VijaySappani.com

So I just recieved a threat from someone who has exposed my home address and home phone number. I just want him/her and any of his supporters to know that I have filed a complain with the police and security at my house will be increased, including protection from law enforcement.

The threat was against my condemnation of the terrorist attack in Pakistan. I assume this guy is a radical from Pakistan living in Canada.

If you think threating people is fun, not in Canada and if you think I am going to get scared of your threats, not me.

Update: Ok, the person called me and it is resolved. Lets say it was a misunderstanding and I strongly beleive in ‘moving on’. So he has removed my home address from his internet postings and I have removed his I.P address from here. Only that I had to change my home phone number and increase security at home hey, we never know if these things come from a kid high on kool aid, an emotional rant or a serious threat, we do what we have to protect ourselves.

Iam hoping to meet the guy someday, after all isn’t that the Canadian way. We need to move and live cohesively as a peaceful society. Thanks to all of you who called, emailed and messaged me with your support.

I support being tough on crime, I support strengthening our laws even against young offenders, but to plan life sentences for kids as young as 14 is disturbing and disgusting.   Some one once told me in a golf course on the best way to hold the club.  It is like holding a bird, tight enough to not let it fly, but not too much to kill it. I think Young offenders are the same. We need to tighten the laws, so that law enforcement has the powers to prosecute and prevent serious offenders, but we don’t need to act hysteric to kill the kid’s future. 

At 14, a child’s brain is still developing and sometimes we can not blame the kid of the violent crimes they may be committing. It might be the environment that they are growing and it is our responsibility to transfer and provide them the care to live like normal citizens, not give them a life sentence.

No religion, including the ultra conservative Christianity supports harsh punishment for children, in fact it is exactly the opposite of what Harper is suggesting. No kid before committing a crime thinks about the number of years in Jail, for that matter no criminals does it. Strong legislation’s in other countries including US have not reduced youth crime rates and the approach is very radical with

Tough leigslations are needed for repeat offenders, but first time offenders need to be reprimanding and rehabilitation. Good societies are built with love and care , not jail and cane.

Steve, we need tough laws for youth crime, not vendetta laws with youth crime. They are our children and our future.

This election has put Canada backward on debates on policy and focused more on petty partisan politics, something that average voters despise. There has been little to no debate on foreign policies . Where do we stand on Georgia, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Iraq, Africa, North Korea.  Part of the problem is that this election is about what not to say than what to say and that is forcing candidates and leaders to say little. The other part is that we have tolerated for many years to accommodate politicians who lack vision and knowledge in foreign issues. Most politicians rule by the golden rule of politics: silence, and then those like Ujjal Dosanjh, Glen Pearson, Irwin Cotler who speak up on a variety of issues that are Foreign and has domestic implications get little to no support from even their caucus colleagues.  I will not blame the MP’s for that, I can understand their situation and their perceived need to be silent. It is a system that we have built and the lack of participation from the moderates.

There is no point talking about the Conservatives. I had some respect for their actions in China and Burma, but it has more to do with pleasing Hong Kong Chinese and Japanese voters in Canada than to bring a peaceful resolution to the ongoing human rights violations there. Traditionally Conservatives tend to have some interest in foreign policy and defence. Unfortunately we have half baked pies, whose only mission is to form a majority government and thereby making a mess of our existing system. 

Here is an example. Canada under the Conservatives went on to ban the LTTE and again World Tamil Movement as Terrorist organizations. I will not contest that decision, but I also know that the Conservatives have done nothing to do help bring peace in Sri Lanka. In fact they have refused to even meet and discuss about possibilities with the Canadian Tamil community. There seems to be a complete lack of interest in bringing an resolution to the conflict and the banning has a lot more to do with pleasing it voter base than to actually bring peace in the Island nation.  Canadian Tamils visiting Sri Lanka are now prone to higher discrimination and abuse due to a lack of protection and intervention from the Conservative government and the attitude of the Sri Lankan government.

The Sri Lankan Government has been in control of Jaffna since 1995. Read what Stewart bell has to say about the life of people living there.This is exactly why minority Tamils are fighting against the racist Sinhalese regime and a simple reason that the Tamil Tigers, banned as a terrorist group in Canada and 31 other countries are still able to raise around $50-100 million a year. 

Canada should lead the International community in forcing a ceasefire and bringing a permanent resolution based on our successful federal system. Unfortunately we have a government that lacks vision and motivation towards restoring Canada’s pride in Peace making and armed conflict resolution.

We have political parties that fear offending the radicals in their communities who are the organized bunch and distance them selves from the unorganized moderates, whether that be in the Church or Temple. I have been repeatedly reminded by my friends in the political circles that speaking up against the radicals is a ticket to nowhere for those who want to seek a seat and I can’t disagree with them on it.  Down South, US is going through a metamorphosis of political reform through Obama, but that does not mean he is leading the polls by a mile. In fact there are moments when he is lagging McCain. Politics is partisan, but what is important to see is the number of non partisan people who Obama charmed into the political process.

Canada does not need an Obama to restore principles in our partisan political system and put Canada back on the international map. Canada needs Canadians to take back our country from our politicians and restore pride in our system that was the most respected at a time in the international community.

Canadians need to ask tough questions to our politicians and vote out those who put ambitions ahead of principles, those who refuse to speak up for our values, those who will put their political career ahead of principles.  This is not about partisan politics, but about principled politics. There might be some good Conservative candidates who need to be elected or re-elected, but Canadians can not once again afford to have a government that lack vision.  At a time of uncertainty, Canadians can not trust our lives in the hands of the Conservatives, whose leader govern with a dictator style suppressing freedom of speech within his caucus.

October 14th, lets take back Canada. Get out there and vote for a Candidate who will put your interest’s ahead of theirs. Who will stand up for Canada in the international community and not sit down in front of their master. I am not asking you to vote for one party or another, but I am asking you to come out and vote because rights when not exercised can become privileges. Ask those from Sri Lanka, Burma, Uganda, Kenya, China to tell you what it means. Get out on Oct 14th and lets change Canada as Canadians.

 Andrew Kania is the Liberal candidate for Brampton West. His website will be live at www.kania.liberal.ca  . There are many who want information about him and you can find it here. If you have further questions, you can call his campaign office at 905-495-6682.

Andrew J. Kania, LL.B. (Toronto); LL.M. (Leicester) (Distinction) 

BACKGROUND

Senior Partner – Kania Lawyers – a firm of six lawyers; 

Married, two children; Involved in numerous community and charitable organizations 

EDUCATION 

LL.B. (Toronto); LL.M. (Leicester, England) (Distinction);  

Called to the Bar of Ontario in 1991 

PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT 

Secretary, Ontario Bar Association, representing over 17,000 lawyers; 

Elected member of the Ontario Bar Association Council, for the Central West Region;  

Ontario Bar Association, Audit Committee; 

Ontario Bar Association, Paralegals Task Force;  

Instructor at Bar Admission Course, Law Society of Upper Canada;  

Peel Law Association; Advocates’ Society;  

POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT 

National Outreach Director and Ontario Co-Chair, 2006 Leadership Campaign –Honorable Stéphane Dion; 

Ontario Co-Chair, 2003 Leadership Campaign – Deputy Prime Minister John Manley; 

Special Advisor - Outreach: National Election Readiness Committee, Liberal Party of Canada, 2008;  

Vice-President, Brampton West Federal Liberal Association;  

President, Brampton West Provincial Liberal Association

The only thing that is dropping faster are the mosquito’s! I tried, but could not keep a list of apologies from all the parties, of course Harper leading that race too. Puffin, sparrow, Ritz, Aboriginals, Quebec. Looks like Peter MacKayand Stockwell Day may be next. Of course there were a few from the grits, dippers and that new party..what do you call them..hmm..errr..Green party and  hey whats the deal with Layton. He has promised over $40 billion in spending and making announcements like he is going to be the next PM. 

Ever wonder why there is so much of voter apathy. We got politicians and political parties that are less interested in policies and more interested in partisan bickering. Moderates who want to bring change have little to no say in both the Liberal and Conservative party and the religious and fundamental extremists are pushing the agenda that politicians don’t want to offend them. Hey democracy belongs to those who participate in it, so I am not complaining but hoping more people in the centre get out to vote this time.

Bush wants to give $700 billion to the big banks for their greedy, unwise decision to invest in the volatile sub prime housing market without doing due diligence. What is he doing for the people who lost their homes, whose only dream was to own a home. So being rich in US simply means you can not go wrong and being poor in US being you are hedging bigger to put a roof over your head.

Welcome to the world’s greatest democracy.

I know Canadian politics might be boring, especially with a guy like Harper. So lets change gears and not think about Bush Jr. and look into the US politics from a desi angle. My friend Ram Narayanan, from US- India friendship group put together a comparison of the platform of the two major parties in US relative to South Asia and China.  So here it is. Enjoy reading. Yeah, yeah since you will ask, for the record I am supporting Obama-Biden for the White house.

COMPARISON OF 2008 REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC PARTY PLATFORMS ON INDIA, PAKISTAN, AFGHANISTAN AND CHINA..

ON INDIA:

REPUBLICAN PARTY PLATFORM:

We welcome America’s new relationship with India, including the U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Accord. Our common security concerns and shared commitment to political freedom and representative government can be the foundation for an enduring partnership.

DEMOCRATIC PARTY PLATFORM:

We are committed to U.S. engagement in Asia. This begins with maintaining strong relationships with allies like Japan, Australia, South Korea, Thailand and the Philippines and deepening our ties to vital democratic partners, like India, in order to create a stable and prosperous Asia. . . .

We also will pursue effective collaboration on pressing global issues among all the major powers–including such newly emerging ones as China, India, Russia, Brazil, Nigeria, and South Africa. With India, we will build on the close partnership developed over the past decade. As two of the world’s great, multi-ethnic democracies, the U.S. and India are natural strategic allies, and we must work together to advance our common interests and to combat the common threats of the 21st century. We believe it is in the United States’ interest that all of these emerging powers and others assume a greater stake in promoting international peace, and respect for human rights, including through their more constructive participation in key global institutions.

ON PAKISTAN:

REPUBLICAN PARTY PLATFORM:

We must expand our ties with the government and the people of Pakistan. We support their efforts to improve democratic governance and strengthen civil society, and we appreciate the difficult but essential role Pakistan plays in the fight against terror.

DEMOCRATIC PARTY PLATFORM:

The central front in the war on terror is not Iraq, and it never was. We will defeat al Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan, where those who actually attacked us on 9-11 reside and are resurgent.

The greatest threat to the security of the Afghan people—and the American people—lies in the tribal regions of Pakistan, where terrorists train, plot attacks, and strike into Afghanistan and move back across the border. We cannot tolerate a sanctuary for Al Qaeda. We need a stronger and sustained partnership between Afghanistan, Pakistan, and NATO—including necessary assets like satellites and predator drones—to better secure the border, to take out terrorist camps, and to crack down on cross border insurgents. We must help Pakistan develop its own counter-terrorism and counterinsurgency capacity. We will invest in the long-term development of the Pashtun border region, so that the extremists’ program of hate is met with an agenda of hope.

We will ask more of the Pakistani government, rather than offer a blank check to an undemocratic President. We will significantly increase non-military aid to the Pakistani people and sustain it for a decade, while ensuring that the military assistance we provide is actually used to fight extremists. We must move beyond an alliance built on individual leaders, or we will face mounting opposition in a nuclear-armed nation at the nexus of terror, extremism, and the instability wrought by autocracy.

ON AFGHANISTAN:

REPUBLICAN PARTY PLATFORM:

In the seven years since U.S. troops helped topple the Taliban, there has been great progress — but much remains to be done. We must prevail in Afghanistan to prevent the reemergence of the Taliban or an al Qaeda sanctuary in that country. A nationwide counterinsurgency strategy led by a unified commander is an essential prerequisite to success. Additional forces are also necessary, both from NATO countries and through a doubling in size of the Afghan army. The international community must work with the Afghan government to better address the problems of illegal drugs, governance, and corruption. We flatly reject the Democratic Party’s idea that America can succeed in Afghanistan only by failure in Iraq.

DEMOCRATIC PARTY PLATFORM:

After September 11, we could have built the foundation for a new American century, but instead we instigated an unnecessary war in Iraq before finishing a necessary war in Afghanistan.

The central front in the war on terror is not Iraq, and it never was. We will defeat al Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan, where those who actually attacked us on 9-11 reside and are resurgent.

Our troops are performing heroically in Afghanistan, but as countless military commanders and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff acknowledge, we lack the resources to finish the job because of our commitment to Iraq. We will finally make the fight against Al Qaeda and the Taliban the top priority that it should be.

We will send at least two additional combat brigades to Afghanistan, and use this commitment to seek greater contributions–with fewer restrictions–from our NATO allies. We will focus on building up our special forces and intelligence capacity, training, equipping and advising Afghan security forces, building Afghan governmental capacity, and promoting the rule of law. We will bolster our State Department’s Provincial Reconstruction Teams and our other government agencies helping the Afghan people. We will help Afghans educate their children, including their girls, provide basic human services to their population, and grow their economy from the bottom up, with an additional $1 billion in non-military assistance each year–including investments in alternative livelihoods to poppy-growing for Afghan farmers–just as we crack down on trafficking and corruption. Afghanistan must not be lost to a future of narco-terrorism–or become again a haven for terrorists.

Europe remains America’s indispensable partner. We support the historic project to build a strong European Union that can be an even stronger partner for the United States. NATO has made tremendous strides over the last fifteen years, transforming itself from a Cold War security structure into a partnership for peace. But today, NATO’s challenge in Afghanistan has exposed a gap between its missions and its capabilities. To close this gap, we will invest more in NATO’s mission in Afghanistan and use that investment to leverage our NATO allies to contribute more resources to collective security operations and to invest more in reconstruction and stabilization capabilities. . . .

ON CHINA:

REPUBLICAN PARTY PLATFORM:

We will welcome the emergence of a peaceful and prosperous China, and we will welcome even more the development of a democratic China. Its rulers have already discovered that economic freedom leads to national wealth; the next lesson is that political and religious freedom leads to national greatness. That is not likely to be learned while the government in Beijing pursues advanced military capabilities without any apparent need, imposes a “one-child” policy on its people, suppresses basic human rights in Tibet and elsewhere, and erodes democracy in Hong Kong. China must honor its obligations regarding free speech and a free press as announced prior to the Olympics. Our bilateral trade with China has created export opportunities for American farmers and workers, while both the requirements of the World Trade Organization and the realities of the marketplace have increased openness and the rule of law in China. We must yet ensure that China fulfills its WTO obligations, especially those related to protecting intellectual property rights, elimination of subsidies, and repeal of import restrictions. China’s full integration into the global economy requires that it adopt a flexible monetary exchange rate and allow free movement of capital. China’s economic growth brings with it the responsibility for environmental improvement, both for its own people and for the world community.

Our policy toward Taiwan, a sound democracy and economic model for mainland China, must continue to be based upon the provisions of the Taiwan Relations Act. We oppose any unilateral steps by either side to alter the status quo in the Taiwan straits on the principle that all issues regarding the island’s future must be resolved peacefully, through dialogue, and be agreeable to the people of Taiwan. If China were to violate these principles, the U.S., in accord with the Taiwan Relations Act, will help Taiwan defend itself. As a loyal friend of America, the democracy of Taiwan has merited our strong support, including the timely sale of defensive arms and full participation in the World Health Organization and other multilateral institutions.

DEMOCRATIC PARTY PLATFORM:

We will encourage China to play a responsible role as a growing power–to help lead in addressing the common problems of the 21st century. We are committed to a “One China” policy and the Taiwan Relations Act, and will continue to support a peaceful resolution of cross-Straits issues that is consistent with the wishes and best interests of the people of Taiwan. It’s time to engage China on common interests like climate change, trade, and energy, even as we continue to encourage its shift to a more open society and a market-based economy, and promote greater respect for human rights, including freedom of speech, press, assembly, religion, uncensored use of the internet, and Chinese workers’right to freedom of association, as well as the rights of Tibetans.

ON CLIMATE CHANGE:

REPUBLICAN PARTY PLATFORM:

Because the issue of climate change is global, it must become a truly global concern as well. All developed and developing economies, particularly India and China, can make significant contributions in dealing with the matter. It would be unrealistic and counterproductive to expect the U.S. to carry burdens which are more appropriately shared by all.

DEMOCRATIC PARTY PLATFORM:

We will reach out to the leaders of the biggest carbon emitting nations and ask them to join a new Global Energy Forum that will lay the foundation for the next generation of climate protocols. China has replaced America as the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases. Clean energy development must be a central focus in our relationships with major countries in Europe and Asia. We need a global response to climate change that includes binding and enforceable commitments to reducing emissions, especially for those that pollute the most: the United States, China, India, the European Union, and Russia.

In addition, the DEMOCRATIC PARTY PLATFORM has the following to say on GLOBAL HEALTH:

Democrats will invest in improving global health. It is a human shame that many of the diseases which compound the problem of global poverty are treatable, but they are yet to be treated.

The HIV/AIDS pandemic is a massive human tragedy. It is also a security risk of the highest order that threatens to plunge nations into chaos. There are an estimated 33 million people across the planet infected with HIV/AIDS, including more than one million people in the U.S. Nearly 8,000 people die every day of AIDS. We must do more to fight the global HIV/AIDS pandemic, as well as malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases.

We will provide $50 billion over five years to strengthen existing U.S. programs and expand them to new regions of the world, including Southeast Asia, India, and parts of Europe, where the HIV/AIDS burden is growing. We will increase U.S. contributions to the Global Fund to ensure that global efforts to fight endemic disease continue to move ahead.

We also support the adoption of humanitarian licensing policies that ensure medications developed with the U.S. taxpayer dollars are available off patent in developing countries. We will repeal the global gag rule and reinstate funding to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). We will expand access to health care and nutrition for women and reduce the burden of maternal mortality.

We will leverage the engagement of the private sector and private philanthropy to launch Health Infrastructure 2020—a global effort to work with developing countries to invest in the full range of infrastructure needed to improve and protect both American and global health.

LINKS:

REPUBLICAN PARTY PLATFORM:–
http://www.gopplatform2008.com/2008Platform.pdf   

Also see: John McCain: America has a vested interest in India’s success, The Indian Express, August 8, 2008 — http://www.indianexpress.com/news/America-has-a-vested-interest-in-India’s-success/346013/ 

Statement by Senator McCain on The U.S. - India Civilian Nuclear Agreement http://www.johnmccain.com:80/Informing/News/PressReleases/Read.aspx?guid=3bb2d1f8-8859-4b86-b1dc-47ae5abe048f  and

www.indiansformccain.com 

DEMOCRATIC PARTY PLATFORM: –
http://www.demconvention.com/assets/downloads/2008-Democratic-Platform-final.pdf 

Also see: Barack Obama on US-India Relations, interview in The Outlook Magazine, July 21, 2008 — http://usindiafriendship.net/viewpoints1/obama-7-21-08.htm    

Statement by Senator Barack Obama on the U.S.-India Civilian Nuclear Agreement http://www.barackobama.com/2008/09/06/statement_by_senator_barack_ob_2.php 

http://www.safo2008.com/  and http://www.safo2008.com/Media/India_Abroad_Op-Ed_Feb_29_2008.pdf

The mother of all Monday’s is here.  Greenspan says this is the worst he has seen in his entire life, something that comes in a century.  Stay tuned on the news from CNN .

As Canadians we need to be worried about it too. When US sneezes, Canada catches a cold. Even worse When Bush falters, expect Harper to follow. Canada is not recession proof and the indication from markets point that we are heading that way.

A Conservative government at the helm during these crisis is scary.  Manufacturing jobs have been flying away in Ontario and the Conservatives continue to ignore and invest in defence deals that create jobs in Europe and US and not in Canada.

Canadians need to ask themselves one thing- when US is going through its worst time in a century under Bush, do we want to risk a Conservative government in power now ?

It is safer and better to pass the reins to the Liberals, who have decades of governing experience and balanced the budget for many years. Canada under the Liberal government holds the record for balancing the budget for seven straight years, the only country in G-8 to do so.

The right honorable Stephen Harper is a nice guy. He is. Canadians should make that decision by knowing the facts. Here are some to consider

-Now Magazine compiled some information on Harper that you can read, but here is a section on immigration :

Anti-immigration

• Conservatives’ interim policy document refers darkly to focusing on attracting immigrants who can best integrate into the “Canadian fabric” (read mostly white, mostly Europeans).
• Refused to revoke the nomination of Markham Unionville Conservative candidate Joe Li for referring to immigrants as “garbage.”

-On January 26th 2001, Harper in an interview with Kevin Michael Grace in his own words said “West of Winnipeg, the ridings the Liberals hold are dominated by people who are either recent Asian immigrants or recent migrants from eastern Canada: people who live in ghettos, and who are not integrated into western Canadian society.”

-A year later Harper in an interview to the same author attacked the refugee screening process as “a boondoggle” that “threatens national security” as well as “the integrity of the immigration system”:

-Harper on Jan. 4, 2006 said “The biggest barrier to new Canadians is the frequent failure of Canada to recognize legitimate foreign credentials.” 

The question is, what has he done since then towards foreign credentials recognition in the last two and half years ?  Here is a reality check on Harper’s immigration policy.

-Harper in April 2006 decided to deport 36 hard working portuguese refugees in the construction industry when there was a shortage of workers and these workers had families in Canada.  He wanted to prove a point that he is tough with illegal workers who overstayed their work permit, but did not want to address the issue of shortage of workers.

- Harper has been adamant on the case of Omar Khadr, the only foreign national in G.bay.

- The new bill c-50 gives the immigration minister the power to choose and deny files at their wish.

They say Harper is a nice guy, but if you are a visible minority; Chinese, south Asian, Japanese or other ethnic origin and are being wooed by Harper, you should know the facts before you cast your ballot.

Vote for your safety, vote for stability, vote for the Liberals.

Terrorists strike New Delhi, Capital of India. Seven bombs in three posh markets went off on a busy weekend. so far 18 people are confirmed dead, with more than 80 seriously injurjed.

Watch this space for updates

Indian Mujahuddin, a banned terrorist organization that has been involved in serial bomb blasts in other parts of India claim responsibility for the blast. They sent an email to media groups five minutes before the blasts, something they have done in the past.

Shameful act targetting women and children stores.  Most cowardly act of these Terrorists.