History: 100 years ago today

100 years ago today Ghandi set upon his mission of Satyagraha. He spoke of how to change the world without violence. His message by some was continued and, some still practice it today.

For more information see:

An interview on Democracy Now with Arun Ghandi, Mahatma Ghandi's grandson.

Also here is the transcript of the original speech in 1906.

Peace and love be in your hearts.

Canada: Pope scolds Canada

The Pope on friday lashed out at Canada for policies on same-sex marriage and abortion. This is anything but new from a Pope who has shown his career as focusing on 'family values'. He stated that "Such laws, ... are the result of 'the exclusion of God from the public sphere.'"[1]

I say yes, it is part of the exclusion of traditional Catholicism from the public sphere. I also say this is how it should be. The Canadian state is the collection of many groups. Yes, Catholics make up a significant portion of the country, but that doesn't mean that they should dominate the rest or that all are 'traditionalists'. There are progressive Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Agnostics, Athiests, Pagans, Indigenous Religions, and others that make up Canada. There is no reason that Catholicism should be intertwined with the state. When religion is mixed with states it ruins not just the state, but also the religion. People should be able to practice their religion without dealing with a state where someone else's religion is intertwined.

Afghanistan: Canadians once again hit by friendly-fire

The first Canadians to die in Afghanistan were killed by friendly-fire due to an American bomber bombing them during a training exercise in 2002. However, during live combat this labour day one Canadian has been killed and 30 more injured by being strafed by NATO planes. The day before four other Canadians were killed in live combat. This brings the total Canadians killed in Afghanistan up to 32 with many more injured.

A Strategic Counsel poll done on July 18th, 2006 showed that 56% of Canadians opposed troops in Afghanistan with only 39% supporting. With a particularly deadly summer where 15 soldiers have been killed since the poll was taken it is quite possible that opposition to troops being in Afghanistan will only increase.

Across the country peace, labour and, faith groups are getting ready for a push against Canadians in Afghanistan by having a major cross-Canada protest on October 28th. The endorsing groups of the action can be seen here.

Site: I'm Back

I wound up becoming extremely apathetic and took a break from Politics. Considering I'm going back to my politics program come thursday, I'm going to get back in the swing of things. Expect semi-regular updates coming back especially once I become immersed in political issues again.