amis, hauts fonctionnaires fédéraux, qui travaillent à Ottawa, mais viennent dormir le soir à Gatineau, c'est-à-dire au Québec? Ces soi-disant fédéralistes dont les yeux s'humectent à la seule évocation du Général de Gaulle, voire de René Lévesque...

Comment comprendre M. La Coste, qui croit que les québécois qui travaillent pour le gouvernement fédéral sont participants dans une grande trahison, même sont les fédéralistes qui appuient la situation politique courante? Un boulot est un boulot, et pour appuyer le système qui t'as servi ben toutes ces années, ce n'est pas déloyauté, c'est un avis valide.

Il semble que j'ai mal entendu son message, et M. de la Coste m'a enwoyez un C.E. pour expliquer à moé.

de La Coste Pierre
para mim

mostrar detalhes
17:08 (3 horas atrás)
Bonjour,
Excusez-moi, mais vous avez mal compris mon article du Devoir. Un de mes meilleurs amis au Québec était haut fonctionnaire à Ottawa avant de créer son entreprise, il y a quelques mois. Je ne l'ai jamais considéré comme un traître, mais plutôt comme un souverainiste qui s'ignore. Pouvez vous publier cette précision sur votre blogue?
Cordialement
Pierre de La Coste

Je demande pardon de M. de La Coste, et désolez pour la confusion.
Escamotage- Le Québec perçu d'ailleurs

par Borges à 20:37

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U.S. and European Union: First steps towards action

Within a day of each other, the governments of both the European Union and the United States have unveiled their plans to reduce carbon emissions by creating more strict regulations for car manufacturers. One hopes that this is not supposed to considered part of the urgent action against climate change called for at the emotional UN Summit on Climate Change in Bali, because neither of these measures seem that serious at all, especially taken in context.

The European plan is to penalise car makers who go over the prescribed carbon emissions limit. The policy would be implemented over the course of the next 4 years, coming into effect in 2012, and would work by fining the companies 20 Euros for every gram of carbon dioxide they are over the limit, by 2015 this would increase to 95 Euros per gram. For those countries without car making industries, this is a welcomed announcement, however in countries like Germany where the manufacturing of automobiles still plays a large role in the national economy, so this plan definitely targets some member states more than others. This seems like un-necessary economic disruption for something that will have such little effect on Europe's emissions.

For the United States, an even more modest bill was approved by it's Legislature over the past week. It will force the first increase in fuel efficiency standards in 32 years. It will also encourage ethanol production and help make appliances more eco-friendly. Does this not seem like a lazy child who has homework and so does the least possible work, at the last possible minute, just to say they did it? The bill is practically nothing, and if I were more concerned about climate change it might be found insulting.
On either side of the Atlantic, those who demand emissions cuts from the world's richest nations, must hope that this is just the tip of the iceberg (so to speak).

Libellés : Environnement, Europe

par Borges à 14:16

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Israel's right to exist does not justify it's current military policy

One finds it difficult to understand how, during negotiations for peace, military forces continue to inflame the political situation by launching attacks and counter-attacks. That is what one perceives of the actions of the Israeli militaries continued bombings of Gaza.

The actions of the Israeli army are condemnable, just as such strikes in any country are, as they put the local populace in danger with the hope of killing a handful of individuals. That is not how to win heart and minds, especially in Gaza, which has no hand in the peace process. Does the military strategy of Israel, and other nations who use such attacks such as the United States, Pakistan and Turkey, aim to wipe out terrorists or is it to strike fear into the civilians population? If one can claim to be able to drop a bomb on a precise location, such as specific building or compound, then is there not reason to think that there must be a better less distributively way to kill perceived enemies. Currently, it could be argued that for every missile or bomb attack targeted at senior level terrorists, that event in itself creates 3 more people involved in terrorist activities, and dozens of terrorist sympathisers among the general population.

Further, penalizing the residents of Gaza and the West Bank because the militias that purport to speak for them (and in the case of Hamas, actually is elected to represent the people) perform operations against Israel. Did cutting of electricity for weeks help secure the future fate of Israel? Did it put a stop to the attacks? No, it did not.

The nation of Israel , being as it is sovereign, certainly has the right to defend it's land and people against incursions and attacks. However, tit-for-tat responses rarely yield peace (aimed at civilian areas as is the case of both the Israeli army and rogue militias), constant displays of contention and force fosters no peace in the heart of people on either side of the Green line. As a developed, modern democracy, Israel should attempt to act with dignity and even handedness, and not resort to the brutal tactics of their perceived enemies.

Libellés : Droits, Guerre, Israel/Palestine

par Borges à 18:06

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Defining racism

The proposals coming forward in response to Québec's debate on reasonable accommodations have been branded as racist, especially in the Rest of Canada. Would the following responses from the British government over an increasingly high profile immigration debate, be considered racist:

In moves aimed at strengthening "British values", Ms Smith wants a clampdown on forced marriages, English tests for spouses applying to enter the UK and tighter restrictions on convicted criminals gaining citizenship. It comes ahead of the launch of an Australian-style points-based immigration system in the early part of next year. [BBC News 5.12.07]

or this?

The home secretary, Jacqui Smith, told MPs last night that as a result of an immigration enforcement operation targeting sub-contractors with a record of employing illegal workers in the wake of the disclosure, an illegal migrant had been identified and arrested last Friday working at the Home Office's headquarters. The migrant, who is believed to be Nigerian, now faces deportation. It is believed he worked in the front reception area of the Home Office and did not have access to sensitive papers or files. [Guardian 18.12.07]

Are they trying to imply that a worker who doesn't have permission to do so is untrustworthy? I'm not being satirical, I am honestly wondering.

Libellés : Accommodements raisonnables, G.B.

par Borges à 13:43

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C'est une bonne présentation, grâce à l'AFP, à propos de le pèlerinage islamique (appelée la Hajj en arabe). Pour un musulman comme moé, l'idée de la pèlerinage évoque beaucoup de respecte et ambition, on se demande si on va jamais le faire. En plus, on sait que il est une chose très difficile pour accomplir correctement, pour avoir la connaissance de la bonne pratique et l'endurance pour la faire. Alors, si tu veux, vas y et voir.

Libellés : Islam

par Borges à 09:43

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Définissez-vous!

On note que dans le vote crucial dans le Sénat américain à propos d'une donne d'immunité pour les sociétés de télécomunication qui ont participé dans le programme d'espionnage domestique illégal du régime Bush, 5 candidats présidentielles ont manqué la session. Ça montre la incapacité des candidats pour démontrer définitivement leur positions à propos des libertés d'individuel, l'espionnage du gouvernement, etc. Ils veulent pas inquiéter leur supporteurs du fonde, mais à même temps ils veulent attirer des nouveaux, mais, c'est la joue que les politiciens jouent.

Libellés : Droits, Politique, États-Unis

par Borges à 07:59

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You know it's bad when Islamic Jihad is urging dialogue...

Mann news reports that three groups, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and Islamic Jihad have united to call upon Fatah, the ruling party in the West Bank and darling of the international community, and Hamas, the elected governing party of Gaza, to work together for the betterment of the Palestinian people. They are also calling on the two parties to release political prisoners of the opposite party before the upcoming holiday of Eid al-Adha.

It is indeed essential for Hamas and Fatah to try to come together for the establishment of a Palestinian state and an end to Israeli occupation. With the World negotiating with only Fatah and Gaza finding itself more and more ignored, it must be included in the negotiations for the development of a future state.

Libellés : Diplomatie, Guerre, Israel/Palestine, Politique

par Borges à 20:39

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The ''M'' word?

The uproar over the mentioning of Barak Obama's Muslim heritage in the United States by one of Hilary Clinton's campaigners, Bob Kerry, is very disquieting. That Barak Obama has distanced himself as much as possible from Islam is fine, but to act as if the mere mention of that part of his past, his heritage, is some sort of malicious attempt to smear him, that is what's really offensive. So to everyone in an uproar over one of Hilary's endorsers talking about Islam and Barak Obama together as some kind of cardinal sin in politics, is not the reaction of tolerant, educated people about a world religion. They obviously find the notion of a connection between Obama and Islam as outrageously offensive and malicious. It kind of reminds me of an episode of the U.S. version of the Office, where the boss, during a diversity training seminar, asks one of his employees, a man of Mexican descent, if there is a less offensive term than ''Mexican''.

Anyway, Bob Kerrey's comment was:

"I like the fact that his name is Barack Hussein Obama, and that his father was a Muslim and that his paternal grandmother is a Muslim," Kerrey is quoted as saying. "There's a billion people on the planet that are Muslims, and I think that experience is a big deal."

This statement has been turned upside down by anti-Hillary (and pro-Obama, and politicos in general) people characterising the mention of Islam as a slur. I'm sorry, but that is offensive.

Libellés : Islam, Politique, États-Unis

par Borges à 19:06

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Bravo Libéraux: le Programme de protection des salariés

J'étais heureux pour apprendre que le Parti Libéral du Canada a réussi à autoriser un projet de loi pour mieux protéger les salaires si leur employeurs échouer les payer (à cause de faillite, par exemple), un projet que le gouvernement libéral ont dévoilé juste avant leur coup de pied dans les derniers élections fédérales. Cette loi verra amendements au Programme de protection des salaires etc. Je salue le parti en continuent à défendre les gens communs dans la Chambre.

Libellés : Libéraux, Politique, ROC

par Borges à 15:47

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Le Multiculuralisme et valeurs fundamentales: Grande Bretagne et le Québec

Le débat au Québec sur les accommodements raisonnables se trouve dans un consensus que la meilleure option serait pour ajouter amendements aux chartes fondamentales de l'état québécois (la Charte de la langue française et la Charte des Droits et Libertés de la personne) pour assurer la suprématie des valeurs libérales occidentaux qui sont au cœur de la société québécoise. Ces valeurs soient probablement l'égalité des hommes et femmes, la laïcité d'état, et la prééminence de la langue française.

Dans la Grande Bretagne, et d'autres pays du monde occidental, il y a un débat similaire sur l'avenir de société. Le multiculturalisme britannique est le modèle accepté là comme fait, mais il y a de nouvelles questions sur l'intégration des communautés culturelles et des différences culturels entre les groupes différents du pays.

L'option proposée par le gouvernement, dans son document de planification sur l'avenir de gouvernance d'état, est similaire à celle choisie par le Québec: une inclusion des valeurs fondamentales dans la constitution britannique. Lisez la page suivante, publié dans ''The Governance of Britain'':

However, there is common ground between British citizens, and many
cultural traits and traditions that we can all recognise as distinctively British.
The Government believes that a clearer definition of citizenship would
give people a better sense of their British identity in a globalised world.
British citizenship – and the rights and responsibilities that accompany it –
needs to be valued and meaningful, not only for recent arrivals looking to
become British but also for young British people themselves.

The Government believes that everyone in the UK should be offered an
easily understood set of rights and responsibilities when they receive
citizenship. ... But more could be done to create a simpler, fairer and more
meaningful system, ensuring that the benefits and rights of citizenship
are valued and offered to those prepared to make a contribution to the
UK’s future...

At the heart of British citizenship is the idea of a society based on laws
which are made in a way that reflects the rights of citizens regardless of
ethnicity, gender, class or religion. Alongside this sits the right to participate,
in some way, in their making; the idea that all citizens are equal before the
law and are entitled to justice and the protection of the law; the right of
all citizens to associate freely; the right to free expression of opinion; the
right to live without fear of oppression and discrimination; the idea that
there is an appropriate balance to be drawn between the individual’s right
to freedom and the collective good of all and that, in the final analysis,
the Government is accountable for its actions to the will of the people
expressed in Parliament and through elections.

These guiding principles and ideals represent the starting point from
which further debates may take place. One such debate centres on
whether these rights should be codified. One of the Government’s first
actions on coming to power was the introduction of the Human Rights
Act which was intended to be a first, but substantial step towards a formal
statement of rights, articulating the relationship between individuals and
between the state and the citizen. [UK Secretary of State for Justice, July '07]

Donc, on voit que la respecte des droits fondamentales est le principe plus important dans la Bretagne. C'est leur choix, leur préférence, leur culture. On croit pas que c'est une mauvaise chose que chaque pays peut se définir comme il veut. Alors, pour ceux qui crient des mesures haineuses proposées pour le Québec, regardez que ce n'est pas une expression de xénophobie, mais une de autodétermination.

Voir aussi:
Mémoire du PLQ sur la Commission
Mémoire du PQ sur la Commission

Libellés : Accommodements raisonnables, G.B., Politique, Québec

par Borges à 12:04

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Francisez, francisez, francisez: Marois et la Commission

La chef du Parti Québécois a témoigné avant la Commission Bouchard-Taylor dans sa dernière rencontre. Elle a souligné l'importance d'aller ''plus loin'' dans la protection de la société québécoise distincte, pa exemple les mesures contenus dans les deux chartes qui sont à tête de l'état québécois depuis la révolution tranquille. Une telle proposition: L'extension de clause de francisation aux entreprises qui comptent plus de 25 employés embauchés.

Mme Marois a aussi redit sa volonté de soumettre les entreprises de 25 à 50 employés aux obligations de la Loi 101, c'est-à-dire d'obtenir un certificat de francisation. Elle a rappelé que même les entreprises de 100 employés et plus n'ont pas toutes obtenu un tel certificat de francisation, 30 ans après l'adoption de la Charte de la langue française. [Cyberpresse 14.12.07]

C'est une bonne idée. Les sociétés importantes de Montréal sont déjà touchées par les provisions de la charte, donc il va pas les éviter à investir dans le pays. Et pour les entreprises jeunes petites, ben, ils peuvent se franciser aussi!

Et manquez pas, les archives de la Commission à Radio Canada

Libellés : la langue, Mme Marois, Politique, Québec

par Borges à 15:17

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Does seeing 13 000 Santas in one place ruin the myth for kids?

Some light news to make one smile... Derry, Northern Ireland sets a record for most Santas in one place!!

Libellés : Irelande du Nord

par Borges à 13:47

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Justifications of brutality in North East Congo

The complexities of war are easily demonstrated by taking a look at the rhetoric of its leaders. The justifications and encouragement given by commanders to their men in battle is fascinating, how the heads of armed forces can rouse men into battle, entice them into committing horrible acts, assuage their feelings of guilt and fear.

In North Kivu in the north-east corner of the Democratic Republic of Congo there has been a war raging for many years, exacerbated by neighboring conflicts spilling over the borders. The result has been nearly non stop battles and reprisals between government forces and the multitude of rebel militias, both domestic and foreign. These militia rape and burn and pillage and never seem to stop, no matter what sort of deal is reached, what incentives are offered.

And so we find Gen. Laurent Nkunda, leader of one of the armies, claiming that he is ready to put down arms as long as his preferred ethnic group is guaranteed safety. The irony of a rogue militia group demanding assurances of peace is not to be lost, but one wonders if he is being sincere. Does this man feel that the danger that his people are in from others, the danger that he and his forces perpetuate, justifies his continued fighting?

Also: Des coins du monde perdus

Libellés : Afrique, Guerre

par Borges à 12:43

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Des coins du monde perdus: Nord-Est du Congo

La violence qui a entouré la nord-est de la République Démocratique du Congo pour quel que 40 ans, ne s'est jamais vraiment cessé. Les militaires rogues luttent pour contrôler ressources et vivres, en même temps violant et brûlent les villages qu'ils trouvent. Ces forces armées sont venues hors et dehors du Congo, y a des milices qui sont comme natives, ils ont occupé leurs stations de bataille depuis l'indépendance. Il y'a aussi des autres qui sont arrivés d'ailleurs, groupes armes peuplé par les ex-miliciens des autres pays (notamment la Rwanda).

Donc, n'est pas vraiment de ''nouvelle'' quand il y a quel que fusillade ou bataille en plein ville entre les combattants de cette guerre sans but, sans fin. Et les femmes violées, les enfants affamés, ils aussi, comptent pas dans le bouquet des actualités. Mais tout même, ils souffrent, ils souffrent mal, et n'y a pas d'attention. Il y a déjà des accords et cesse feu entre les forces multiples et le gouvernement, les casques-azurs de l'ONU qui sont là pour maintenir la paix sont entrainé dans un scandale de viol et prostitution des enfantes. En plus, les casques bleus servent à maintenir la paix, pas le forcer, donc les résidents des aires sous le feu ne bénéficient pas de leur protection.

Alors, arrivons à ces questions qui me tannent pour poser: Quel plus est-ce qu'on peut faire? Sont les résidents perdus, si pas oubliés? Qu'est-ce que je peux faire pour les aider? Si on aie des réponses, s'il vous plait...

Libellés : Afrique, Guerre

par Borges à 15:11

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Just because...

There's great news, Musharraf has lifted the state of emergency.And a few days ago, he taken control of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal , away from the Prime Minister and placed it under the control of... himself. Is that the B plan in case things don't go as planned?

Well, considering that the Prime Minister and the President are both elected by the National Assembly of Pakistan, I suppose that whichever responsible, respectable appointee has control over the weapons is capab-... oh wait. I nearly forgot.

Libellés : Pakistan, Politique

par Borges à 12:29

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Bali: The Outcome

Remember 2 days ago when Europe was acting strong and united and like they weren't going to capitulate to U.S. demands for specific emissions cutting targets to be striken from the agenda of any future talks? Well, they did and in Bali an agreement was reached which includes only the recognition of the need for stabilising and then reducing green house gases, however fails to name any sort of actual target.

It was interesting watching the Bali summit unfold. On one side you have the U.S. and China, both with their individual reasons for resisting effective change on green house emissions, and then the rest of the World on the other side screaming for change. And yet it was not enough, the combined diplomatic will of nearly all other countries was not enough to get the largest country and the largest economy in the world to commit to committing to concrete figures.

One hastens to add that opinion and indeed awareness of climate change in the United States has been greatly moved in the past year or so towards a conciousness more on the level of the rest of the world about the problem (or its existence). More and more Americans are seeing the value of lower emissions products and are buying them. However with a Congress and President afraid to engage in real steps towards reducing the harm done to the planet by the United States, emissions will only rise in the years to come.

Libellés : Diplomatie, Environnement

par Borges à 09:59

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President Bush vetoes Torture Bill

The American congress has managed to agree to a bill regulating the interrogation practices of any one performing interrogations for the United States (that obviously wouldn't include those prisoners sent abroad for questioning) to that of the code of the United States army and other organisations which excludes the use of force *and torture techniques, like waterboarding*. Of course Bush is a bit fuzzy on what "waterboarding" actually is, so I think before he vetoes it, he should try it, see how it is?

In a statement this week, the White House said the president would veto the bill, as a ban on harsh interrogations “would prevent the president from taking the lawful actions necessary to protect Americans from attack in wartime.”[NYT 14.12.07]

Libellés : Droits, Politique, États-Unis

par Borges à 15:33

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Ignorez-le, s'il vous plait

L'opposition ADQ est contre le nouveau programme de culture religieuses pour les enfants québécois parce que les adéquistes croient que la nouvelle cours importerait trop les autres religions mondiales et pas les fois chrétiens racinés dans l'histoire du Québec. On peut pas commenter sans avoir vu le document de curriculum, mais comme il n'est pas disponible maintenant, j'y vais faire.

Le protectionnisme chrétien épousé par la démagogue Dieumont devrait être ignoré plutôt considéré sérieusement comme un souci populaire. Les cours dans les cultures religieuses sont offrent par les écoles pas pour enseigner la foi préférée du parent mais pour aider l'enfant à mieux comprendre le monde, pas l'histoire culturelle du Québec. Les jeunes étudiants font la face aux symboles du christianisme dans tous les directions, la religion de la majorité est ben représenté dans les fêtes, nombres, contes populaires, références culturels etc. La jeunesse du Québec connaissent le christianisme, il les entoure. Donc il faut qu'on les enseigne à propos de tous les religions du monde et leur effet sur le développement des cultures diverses pour mieux comprendre le monde, le but pour que cette cours a été crée originellement.

Comme toujours, il faut qu'on remercie à Dieu que l'ADQ n'a pas gagné les élections hivernales, et ne le donner pas d'attention.

Libellés : Accommodements raisonnables, Politique, Québec

par Borges à 14:19

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Escalation Politics

Perhaps it was the signing of their (semi) Constitutional Treaty on the same day, perhaps it was simply enough was enough, but for whatever reason Europe has taken a stand against the United States in regards to climate change, by threatening a boycott a proposed U.S. climate change summit if the States do not agree to specific guidelines for cutting emissions.

If they are serious, could this be the beginning of a tougher, more potent Europe on the World stage, in matters not only of the environmental sense but also humanitarian and econmic policy? Of course, being the largest emitter of Co2 gas in the world, both in volume and per capita, the U.S. cannot be ignored by any means, however, as it has ignored the issue itself for such a long time, and refused to take action, what is there to be lost?

Libellés : Diplomatie, Environnement

par Borges à 12:45

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Les langues officielles dans la recherche de travail

Cependant que les anglophones continuent à se fuir pour le ROC, et les immigrants qui parlent l'anglais plutôt que le français plainent d'un manque d'opportunité pour ceux qui parlent pas la langue, une vision opposante a été présentée par un professeur du département de mathématiques et statistiques à l'Université d'Ottawa M. Charles Castonguay à la Commission Bouchard Taylor:

Après une analyse poussée des statistiques sur la langue et les revenus au fil des ans, il en arrive à la conclusion que pour les immigrants, il est encore plus rentable d’apprendre l’anglais que le français, même au Québec. Ceux qui n’apprennent que le français se trouvent dans les strates inférieures des revenus, alors que ceux qui apprennent l’anglais ont de meilleurs emplois, sont mieux rémunérés. [Cyberpresse 13.12.07]

Je crois pas qu'il est plus rentable d'apprendre l'anglais plutôt que français, je crois que pour les boulots professionnels il faut qu'on soit un peu bilingue, si pas complètement. C'est une vérité et un dommage que encore après combien années avec la Charte de la langue, le monde des affaires et professions qualifiés exige qu'on parle l'anglais, mais il faut toujours qu'on parle le français. Je crois que malheureusement c'est une réalité que le Québec francophone doit accommoder nos partenaires anglophones économiques, plutôt qu'ils doivent parler le français. Mais il devrait pas être interprété comme une affiche que la langue est menacée.

Libellés : la langue, Québec

par Borges à 14:10

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Maintenant, comme toujours

L'égalité entre les sexes comme amendement à la Charte Québécoise des Droits et Libertés est une bonne compromise entre ceux qui veulent protéger le Québec d'avenir contre le sexisme et la maltraitance comme ceux commis par l'établissement religieuse dominante de l'histoire du pays (l'Église catholique) avant la révolution tranquille et ceux qui veulent assurer que le Québec d'avenir soit une place acceptante où tous peuvent s'exprimer, même sur leur persuasion religieuse, sans être accusé d'être oppressé ou enchaîné par ceux qui comprennent pas.

Le Québec sera toujours un pays influencé par les autres cultures et pratiques parce que l'immigration est essentielle pour le développement économique et démographique du pays. Même considérant son histoire fière et unique, le Québec doit se changer, s'accepter comme il se trouve, une place accueillante, comme il existait toujours.

Libellés : Accommodements raisonnables, Québec

par Borges à 12:37

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L'art de se comporter méconnaissant

Sarkozy face le criticisme contre la relation chaleureuse des présidents français et libyen à cause des violations des droits humains de Général Qaddafi dans son pays. Cette relation inclut la vente et échange des armes, énergie et autres accords économiques et militaires qui évoque souci pour ceux qui sont inquiétés par l'utilisation de torture et terrorisme, dont le président libyen est vraiment coupable. Mais, l'Américain Nicolas, il est poli toujours:

Mouammar Kadhafi a assuré mardi que la question des droits de l'homme n'avait pas été évoquée lors des discussions qu'il a eues lundi avec Nicolas Sarkozy, contredisant le président français. [Reuters 11.12.07]

Ben' sûr.

Libellés : Diplomatie, Droits, Europe, Sarkowatch

par Borges à 17:21

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GES en redux

Le Québec va implémenter les limites strictes des émissions, pour les chars, à la plan de Californie, pour la première fois au Canada. C'est ça qui attendons du Québec, dirigeant dans le Canada, une province qui adopte et essaye des nouvelles idées et vise toujours l'avenir et la bien être du monde. Bravo et j'espère que c'est seulement le commencement des nouvelles mesures pour réduire ses émissions de GES.

Libellés : Environnement, Québec

par Borges à 16:22

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Pour mieux comprendre: Irlande du Nord et la nouvelle paix

Mes sentiments exactement, sur un pays qui est très compliqué, intéressant et vraiment unique, l'Irlande du Nord:

One can only hope that the Americans who were extolling the peace deal of the century haven't been following all these events too closely. They've been touched by the warmth of the First and Deputy First Minister, they're convinced it's peace in our time, but they haven't yet learned what the deal has done to the politics of Northern Ireland, the Republic and the whole British-Irish connection.

We ourselves are still in shock, so we shouldn't be surprised if others see it too simplistically. They think that if Ian and Martin can hit it off so well, and seemingly forget that until recently they were exclusively pro-union and pro-republican, the row can't have been about much.

Irish nationalism, they've concluded, can make its peace with Ulster unionism. All that was required was equal rights for republicans, within Northern Ireland, and the whole problem - as well as the guns - went away. Unionists only needed to see the IRA disarmed and Catholics supporting the police for their fears of a united Ireland to disappear. End of story.

Yet here we know that the transformation from a wholly integral part of the United Kingdom, separate from the Republic, to something completely different, has only begun. [Barry White, Belfast Telegraph 11.12.07]

Libellés : Irelande du Nord, La question nationale, Politique, États-Unis

par Borges à 15:11

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Reflexions on Bali

Regarding the U.N. Climate Change at Bali:

1. Whenever the United States and its stalwart position on fighting climate change is mentioned in the news, it is paired with Canada as its rogue partner. "The U.S. and Canada". Is that really how Canada wants to be seen?
2. This morning's declaration by UN Sec. General Baan Ki Moon that the fight against climate change would be the greatest of our time. One finds that statement a bit dramatic. Update 1720: The Pope agrees.
   
3. Indonesian President violating standard UN manners by singling out the U.S., by name, and calling on them to change. He was interrupted by roaring applause. Good one mate.

Libellés : Diplomatie, Environnement

par Borges à 11:43

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Une autre occasion manquée par Dion

Une table round sur les ondes de la Première Chaîne sur l'émission de Christine Charette, à propos de l'environnement et le Sommet de Bali, et le rôle canadien dans la lutte contre le changement climatique, a inclus M. Stephan Dion, qui est en Bali pour représenter au monde un autre vu canadien que la tenu et démontré par le gouvernement harperien.

Malheureusement, M. Dion ne s'est pas produit très bien. On attendrait qu'il l'aurait utilisé pour attaquer la politique environnemental des Conservateurs, ou à moins pour souligner les points plus importants dans les plans libéraux pour le pays. Ben, un des autres participants, pas Dion, ont souligné la similitude de la politique environnementale du gouvernement avec cela des États-Unis depuis 2002. Ça serait une bonne ouverture pour critiquer le gouvernement, mais Dion l'a pas pris. Peut-être que ce n'est pas son style pour profiter politiquement des discussions ouverts sur enjeux importants?

Libellés : Diplomatie, Environnement, Libéraux, Politique, ROC

par Borges à 19:37

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Hypolitics and the Union of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Hypothetical situations can sometimes be fascinating, even if they are just imaginary. Check out Analysis The Beginner's Guide to Separation, which this week examines the consequences of an independent Scotland in relation to the shared economic, military, and political and diplomatic system which would have to be somehow disentangled and what sort of direction an independent Scotland would take.

This is all while the constitutional questions facing the Union of Great Britain and Northern Ireland seem to becoming more and more discussed and doted upon, despite a complete lack of baiting from any of the seperatist factions across the U.K. In the past few days the Prime Minister Gorden Brown and Conservative leader David Cameron both declared their dedication to the Union and its future. Considering that only about 25% of Scottish people favour independence, why the sudden interest?

In fact it is England which is currently precipitating this non-crisis. More and more English politicians are using the lack of devolved government in England as rallying issue to garner support. The lack of devolved government in England means that currently, Northern Irish, Scottish and Welsh Members of Parliament in Westminster vote on all areas everything, including areas which have (within the past ten years) been devolved to the national parliaments/assemblies in their own nations and so are in effect uniquely English issues. Is it fair that Scottish people decide at Holyrood their educational policy and how they will use their tax money, while at the same time have representatives in Westminster voting on bills which only affect the education system in England? This paradox of the current situation is reffered to as the West Lothian question.

Libellés : G.B., La question nationale, Politique

par Borges à 14:40

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Proper Representation with Modified Single Transferable Vote (STV)

There is debate in Canada and Québec itself about fair representation. Where does protecting certain community's rights etc. become detrimental to democracy by creating unfairly small circumscriptions (such as Ungava in the North of Québec, which counts a whopping 24 000 electors) or generally not reflecting the demographics and distribution in Québec.

My idea? A National Assembly that uses Single Transferable votes with a certain reserve of seats for protected minorities (such as women, First Nations, perhaps even anglophones? And allophones?)I Know there are plenty of problems with that proposal, but that I think that would answer the questions asked.

Comment dessiner une carte électorale équitable? ...Cette année la question débattue sera «Comment dessiner une carte électorale équitable?». Cette problématique soulève depuis quelques années de nombreuses questions et interrogations. Comment établir une carte électorale juste compte tenu de la diversité géographique, démographique et sociologique des territoires? Peut-on respecter de manière effective les critères d’égalité de vote? La carte électorale peut-elle régler les inégalités politiques entre les régions ? [Québec Politique 16.11.07]

Libellés : Politique, Québec

par Borges à 10:37

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Shiver...

The Big Man and McGuinness' visit to the United States included tours of Midtown Manhatten and further downtown. This picture fore their visit is a truly terrifying vission.

So when the US President met the First and Deputy First in washington he paid tribute to them, adding ''these two men have dedicated themselves to embettering Northern Ireland through courage and conviction and desire to put aside the past and focus on a hopeful future." When I put the word "embettering" into the spell check on my computer it suggested i should change the text to "embittering". But I am sure that's not what President Bush had in kind. [Mark Devenport 10.12.07]

Libellés : Irelande du Nord, États-Unis

par Borges à 18:18

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Men Alike: Sarkozy and Gaddafi get oiled up!

Muammer Gaddafi is due to be in France soon, making an official to it's northern neighbour. Bygones are bygones, and there is oil to be bought! And plenty of other agreements between the two countries. I would love to be a fly one the wall at their meeting and see how similar they are, I would imagine very.

Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi is due to arrive in France for a five-day official visit, his first since 1973Colonel Gaddafi was invited after Libya released five Bulgarian nurses and a doctor who had been condemned to death, a case in which France mediated. The foreign medics were handed over to French President Nicolas Sarkozy's ex-wife Cecilia earlier this year.Since then, the two countries have been strengthening their bilateral ties with a number of economic deals. [BBC 9.12.07]

Wohw, he's been everywhere lately, eh, securing lucrative deals. "Sarkozy le globetrotter", I think I like it.

Libellés : Europe, Sarkowatch

par Borges à 14:05

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Who said this?

But the outcome will be decisively influenced by two nations that are now failing to do enough: the United States and China. While India is also growing fast in importance, it should be absolutely clear that it is the two largest CO2 emitters — most of all, my own country –– that will need to make the boldest moves, or stand accountable before history for their failure to act. [Transcript via America Blog]

...


Al Gore in Oslo, while accepting his prize money. These same words are being uttered in Bali, will anyone notice?

Libellés : Environnement

par Borges à 12:21

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PLQ Steps it up!

There is excellent news that Liberal Party of Québec will step forward and submit a set of their recommendations on reasonable accommodations. Their proposals are soft, but I think that they are comprehensive enough to address the issues in question. Their proposal includes an agreement of Québécois values for immigrants to sign before coming, one that includes the primacy of the French language for shore. The other ideas involve the facilitation of further immigration and with that more resources for successful integration (such as francisation and foreign qualification recommendations. The 5 ideas that will be put before the Commission by the Liberals are:

• Create a moral engagement and institute its use for all new immigrants before coming to Québec;
  
• Make better known the positive contribution of immigrants concerning the development of Québec;
• Increase immigration while increasing francisation funding ;
• Prioritise a wider recognition of foreign qualifications
  
• Make sure that the equality that exists between men and women is never put into jeopardy for an accomodation
  

Of course, the fact that the third party of the Assembly, the PQ, submitted a BILL months ago à propos the same issues, so the governing party did drop the ball, however it has picked it up and I applaud them for offering a less harsh alternative to the Bill 195. Perhaps there is compromise somewhere in between?

Libellés : Accommodements raisonnables, Libéraux, Québec

par Borges à 11:43

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Je veux la Reine!!

Je suis pas heureux que M. Harper a décidé ne pas inviter la Reine du Canada pour participer dans les fêtes de 400eme anniversaire de Québec. Est-ce qu'est-on n'a pas invité le président de la France? La Reine est la tête d'état pour le Royaume Uni et plusieurs pays, ça inclut le Canada. Et le R.U. est un pays plus important dans le développement de la Ville de Québec, considérant que le régime britannique colonial y gouvernait et influençait pour beaucoup plus de années que la France. Ben, la langue, la culture de la ville est un uniquement francophone. Mais pas français, donc si on invite la France, il faut qu'on invite la Britannique.

Libellés : Québec, Souverainistes

par Borges à 06:49

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Get Out the Vote '08- Pakistan Style!

Exiled Prime Minister and Embezzler Benazir Bhutto has stated that her party (Pakistan People's Party) will participate in the National Assembly elections to come on the 8th of January, as will ousted (by Musharraf and his military) former Prime Minister Nazaw Sharrif and the party he lead (Pakistan Muslim League-N) will contest elections as well. Quite a different tune from their original poistions, however it seems that a lack of coherence between opposition groups and a general feeling that a boycott of the legislative elections will greatly benefit the PML-Q and it's founder, President Musharraf, rather than damage his/their power or credibility.

Libellés : Pakistan, Politique

par Borges à 20:22

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I can see you, but I can't hear you...

Il y'avait de grandes manifestations contre le changement climatique, partout le monde et même partout le Canada. Je n'étais pas à Toronto ni Edmonton pour être assuré, mais je crois que Montréal avait la meilleure! Bravo, il faut que nos dirigeants sachent qu'il nous occupe, l'environnement. Malgré les grandes déclarations mondiales de soutien pour la protection et amélioration de la situation environnementale de gens, le sommet à Bali a échoué pour offrir une halte des tarifs sur les technologies écologiques pour promouvoir leur usage au monde. En fait, les participants de ce sommet se sont réussis à faire presque rien pour aider la planète. Et ben, ben, ben, BEN sur, la plus grande économie au monde (États-Unis) et le plus grand pays au monde (la Chine) continuent rechigner comme bébés. En plus, je sais pas comment les participants vont compenser pour leurs émissions de CO2 produits par leurs voyages aviaires à l'Insulinde, bah, pour discuter ces enjeux!

Libellés : Environnement

par Borges à 14:20

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Palestine and Northern Ireland: Demographics in parity

When two indigenous communities are at war over a territory and its status, the firepower and economic clout and international backing can become irrelevant in the wake of demographics. In Northern Ireland, the population trends are constantly being studied, predicting who will have a majority at what point and time, and what will it mean.

For example, the demographic trends of the two native communities of Northern Ireland, Catholic and Protestant (just to make things easier we'll leave it at) are closely studied by all sides: Net population growth, death rates, but above all, birth rates, are scrutinised and augured upon to determine what consequences they may have for political support of the various parties and constitutional options, the future status of NI.

Inside Israel, and for these purposes we are discussing the State of Israel as defined by the Green Line (and so therefore not taking into consideration Palestinians and their occupied homelands) the two native communities of ethnic Jews and Arabs, there is little concern over the continued status of Israel, and there shouldn't be, it is assured to stay. However Israeli politician (whom no one can blame for using a pseudonym, I mean, it is Israel), under the pseudonym Obadian Shoher on the blog(/book?) Samson Blinded, offers us some very interesting observations:

Peace process fails to address the major issue of Israel’s Jewishness. Israeli Arabs already constitute more than a third of Israeli youth. Arabs constitute majority in many important areas of Israel. The area of Lod near Ben Gurion airport is as much hostile to Israel as Gaza. Israel’s real problem is not the Palestinian Authority, but the Israeli Arabs who can field the largest faction in the Knesset ten years from now.[ Obadiah Shoher 2.12.07]

The prospect of an Israel made up of Arabs and Jews living (or being forced to live) in the same state is not only interesting but one that I personally look forward too. Imagine the Arab interests of Israeli citizens represented and protected, via democratically elected representatives and in a government designed to exclude them. Imagine a Knesset that represents and works for all the people of Israel, Jewish and Arab.

H.T. to commenter Sam, who pointed me to the article concerned.

Libellés : Diplomatie, Droits, Guerre, Irelande du Nord, Israel/Palestine, La question nationale

par Borges à 11:51

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Fairness aside...

China claims that it is not for them to bear the burden of specific, or meaningful, targets to cut green house gas emissions (although indeed, there are steps being taken at all levels of government to aide in the fight against climate change and environmental destruction). The reasoning is that they are still developping, and their people are still poor. So 50 years of detrimental environmental policies, which have left the country devistated in an environmental sense) and a complete disregard for sake of their nation, the Chinese government says that allowing them to continue in such a manner will... pull them out of poverty? Is that what they are suggesting?

Libellés : Diplomatie, Environnement

par Borges à 15:07

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Before our very eyes... 31 Monks murdered, thousands imprisoned

One day after the UN delegation left, or was forced by circumstances to depart, there will be released on monday by the United Nations Human Rights Council a report declaring a massarcre of 31 monks in peaceful protestduring the protests of the previous months. After all these months people are still suffering there... Well, you know what to do:

Canada: prmny@international.gc.ca
UK: uk@un.int
US: usa@un.int
Ireland: ireland@un.int
France: france@un.int
Belgique: newyorkun@diplobel.be
Chine: chinamission_un@fmprc.gov.cn

Libellés : agissez-vous, Birmanie, Droits

par Borges à 13:05

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Harper and Dumont?

M.Stephen Harper is going to be in Rivière de Loup, a small town on the southern bank of the St. Laurent, about 150 km northe of la capitale nationale before you get up into the Gaspé to meet with local business men and politicians, blah blah blah. The important part is that he will be meeting leader of the closest thing Québec has to a Conservative party, the ADQ (Democratic Action of Québec) in his own constituency (in the provincial elections of March 2006) Dumont reported nearly 58% percent of the vote (1), an amazing number especially in Québec. Leurs valeurs se semblent, et les deux haitent les libéraux, donc, il serait probablement beaucoup pour en parler.

On demande, qu'est-ce qu'ils vont discuter dans cette p'tite rencontre. Peut-être que M. Harper va essayer de convaincre M. Dumont pour soutenir son projet de loi pour la péréquation des sièges aux Communes? Peut-être que c'est l'ouverture d'un nouveau partenariat dans la province pour mieux assuré le succès des deux partis (particulierèment dans la conscription fédéral dans quel Rivière du Loup est inclut a vu des résultats humiliants pour les Conservateurs dans la dernière scrutin (BQ a reçu 52 percent, le PCC seulement 25 (2.). Ou quel sauce on utilise pour mieux assaisonner un bébé pour manger...

Libellés : Politique, Québec, ROC

par Borges à 12:04

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Bad News, Dion

Apparently, Liberal voters in Québec don't much like M. Stephen Dion, even if they do approve of the party he leads. However, they must really see him an incompetent, unlikable idiot if 20% percent of people that voted for the PLC think that Harper AND Layton are better to be Prime Minister than Dion is. Commentary after the numbers, and a few choice quotes:

Quand on scrute les réponses de ceux qui ont l'intention de voter pour le PLC, on constate d'abord que seulement 52% désignent M. Dion comme meilleur premier ministre, mais aussi que 22% optent plutôt pour le chef conservateur.

That's a bit embarrasing. Considering the amazing failures of the Harper government, I can't understand how any Liberal could think more highly of Harper than Dion. But that seems to be a popular enough opinion. Even more troubling though are the numbers for the Québec electorate as a whole:

Dans l'ensemble, 38% des Québécois estiment que Stephen Harper est le meilleur candidat au poste de premier ministre du Canada. Jack Layton le néo-démocrate est le choix de 23% des Québécois et Stéphane Dion le libéral ferme la marche avec 14%.

Leyton sucks and it's just sad that our leader is so despised. Would Ignattieff have done better?

Libellés : Libéraux, Politique, ROC

par Borges à 18:14

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Avec la bénédiction de la Reine

La nouvelle que le PQ de Mme Marois s'est passé l'ADQ et le PLQ dans le dernier sondage. Je comprends complètement, personnellement. Dans les élections d'hiver, j'ai soutenu les libéraux, leur politique me semblait la plus progressive pour le Québec de présent, basée sur les plateformes politiques etc. Mais dans les mois intervenants, et avec la couronnement de Pauline Marois, le PQ m'a convaincu qu'il est le Parti qui aie les meilleures idées pour diriger le pays, la meilleure intégrité, et le performant mieux.

Avec la démission de André Boisclair après les gagnes attendus de l'équipe ''Dieumont'', Mme Marois est arrivée brillante sur la scène, même si j'étais sceptique. Les péquistes se sont agis comme elle serait la sauveur de leur parti en chute, et il m'a fait questionner l'efficace d'aucune leader pour changer l'opinion publique pour rédimer un parti entier.

Or, je me suis trompé, et j'étais incorrecte. Même que les programmes et valeurs des partis n'ont pas changé rien, Mme Marois et son équipe se sont achevées à réveiller de nouveau le parti pour attirer les indépendantistes, souverainistes-doux, autonomistes et même fédéralistes à leur côté. Chu trop occupé pour savoir pourquoi ou le analyser, mais pour moé, c'était la Reine Marois et le projet de loi 195 qui m'a gagné.

Pour voir: Les Chiffres

Parti québécois aurait obtenu 34 % Les libéraux restent au même niveau avec 30 %, tandis que l’ADQ baisse de 2 points, à 26 %.

Le mois passé, libéraux et péquistes étaient au même niveau, à 31 %, et l’ADQ juste derrière, à 28 %....

Chez les francophones, les libéraux restent en queue du classement. Le PQ y domine avec 39 % d’appuis, suivi de l’ADQ avec 29. Les libéraux ferment la marche avec 23 %, soit le même score qu’en octobre. [Cyberpresse 6.12.07]

Libellés : Libéraux, Mme Marois, Politique, Québec, Souverainistes

par Borges à 12:55

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Acceptez-nous, s'il vous plait

La lettre d'un immigrant allophone musulman sur les attitudes vers l'Islam.

Dans mon pays d'origine, on était entouré d'autant d'églises que de mosquées. On nous répétait souvent que dans l'islam, Dieu est miséricordieux et non pas un dieu qui punit ou qui se venge et que le prophète Mahomet lui-même disait à ses disciples qui le questionnaient quant à l'application des règles de l'islam: «Choisissez la façon la plus simple pour vous.»

Tout cela pour dire que ni les musulmans qui exigent une place pour prier à la cabane à sucre ou à l'université ne me représentent, puisqu'ils peuvent faire leurs cinq prières chez eux le soir, et que ni les propos de quelques Québécois radicaux, surtout teintés de beaucoup d'ignorance, qu'on a entendus à la commission Bouchard-Taylor ne me rejoignent.

Je dis à tout ce monde ce que Tiken Jah Fakoly, le chanteur africain, dit dans sa chanson: «Ouvrez les frontières, ouvrez les frontières de vos coeurs et de vos esprits, ouvrez-vous à l'autre, vous verrez bien qu'il n'est pas si différent de vous.»[Radio Canada 5.12.07]

Libellés : Accommodements raisonnables, Islam, Québec

par Borges à 12:23

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Sarkozy <3 Algeria

L'américain is finishing up a diplomatic visit to one of France's former colonies and the sight of brutal war for independence that scarred both tremendously. France, without a doubt, was the oppressor and the bad guy, and Algerians have not forgotten. M. Sarkozy was greeted in protest, bu then spent a merry few days hammering out lucrative deals (business before pleasure) and concluded by delivering a rousing speech on the horrors of colonialism, and certainly conveyed the message: France is very very very VERY sorry. So to France he returns, historical wounds healed and a bunch of oil and money to boot! Well done.

Libellés : Europe, Sarkowatch

par Borges à 21:33

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Pleae pay no attention to the two men holding blood stained hands

Imposters in peace, First and Deputy First Minsters of Northern Ireland Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness have been touring the U.S., spreading the news of a peaceful Ireland, the success of the peace process, and of course the wonderful investment opportunities there. Of course, they are celebrated and praised everywhere they go, if only America tried better to understand ''The Troubles'' and the actual role McGuinness (of Sinn Féin) and Paisley (of the Democratic Unionist Party) played in it, they would be less jovial.

These two men are demagogues who have constantly disrupted the peace process and fermented anti-neighbor sentiments in their speeches, in their policies, in their actions. These men were terrorists, hate-mongerers who until the situation was ripe for their domination, did everything they could to stop the moderate Nationalist and Unionist camps from agreeing on a deal. The same deal on political system that is in place there now, the one which is supported and accepted by both the DUP and Sinn Fein as fair, was offered to Northern Ireland in 1974, however it was McGuinness, Paisley and others who prevented it from being implemented.

They opposed the 1998 Belfast Accord and it wasn't until the elections to the devolved Assembly of 2003, when the two hardline parties found themselves the the most powerful in their respective communities, and therefore the leaders of any proposed devolved government, that their attitudes began to change.

To me, these men are to be held in contempt, they are important, they are powerful, they are aweful.

Libellés : Diplomatie, Irelande du Nord, Politique, États-Unis

par Borges à 16:51

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La langue au Québec: Soucis mais pas beaucoup

Dans cette tempête de chiffres et accusations et alarme sur l'avenir du français au Québec, je crois que le Québec est assuré comme pays francophone et que la menace n'existe pas, cette menace fabriquée par les journaux et politiciens qui crient épouvantablement d'une crise linguistique, ''La crise linguistique'', il me semble qu'il soit un démon imaginaire. Or, il faut qu'on admette qu'y'a quel que chiffres ennuyeux:

• Au bas mot, 75 000 cas d'anglicisation au Québec entre 1971 et 2001, contre 30 000 cas de francisation.

• Pour le démontrer, le document compare le poids de la population francophone au recensement de 1986 à celui de 2001. Statistique Canada a pourtant averti que les changements majeurs apportés au questionnaire en 1991 rendent fort complexe la tâche de comparer les données de 1991 sur la langue maternelle à celles de 1986. Autrement dit, mieux vaut ne comparer que les données de 1991 et 2001, recueillies à l'aide d'un questionnaire à peu près inchangé. On constate alors que le poids des francophones au Québec a chuté de près d'un point de pourcentage au cours de ces dix dernières années. [Libre Opinion du Devoir 4.12.07]

Pas grave, mais inquiétant toujours. Mais le chiffre qui attire la plus d'attention est le fait que le nombre des francophones ( langue maternelle) a tombé sous 80 percent de la population (pour la première fois depuis 1932) . Mais ce n'est même pas tant grave. On doit souvenir que y'a une différence entre la compétence linguistique des gens et leur lange maternelle. Dans 1932, et plus ben, les années 60 et 70, la plus part des non-francophones auraient connu rien ou presque rien du français. Mais dans cette époque, les chiffres nous montrent que plus de 93 percent de la population utilisent le français quotidiennement. Au sujet des immigrants, leurs fils seront francophones, même s'ils n'apprennent pas le français jusqu'au ils entrent le réseau scolaire, donc, la langue maternelle vaut moins moins quand on considère

À mon côté, je sais que mon français est très mal, mais je n'étais pas scolarisé au Québec, mais pour vivre au Québec, la pression pour apprendre le français, les encouragements qu'on sent quotidiennement (et plus les ressources offrent pour l'apprendre), on devienne fière d'être un étudiant de la langue, un participant dans une culture et société très belle, très fière, très je sais pas comment on peut résister la possibilité d'apprendre la langue de cette belle province.

Libellés : Accommodements raisonnables, la langue, Québec

par Borges à 15:10

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Come on, Marois

Communiqué drôle du Parti Québecois, qui décrie la malfaisance du gouvernement minoritaire libéral dans la fermeture des usines de papiers dans la région Abitibi-Témiscamingue. J'aime pas comme les partis d'opposition se positionne toujours dans l'attaque, plutôt que présenter leurs solutions et idées proposées pour les enjeux qu'ils plainent. La communiqué inclut 4 paragraphes des jabs aux Libéraux, et seulement dans la quatrième (de cinq) paragraphes ils notent, très bref, leur initiative pour aider ceux qui ont affecté par ''la crise forestière''.

« Les travailleurs forestiers doivent savoir que Jean Charest et Claude Béchard ont refusé de les aider. C’est inacceptable. C’est le rôle d’un premier ministre que de venir en aide à des travailleurs qui traversent la pire crise de leur histoire, une crise amplifiée d’ailleurs par sa propre incurie. Il est temps que le gouvernement Charest se réveille et protège les emplois dans le secteur forestier et le secteur manufacturier. Les drames se succèdent et cela doit cesser », a conclu Pauline Marois.[PQ 30.11.07]

Tabernak, est-ce que t'es sérieux? Où était la bambi dans ses brasses pour mieux avilir le Premier Ministre?

Libellés : Mme Marois, Politique, Québec, Économie

par Borges à 12:50

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Talk about a great attitude!

This woman must know the secret to serenity and peace, because just, well just read on. This is the testimonial of Mrs. Gibbons, the British school teacher who was held in a Sudanese prison, her life under threat, for allowing her students to name a bear. Seriously, read what she has to say:

"I am very sorry to leave Sudan. I had a fabulous time. It is a beautiful place and I had a chance to see some of the countryside. "The Sudanese people I found to be extremely kind and generous and until this happened I only had a good experience."

"I wouldn't like to put anyone off going to Sudan. "I would like to thank Lord Ahmed and Baroness Warsi and I would like to thank all the people who have worked so hard to secure my release and make my time more bearable". Mrs Gibbons said she was treated the same as other Sudanese prisoners and that the Ministry of Interior sent her a bed, which was "the best present". [BBC 4.12.07]

Libellés : Afrique, Diplomatie, Droits

par Borges à 11:03

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The sytem works!

Bref, je voudrais dire que je vois pas de problème avec les donnes fait par M. Schreiber au campagne de leadership du Parti Conservateur. Les riches donnent aux politiciens l'argent, les politiciens acceptent, ce n'est pas un secrète, ni est il illégal. Si on veut voir un vrai scandale de financement politique, tournez est à Bretagne.

Karlheinz Schreiber a déclaré, mardi matin... qu'il avait versé de l'argent à la campagne à la direction du parti conservateur en 1993. Jean Charest tentait alors de se faire élire à la tête du parti conservateur. M. Schreiber a précisé que le frère de M. Charest l'a rencontré à Ottawa, à l'édifice de la confédération, pour lui demander s'il ne pouvait pas contribuer à la campagne de son frère. M. Schreiber a déclaré qu'il serait ravi de contribuer à cette campgane. Il a alors versé 30 000 $ en argent comptant. [Radio Canada 4.12.07]

Libellés : Politique, Québec, ROC

par Borges à 13:10

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Sarkozy Says Sorry for colonialism

Le rôle de représentant diplomatique de la France est tenu par Président Nicolas Sarkozy, qui, après son voyage à la Chine (où il a obtenu milliards des euros dans accords entre enterprises et gouvernements français et chinois), maintenant il est au pays qui aime la France la plus au monde, l'Algérie.

Après jours de cacophonie à propos de sa visite là, les Algériens l'ont accueilli pas tant froid qu'on attendrait. Et ben sur, il s'est excusé son pays pour les injustes commis par la régime coloniale français. Cet Nicolas là, toujours le coquette.

Libellés : Europe, Sarkowatch

par Borges à 12:53

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Chistianophobia?

British MP warns of a rising Chistianophobia. While I can't claim to have any personal experience or authenticity on the Christian religion in the UK, I think that Islamophobia is a much bigger problem, and that this Christianophobia he speaks to is simply the is more a reflexion of of the Church's decline in importance in England as in any country. Tony Blair did say that he feared sharing his true religious beliefs for fear of being seen as a ''nutter''. Well maybe Blair's right because he certainly never hid his involvement in the church and the importance of prayer and belief in God in his role as Prime Minister, definitely not a secular type, so if he has some sort of hidden beliefs they must be pretty extreme and alienating.

Mark Pritchard, the Conservative MP for Wrekin in Shropshire (which is DEFIANTLY Middle England) did make a sensible prediction that if Christianity and its adherents started to feel alienated by major parties, they'll turn to more hard-line parties. That could very well be the case if that situation occurs. Considering that there is a serious proposal to include a creationist theory of the development of the earth in the centre for one of the UK's UNESCO World Heritage sights. i'd say that is not the case yet and won't be for a long time to come. Has it occurred anywhere else? One is not well versed in the political aspirations of practising Christians in western democracies.

Oh, and M. Pritchard, if you want to see Christianophobia, venez vous ici au Québec (according to some, not me, well maybe)

Libellés : G.B., Politique

par Borges à 11:42

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Iran is safe, and Canada is out!

I don't understand how the recent report by the National Intelligence Estimate that Iran stopped its nuclear arms program over three years ago should change anyone's views on the subject. The debate on Iran right now is and has been for the past year or so has officially about it's domestic nuclear program, to be used for electricity and such, and people just fear that they could be used in the wrong way (the stonewalling, hot-and-cold stances on both sides mean that problems have arisen in terms of communication and

The United States foreign policy makers continued trying to promote the belief in a nuclear armed Iran, but plenty of governments go around trying to sell theory's to other nations, doesn't give it weight. This "news" is just confirmation that a rumour, whipped up by various governments, is untrue and should be treated as such, gossip. (although the use of the word "gossip" while speaking about nuclear weapons feels strange).

Also interesting to note, Canada's ambassador to Iran John Mundy has been ''expelled''. Well that's Canada gone then. Good thing they're burning bridges as well as building them.

Libellés : Diplomatie

par Borges à 02:51

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Conservatives v. Opposition v. Opposition. Guess who wins?

Are the Conservatives, as a political force, stronger than all the other parties at the national level? One begins to wonder if the Conservative Party of Canada has become (or is in the process of becoming) a monolith of Canadian politics, a single party with a single vision that seems to grow stronger and more widely appealing, while the Opposition parties, each of them generally founded upon some sort of leftist or social-democratic tendency, tear each other to shreds.

Has the Conservative Party of Canada succeeded in breaking the Left, into a thousand pieces, never again able to come together to offer an effective, leftist leadership to the nation? Think about it, nearly 40 percent of Canadians voted for the Conservative party, their united platform and promises. That is dangerously close to an absolute majority.

Unfortunately the goals of the opposition parties tend to be more varied than those of the Conservatives, naturally considering that they are different parties. The environment, social welfare, self determination, etc, are important issues to non-Conservatives, yet no party seems to be able to work with any other in order to bring advances on some of these issues.

Canadian democracy operates under a system where plurality is the best to be expected. The formation of different parties and movements is a good thing. But it sometimes seems that Ottawa has becomes a trichotomy: Conservatives v. Opposition v. Themselves. That is a fearful trend.

This post was inspired by the following passage in a piece in an Canadian anglophone newspaper:
For this reason, one can't help but think that the Prime Minister is trying to create a wedge between the Conservatives as defenders of sceptical self-interest and economic responsibility, and the Liberals, NDP, Bloc Québécois and Greens on the side of environmental alarmism and fiscal imprudence [The Star 3.12.07]

Libellés : Politique, ROC

par Borges à 19:26

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Mutual Friends?

Iran wants to consolidate regional solidarity in the areas of commerce and defence by making deals with the Gulf Co-operation Council (S.A., Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, Oman, and of course, Kuwait). That's a good move considering Iran's worsening perception and relations with the West. The GCC has nothing to loose from such negotiations, and perhaps this will be the beginning of some sort of regional co-operation, on anything.
Of course the reader will notice that for the most part these nations are indeed very friendly with the United States, so one will wonder if they would feel conflicted supporting what is considered by the U.S. government a rogue and dangerous regime. Then again, perhaps ties with Iran and a strong region-wide co-operation will mean that the approval and opinions of the United States hold less weight in the Gulf.

Libellés : Diplomatie

par Borges à 14:34

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Les garderies importent:: Au Québec et au Canada partout

La lutte pour la puériculture abordable pour toutes continue au Québec avec plaintes du troisième parti de l'Assembléee Nationale en matière des places réservés pour ceux qui ont besoin. J'appuie les péquistes en défendant les principes socialistes, tel la provision des services essentiels pour les travailleurs, plutôt que leur babillage habituel sur l'indépendance. Le PQ continuent m'y attirer.

Selon les péquistes, il est urgent de créer de nouvelles garderies et d'augmenter la capacité de celles qui existent déjà. Selon les estimations, il manquerait à Montréal environ 3000 places en CPE pour combler les besoins des familles. Toutefois, ils n'ont pas été en mesure de chiffrer le coût que représente leur création.

En ce moment, environ 15 000 enfants sont inscrits sur des listes d'attente. Il faut toutefois considérer que le nombre de places nécessaires est moindre puisque les enfants sont souvent enregistrés sur plusieurs listes afin d'augmenter les chances d'obtenir une place dans un CPE. [Radio Canada 2.12.07]

Je voudrais savoir comment progrès la bataille pour la provision de garde des enfants dans le ROC, considérant que n'y a pas de loi nationale pour soutenir la développement d'un tel réseau des garderies aux provinces (et territoires). En plus, considèrent l'importance de l'éducation préscolaire qui est fourni avec les garderies, pour quoi n'est-ce qu'est-il perçu comme une partie intégral des réseaux d'éducation provinciaux?

Libellés : Pauvreté et développement, Québec, ROC

par Borges à 12:37

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ALHAMDULILAH !

That is what I said to myself as I breathed a sigh of relief as Ms. Gibbons was pardoned by President al-Bashir of Sudan. Alhamdulilah means "Thanks be to God". Hat's must be tipped to British peers Baroness Sayeeda Warsi and Lord Nazir Ahmed for their diplomatic efforts.

Libellés : Droits

par Borges à 11:28

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Journée mondiale: VIH-SIDA

La journée m'a manqué, mais je voudrais seulement rappeler tout le monde à utilise les préservatifs, soyez prudents et sûr, et aller toutes les 6 mois pour un examen de VIH.

par Borges à 21:11

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Qu'est-ce que s'y passe en Russe?

Bon rapportage qu'invite réflexion par la BBC Radio 4 à propos de la Russie de Vladimir Putin et son régime perplexe et ennuyeux, choisi par presque 70 percent de l'électorat russe, séduits par promises d'une Russe forte encore, et un plan des Priorités Nationales pour régénérer et enrichir le pays. À même temps, l'opposition se trouve hors la sphère médiatique, ses dirigeants persécutés, dans un pays qui est de plus en plus habituellement appelé néo-soviétique. Entendez vous, il vaut une écoute.

Les résultats de l'élection parlementaire montre 60 percent des votes pour le groupe de Putin, Russe Uni, pas de surprise, et notons que ce ne sera pas considéré une élection juste ni propre.

Libellés : Droits

par Borges à 21:01

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The Quagmire of Privitisation in Africa, or "All Roads lead to Zurich"

The recently replaced President of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo was not a competent or caring leader. The former military dictator (1976-1979) turned participant-in-democracy (as President 1999-2007) consistently persecuted and impeded all unionising forces in the country, brutally repressed the inhabitants in the Niger Delta wanting their share of the oil revenue derived from their land, and made sure that his administration benefited from the astronomical wealth procured in the sale of these oil rights to international companies.

A change of government has occurred in the oil rich country, which is not only home to a fifth of Africa's 500 million plus inhabitants, but also an interesting mix of Muslim and Christian living side by side, with different states under the control of whichever religious group is most prevalent (in fact in some Nigerian states Sharia law has been blended into the legal system, something of an reasonable accommodation of you will). The new president, M. Amaru Yar-Adua has promised a review of these privitisation contracts and hopefully a more fair distribution as a result.

Of course, that they are from the same party and that M Adua was compliant in the past administration should make no difference in the efficacy of this proposal. Neither should the unfortunate tendency for the revenues from nationalised assets to somehow wind up in secret Swiss bank accounts, which is where they would end up if they were gained by private companies. So one would suppose that it doesn't really matter who the money goes, it will not be re-invested in the state, sadly.

Libellés : Droits, Économie

par Borges à 15:09

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Exemples de Courage au Soudan

Voyez: Des manifestants courageux qui se sont joignés pour défendre l'enseignante britannique Gillian Gibbons, qui s'était trouvée dans la garde à vu soudanaise après qu'elle a permis ses étudiants de première année à appeler une plush le nom Muhammed. Au début de cet incident effrayent, je me suis demandé si y'auraient des manifestations publiques au Soudan. Je en doutais à cause la répression sévère qui est souffrent habituellement par les gens là. Il faut qu'on les salue, ces gens braves dans un pays où une femme peut être arrêtée et pire pour la dénomination d'un ours en peluche, ils ont la valeur et courage pour montrer leur réprobation à leur gouvernement, sans égard aux conséquences possibles. Ben, on doit noter que leur doléances est que le gouvernement a décidé de punir Mme Gibbons avec 2 semaines dans une prison, ces manifestants veulent qu'il choisisse la peine de mort pour elle.

Libellés : Droits

par Borges à 12:59

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Scandal rocks British politics... continually and unrelenting

I don't think that there exists, to my knowledge anyway, a sphere of politics so prone to blame and scandal and scrutiny as the British one. The following are is list of 6 scandals that have occured over the past month involving British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. When I say scandal I mean something on the scale of a Mulroney-Schreiber type scandal in Canadian terms, the guy just can't catch a brake:

The election that wasn't (Late October, early Nov 2007): During the annual party conferences (which have the delightful tradition of always being held at seaside resorts, just a fun piece of trivia) there was much gossip (and gossip is the only word appropriate) surrounding an early election, possibly late November or early Spring 2008. When no such poll was announced Gordon Brown was labelled coward and a liar, despite never having hinted at the prospect of an early election. People cried out that he was playing games with the electorate, manipulating the political scene. As if that's not what a Prime Minister's job is anyway

Lame duck throne speech (Early Nov. 2007): As he took office in a lacklustre change of mandate in June 2007, Gordon Brown had to lay out a concrete vision to inform the British people about his plans and aspirations for the country. So he did such at the time of his accession to power and then several months later during the November 2007 Queen's Speech he proposed pretty much the same things, with some additional ideas that had been being considered by all three major parties, such as estate tax reform. He received criticism over lacking vision and stealing other parties policies. It's a paradoxical view indeed that a man cannot add anything new without having stolen it and being immoral, and yet if he shows nothing new, he is rigid and lacks vision.

Immigrants miscalculation (Mid Nov. 2007): A Senior Minister's population estimates regarding new immigrants in the United Kingdom are off by more than 300 000. People point to Brown's indecisive leadership.

Stolen Disc (late Nov. 2007): An info CD containing child-credit tax information is lost with nearly 25 million people's personal and financial information while being transported between Her Majesty's Revenues and Customs Service and a nearby auditor. Somehow the Prime Minister is culpable for a lost package, so he apologizes.

Donations (Late Nov. 2007): Seasoned Labour contributer is found to have made large donations under false names to senior Labour minister's and their election campaigns, without the knowledge of anyone in the party. Now the Prime Minister is leading the charge against funding irregularity.

Military Spending (Late Nov. 2007): Fairly recent, Military dudes think Brown is cheap on military funding. Perhaps he is i'm not qualified to say.

And the best part is that they just keep adding and adding, forming a sort of cloud of failure around a man who is not responsible for or did nothing wrong in terms of, various cock ups. Someone at the Times thinks this will have a lasting effect, this ''Black November'' if you will (i wouldn't but that is the term being used occasionally), myself, I'm alright to just watch and see.

Libellés : G.B., Politique

par Borges à 11:31

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Clarifications on Pakistan

Anyone who characterises the Pakistani government as illegitimate or the Presidency of Musharraf invalid or illegal, the following are two important issues explained afterwards by the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (1970):

1.Musharraf was elected by the democratically formed National Assembly of Pakistan (elections were held in 2004)

Article 41. The President.

• (1) There shall be a President of Pakistan who shall be the Head of State and shall represent the unity of the Republic.
• (2) A person shall not be qualified for election as President unless he is a Muslim of not less than forty-five years of age and is qualified to be elected as member of the National Assembly.
• (3) The President to be elected after the expiration of the term specified in clause

...
( 7) shall be elected in accordance with the provisions of the Second Schedule by the members of an electoral college consisting of:

• (a) the members of both Houses; and
• (b) the members of the Provincial Assemblies.

2. Musharraf has the right to appoint and fire judges as he pleases. Therefore the firing of Justice Chauhdry and the subsequent approval of Musharraf's president were both legal.

Article 176. Constitution of Supreme Court. The Supreme Court shall consist of a Chief Justice to be known as the Chief Justice of Pakistan and so many other Judges as may be determined by Act of [160] [Majlis-e-Shoora(Parliament)] or, until so determined, as may be fixed by the President.

Article 180. Acting Chief Justice.At any time when-

• (a) the office of Chief Justice of Pakistan is vacant; or
• (b) the Chief Justice of Pakistan is absent or is unable to perform the functions of his office due to any other cause, the President shall appoint [163] [the most senior of the other Judges of the Supreme Court] to act as Chief Justice of Pakistan.

Libellés : Droits, Pakistan, Politique

par Borges à 13:05

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