South Korea's Out

So much for a coalition of the willing. Our ally, South Korea has decided to pull out of Afghanistan sooner than later. What's so disturbing about this? They made the deal with the Taliban themselves and without the puppet Karzai's help.

So who's really still ruling the country? Still think it's Karzai?

Doesn't this just undo 6 years of bloodshed by our boys over there. I'm certain Korea will not be the last country to get out sooner than later. Belgium is next. Then, Estonia, then Poland, then etc. etc.

Just how many US troops occupy South Korea anyway? Isn't this just spit in their eye?

So many questions. So few answers.

The Body Count in Afghanistan

Canada has had to make some sacrifices in Afghanistan. 70 soldiers to date. But, what is the overall loss count of the coalition forces? I found this score keeping site here.

673 men and women have lost their lives there. A small amount compared to the little conflict over in Iraq. You will notice that there appears to be some countries that do not appear to be ready to make the same sacrifice we, the British and the Americans are.

Just an observation.

No Timeline, No Funding. No excuses.

John Edwards continues his mission to get American troops out of Iraq.

Chapel Hill, North Carolina –
Senator John Edwards released the following statement today regarding this morning's Washington Post report that President Bush will ask Congress next month for a $50 billion increase in supplemental funding for the war in Iraq.

"The old Washington ways need to stop, and they need to stop now. The president keeps on asking for money, and Congress keeps caving. All the while, a war the American people want to end just goes on and on. That's the way they do it in Washington, D.C., but the American people are tired of excuses.

"Now we learn that the president is so confident Congress won't stand up to him in this fall's funding decisions that he's actually going to increase his request to fund the surge by another $50 billion—on top of the original $147 billion supplemental he requested. Let there be no doubt, this money will fund a failed Bush strategy in Iraq that that has failed to reduce the average level of sectarian violence in the country.

"Enough is enough. When Congress comes back next week, they should stand firm and make their position clear: No timeline, no funding. No excuses.

"In October, Congress needs to send the president a funding bill that withdraws all combat troops within the next year and lays the groundwork for a comprehensive political solution that will stabilize the country. If the president vetoes that bill, they need to send him another one—and do this as many times as it takes for the president to finally get the message that he cannot defy the will of the American people, of Congress, and even of many members of his own military who believe it's time to end this war and bring our troops home to the heroes' welcome they deserve."

John Edwards on Health Care

On the differences between his and Sen. Clinton’s approaches to health care reform:

“[Sen. Clinton’s] lesson is to give them a seat at the table. I think if you give drug companies and insurance companies a seat at the table, they will eat all the food. I think you have to take power away from them. I do not think they're ever going to voluntarily give away their power. You have to take them on, confront them, and fight them. I think that is the way we have universal health care – you have to take them on, confront them, and fight them.”

On what he plans to do for the thousands of Americans who die each year because they do not have health insurance or money for treatment:

“There is an easy answer to that. I am proud that I came out with a truly universal health care plan that requires every single man and woman in America to have health care coverage. I actually think that is a question that should be put to every candidate, Democratic or Republican: If your health care plan doesn't cover everybody, then you should have to explain what this particular woman or child is not entitled to health care? Because my view is every single one of us have equal value and equal worth, and everybody's life is precious… Every single man and woman in this country should have health care coverage.”

John Edwards says "No More Money"

Chapel Hill, North Carolina –

Speaking today at a town hall event in Manchester, New Hampshire, Senator John Edwards made the following comments about General Petraeus' upcoming report on the success of President Bush's decision to send additional U.S. troops to Iraq earlier this year.

"I believe there was a mandate from the American people in the last election to make George Bush end this war," said Edwards. "Congress needs to stand its ground and should not send a single funding bill to the president that doesn't have a timetable for withdrawal – every bill. They also, in September, should use every single tool – including a filibuster – to ensure that no bill goes to the president without a timetable for withdrawal."

Edwards continued: "This isn't about politics, this is life and death. We have men and women whose lives are on the line in Iraq and George Bush is not going to change course unless he is forced to. We need the Congress to have courage and backbone and stand their ground and make George Bush change course."

Senator Edwards has called for an immediate reduction of 40,000 to 50,000 troops to stop the surge and get all regional parties to begin to find a political solution, for a diplomatic offensive with all regional parties, and for all combat troops to be withdrawn within the next year.

Did I mention I like this guy???

Let's Hope She's Alive

Young Maddie was apparently seen in the company of a male in the country of Spain. Godspeed to her rescuers.

Two More Canadian Soldiers Die?

Radio Canada is reporting that two of their journalists have been wounded in Afghanistan and two Nato (Canadian) soldiers have been killed along with an interpretor.

Our prayers go out to all their families.

Update: The Canadian Forces have released info that, indeed, two of our brave soldiers have perished and a third has been wounded.

Je Me Souviens

Poor Maxime Bernier. Thrown into the fire by his leader PMSH. Imagine having to come under fire in your home province less than a week into your new Cabinet post.

Private Simon Longtin was just 23 years old. You can sign his guest register with your condolences here. Our thoughts are with his comrades, friends and family.

Giuliani Ridded New York of Them

I wasn't surprised to learn of this.

When Rudi was Mayor of New York, he made a pledge to get rid of panhandlers and squeegee people. Oddly enough, he had the police charge them for things such as jay-walking. Turns out a high percentage had criminal records or outstanding warrants...in this case, illegal citizenship.

I've been saying for years now that Toronto's Mayor might want to think of an action plan for his great city. Maybe one day it may happen. Maybe then we don't lose 32 year olds in a stabbing incident.

Ablonczy Finally In

She just walked into Rideau Hall. Well now. Also attending: O'Connor, Strahl, Solberg, Verner, Oda, MacKay, Bernier. So far. No shows are Flaherty Baird, Nicholson, Hearn.

Lawrence Cannon or Maxime Bernier

Those are my guesses for the new Minister of Defence. WHY? Because of the Vandoos' involvement in Afghanistan and the need to speak to the Quebec voter in their mother tongue.

UPDATE: Jane Tabor says otherwise. Funny. McKay? He's been less than spectacular at foreign affairs. Now on defence? Should be fun in the fall.

8 Years and Nine Judges Later...

The What do I Know Grit is awarded sole custody of his children.

Just a suggestion....maybe we can spend $30 million on our justice system too!!!

Somethings Weren't Meant to be Copied

This is one of them.

Cherniak Spits Back at Larry Savage

Not quite sure what Savage was hoping to prove, but you know the saying right? Those who can't do...they shit on others.

So Jason don't worry about it. Larry wishes that many people gave a shit about what he says.

You can see Jason's response -although one wasn't necessary- here.

Message learned? Don't bring a knife to a gun fight.

Ignatieff Fights for Dion's Spot?

Or so Don MacPherson would have us believe.

I have no idea what Donny boy is trying to say in this article or what his motivation would have been to write such a heap of shit. My Grade Four honour student could write a better piece than that...and she could! Maybe he's just friends with Bourque and he knew he'd get one of the Bourque Conservative Headliners.

Justice Minister Takes it on the Chin

Rob Nicholson took the brunt of another reporter's opinion today in The Review. It appears Nicholson's attack on Liberal Senators has been met head-on by the truth of the matter.

That's probably why Deceivin" Stephen doesn't like his MPs speaking.

Conservatives not so Accountable

Interesting thing about those little loopholes.