December 2015
'Let's you and him fight!'
Turkey spurs East/West confrontation in Syria
While ISIS fights to hold its savage 'caliphate'
Europe joins U.S. in slashing citizens' liberties
Turkey yields and provides honour guard
of Russian pilot on way home through Turkey
Click here for a True North Perspective special section:
The Paris attacks - war comes (home) to the West
François Hollande's 'war' with ISIS won't stand
in the way of France's arms deals with Saudi Arabia
Despite President François Hollande's huffing and puffing about war the spiritual mentors of the terrorists, in Saudi Arabia, will be left untouched
The Independent
From the Desk of Frances Sedgwick, Contributing Editor
Ottawa Raging Grannies circulate Arab apology
for the lethal Paris attacks on 13 November 2015
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Sorry! A long-awaited apology
By Roua Naboulsi
RouaNaboulsi.Wordpress.Com
What happened in Paris last night was awful. I stayed up late following the news in disbelief and I am so sorry to anyone who has been affected by these horrible attacks. The international community has responded, as expected, by showing their unwavering solidarity with Paris.
The night before that, a bomb went off in my country, Lebanon, killing 43 people. No one prayed for us. No one kept us in their thoughts. No world leaders made late-night statements about us. No one changed their profile pictures. There was no hashtag. No option to be "marked as safe" by Facebook. Just silence.
Syria has suffered more than can be quantified in words and distilled into a Facebook status. They get nothing. Just more silence.
73 Palestinians were killed by Israel in October alone. Silence. (More)
Paris is being used to justify agendas
that had nothing to do with the attack
The Paris attackers weren’t Syrian, and they didn’t use encryption, but the U.S. government is still using the carnage to justify attempts to ban them both
The Guardian
U.S. Congresswoman, two-term Iraq vet, and National
Guard Major, says U.S. should stop illegal war in Syria
Hilary's No-Fly idea would repeat Libya's bloodbath, terrorist power
See video HERE or below
UN: All sides of Libya conflict committing war crimes
All sides in Libya’s conflict are committing breaches of international law that may amount to war crimes, the UN said on Monday. The alleged war crimes include abductions, torture and killing of civilians, the joint report by the UN human rights office and UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said, as cited by Reuters. Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) forces have gained and consolidated control over swaths of territory, “committing gross abuses including public summary executions of individuals based on their religion or political allegiance,” according to the document. Libya is locked in a conflict between two rival governments, four years after the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi.
Crimea launches probe to nail culprits for blackout
Considered sabotage, guilty face 20 years in prison
RT
25 November 2015 — The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) is investigating the recent bombings of the Ukrainian power grid that have led to blackouts in the Crimean Republic, Chief Crimean Prosecutor Natalya Poklonskaya has told reporters.
She said that the FSB had started the criminal investigation under the article ‘sabotage’ in the Russian Federation constitution. This crime carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
Chief Prosecutor Natalya Poklonskaya
Earlier, Poklonskaya said that the FSB had started the probe at the prosecutor's request, and that she would still control the investigation in her role as the Chief Prosecutor of the Crimean Republic. (More)
Austrian ISIS 'poster girl' beaten to death
after trying to flee extremist group – reports
Samra Kesinovic, 17, was beaten to death by ISIS thugs for trying to escape
RT
25 November 2015 — A teenage girl who ran away from her home in Austria to join Islamic State in Syria has been beaten to death after trying to escape from the group, according to Austrian media. The girl traveled to the war-torn nation with her friend last year.
Austrian tabloid Kronen Zeitung reported that Samra Kesinovic, 17, was beaten to death by members of the violent extremist group as she tried to flee the Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) stronghold of Raqqa. (More)
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The Old Man's Last Sauna
'Life is scary, frustrating and sometimes funny. All of these themes are explored in Carl Dow’s collection of short stories, told with the pristine elegance that we haven’t seen since the likes of Stephen Leacock or even Pierre Berton.'
— Award-winning author Emily-Jane Hills Orford
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While President Barack Obama forgives two turkeys
Americans told what they really have to be thankful for
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Religious children are meaner than
their secular counterparts, study finds
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Spain issues arrest warrant
for 'War Criminal Netanyahu'
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ISIS financed from 40 countries
including G20 members: Putin
YOU'LL FIND ALL THIS AND MORE BY CLICKING HERE FOR
 True North Perspective publishes in
the best traditions of Canadian journalism
If you think it's too radical, please rea
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Editor's Notes
Scorned by allies, Nobel Peace Prize winning Obama
is now fumbling his seventh war in the Middle East
Against his background of rule by gun Obama wimps for gun control
Letters
Thanks for helping people think!!
Thanks to you for your superb "lead" article on Syria in the Septmber edition.
Anyone who has a grasp of the situation there has all my respect, and I look forward to reading it more throughly.
Indeed the whole TNP edition looks great. Food for thought as always.
Love how you "afflict the comfortable"
An open letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
on Harper's Conservative ideological monument
14 November 2015
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Melanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage
Anita Vandenbeld, MP Ottawa West-Nepean
I am writing with a deep concern about the proposed Monument to the Victims of Communism. There appears to be an assumption that the majority of Canadians are in favour of the monument, and just want it in a less wildly inappropriate location. I think this is a position that many people took publicly during the Harper Government, in the belief that there was no way it would be cancelled altogether but it might get downgraded and moved to be a bit less offensive.
Now with a new Liberal Government of Canada it is time to can the idea altogether.
I can think of no reason beyond Conservative ideology to spend millions of dollars of public money on such a project. Rather than enhancing the image of Canada, as reflected in our capital city, of a democratic and open-minded society, it projects an image of right-wing, close-minded dedication to a very selective version of our history. Many Canadians came here fleeing tyranny, Fascism and totalitarianism, including my family, but that is not what I would want to be memorialized. Our memorials should be inspirational, showcasing our heroes for the next generations, not vindictive. I believe this to be the opinion of the majority of Canadians, let alone citizens of Ottawa who would have to live with this thing in our midst every day.
I look forward to an open and transparent discussion of these issues, and the actual amount of public funds (including the value of the public land to be used) involved.
I went to the annual assembly and planning meeting of the Ontario Health Coalition in Toronto the weekend of November 21-22.
This two-day gathering brought together about 100 from around Ontario representing local health coalitions, almost every one of whom spoke at one time or another, and for me it was striking that over the two days there was not one comment with which I was not in general agreement!
These were strongly motivated and involved people who were both well informed and aggravated about some aspect of our Ontario health care 'system' and of a range of ages with quite a few retirees and many folk who work in health care now.
Too many horror stories were heard about how people in need of care got poorly dealt with — likely the origin of the commitment shown to try to change things for the better.
We heard from many that privatization is the problem and profit-based 'care' must not continue!
It seems to me that we all must work to get this situation changed, so I urge you to find your local health coalition and work with others to make our ’system’ serve all of us and stop enriching private owners.
As many stated, health is a non-partisan issue so we can ally with some folk who we might not usually think of as allies.
Lets get working!
Paris Conference on Climate Change
Alberta sets tone on climate
Notley saves Trudeau's bacon
By Mia Rabson
The Winnipeg Free Press
27 November 2015, OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gave Alberta Premier Rachel Notley a hug on Monday, the same as he did most other premiers as they arrived for a first ministers meeting on climate change in Ottawa.
But Trudeau owes Notley more than a hug. That's because the rookie NDP Alberta premier saved Trudeau's bacon ahead of the upcoming United Nations climate change conference in Paris, which starts Monday.Because of her work, Canada will have new concrete, climate change action to present at the conference. A day before the first ministers meeting, Notley unveiled an Alberta-specific plan that includes a cap on oilsands emissions, an economy-wide carbon tax and a phasing out of coal-fired power plants. (More)
The Binkley Report
Alex Binkley is a foremost political and economic analyst, whose website is www.alexbinkley.com. Readers will be aware that his columns in True North Perspective have foreseen political and economic developments in Canada. In this edition Alex Binkley says ...
Grandma's advice stands the test of time
To convince, use more honey less vinegar
Remember your grandmother’s advice about catching more flies with honey than vinegar?
Bruce Anderson, a respected Ottawa lobbyist and pollster, has a version of that advice for proponents of everything from infrastructure projects to modern agriculture that stresses environmental improvement and sustainability. 
In recent presentations to conferences sponsored by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transportation in North America and Grow Canada, he urged proponents of major new infrastructure projects or new agriculture techniques to talk positively about the potential benefits or outcome. The majority believe that economic growth can become green and that everyone has a role to play.
Tell the public what’s involved in the new project or technique and what’s in it for them, Anderson said. Most importantly, respond to opponents’ objections with facts rather than belittling their position and ideas. In other words, don’t act like too many governments and corporations do these days with their attack dog mentality. (More)
The Binkley Report
Alex Binkley is a foremost political and economic analyst, whose website is www.alexbinkley.com. Readers will be aware that his columns in True North Perspective have foreseen political and economic developments in Canada. In this edition Alex Binkley says ...
Gerry Ritz was unique in Harper's cabinet
Gerry Ritz will be a tough act to follow as agriculture minister. During his eight years in the portfolio, he flew around the globe more times than anyone can count promoting Canadian farm and food products.
He was tireless in trying to convince the agriculture and food sectors to act like partners in one of Canada’s most significant industries. He was well respected among farm organizations as well as the myriad of organizations involved in the food and beverage sector.
Despite his accomplishments and the support he gathered in the agri-food sector, he rarely received the credit he deserved from his own government.
After all he did to promote the would-be Canada-Europe free trade deal, he wasn’t included in the herd of ministers who announced its completion. He did get more recognition for his efforts during the Trans-Pacific Partnership marathon. (More)
From the Desk of Dennis Carr, LEED® AP, Sustainable Development Editor
Oslo moves to ban cars from city centre within four years
Proposed ban on private vehicles is part of a plan to slash
greenhouse gas emissions 50% by 2020 compared to 1990 levels
20 October 2015 — Oslo’s new leftist city government said Monday it wants to ban private cars from the city centre by 2019 as part of a plan to slash greenhouse gas emissions.
The Labour Party and its allies the Socialist Left and the Green Party, winners of the 14 September municipal elections in the Norwegian capital, presented a platform focused on the environment and the fight against climate change.
The programme envisages a ban on private vehicles in the city centre which, according to the Verdans Gang newspaper, is home to only about 1,000 people but where some 90,000 work.
The new city government did not give details of how the plan would be implemented.
But the proposal has sparked concerns among local businessmen, who noted that 11 of the city’s 57 shopping centres are in the planned car-free zone. (More)
Canada's dairy industry at risk
The TPP and the high cost of 'cheap'
Cheap milk may have a higher price than Canadians want to pay
CBC News
From the desk of Carl Hall, Alberta Editor
New Alberta safety legislation to cover
farm and ranch workers, ensure safe workplaces
November 18 2015 — New sweeping farm safety legislation proposed by Alberta’s NDP government will give farm and ranch workers the same rights and safety protection offered to all other workers in the province.
The Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranch Workers Act, tabled in the legislature Tuesday 17 November, will require all farms and ranches to follow basic occupational health and safety regulations starting 1 January 2016, with specific details to be hammered out at five public town halls across the province in November and December.
The new legislation will mean farmers and ranchers must provide safe work conditions and training to everyone doing any commercial work — not regular farm chores — on their property, including children, unpaid workers, friends and family. (More)
Bits and Bites of Everyday Life
Going forward
With hope and confidence in uncertain times
“How to defeat terrorism? Don’t be terrorized. Don’t let it rule your life. Even if you’re scared.” (Salmon Rushdie)
By Alberte Villeneuve-Sinclair
True North Perspective
Alberte Villeneuve-Sinclair is the author of The Neglected Garden and two French novels. Visit her website to learn more www.albertevilleneuve.ca.
1 December 2015 — I was at a dinner and dance on Friday 13 November. We were celebrating the first anniversary of our group with good company, good food, singing and dancing. To the sound of the accordion, we even sang some old French favourites and held hands while we circled around the room.
When I left at the end of the evening, I listened to one of my favourite CDs and sang “I won’t give up” with Jason Mraz although my voice was a little hoarse by then. Sleep came easily that night but my wake-up call was distressing. My clock-radio came on with news of the terrorist attacks in Paris. Three terrorist groups had launched extremely brutal attacks in six different places, the worst massacre occurring at the Bataclan where a rock concert was being held. The terrorists, connected to ISIL, also targeted a soccer stadium and four nightspots. In the aftermath, 129 people died and more than 360 were injured. Paris was in shock! (More)
Reverend Dr. Hanns F. Skoutajan is seriously ill
1 December 2015 — Reverend Dr. Hanns F. Skoutajan is seriously ill and therefore unable to write his cherished column.
We urge those who do, to pray for his recovery.
We hope that he may rally against what may be considered impossible odds.
Most sincerely,
Carl Dow, Editor and Pubisher.
From the Desk of Jo Wood, Raging Granny, Ottawa
Diab extradition case begins new chapter in France
Ottawa sociology professor extradited on flimsy evidence
Matthew Behrens is a freelance writer and social justice advocate who coordinates the Homes not Bombs non-violent direct action network. His column Taking Liberties examines connections between national security and civil liberties. Behrens has worked closely with the targets of Canadian and U.S. "national security" profiling for many years.
1 December 2015 — The long-running extradition saga of Ottawa sociology professor Dr. Hassan Diab — sought by French authorities for a 1980 crime he did not commit — took a dramatic turn a year ago when the Supreme Court of Canada refused to hear his final appeal to stay in Canada.
Although Canada had 45 days to forcibly remove him to France, Dr. Diab was hustled out of the Ottawa Detention Centre and whisked away less than 48 hours later, denied a previously scheduled opportunity to bid goodbye to his pregnant wife, Rania, and baby daughter, Jena. (More)
Mexico roundup by Isabella Tandutella, Contributing Editor, Mexico City
Mexico's bloodbath that won't stop: Gangsters kill
thousands, including 5 corrupt police commanders
This is a joint investigation with the German news magazine Der Spiegel.
25 November 2015 — When the French tricolor on Facebook became ubiquitous after mass murder in Paris, thousands of Mexican users responded with a reminder of a lesser-known war in their own country. In the image, the Mexican flag is draped, translucent, over the gruesome portrait of a Mexican mother and her two small children slain execution-style in the southern state of Guerrero.
Their bodies are splayed on a gravel path in a rural setting. The mother’s eyes remain open. The infant boy lies face down on her lap. The girl, a skinny 7-year-old in pink flip-flops, is sprawled at her feet.
“Let’s see how many Mexicans make this flag their profile pic,” reads a comment on one Facebook post that has been shared more than 15,000 times. (More)
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From the Desk of Darren Jerome
A continuing update on the war against WikiLeaks transparency
Please be advised that the below is not just the same old thing. By clicking on it you'll find the petition in support of Julian Assange and discover fascinating on-going reports and videos related to one of the most important events in modern history, and the desperate attempts to put a lid on information that everyone should know. Don't miss this special opportunity to stay informed.
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There can be no life without laughter
From the Desk of Nick Aplin, Contributing Editor
Labour leader Corbyn sullies the memory of Tony Blair
London, England — Outrage gripped the nation as the proud legacy left by Britain’s greatest wartime leader was wilfully ignored by Imam, Jeremy Corbyn. Lamentation was heard as the so-called Leader of the Opposition seemed to forget the pride Tony Blair had given the UK through his successful military intervention in Iraq; which brought stability, happiness and ‘all the shrapnel you can eat’ to the region.
Heckles resounded throughout the House of Commons, as Corbyn stubbornly refused to follow David Cameron along Mr. Blair’s well-trodden ‘path to peace’ – historically known as ‘another aimless war in the Middle East’. (More)
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British airstrikes in Syria destroy suspected IS postbox
Following the Commons vote to deploy air strikes against the so-called Islamic State group, the Royal Air Force have successfully destroyed a postbox probably used by the terrorists in their stronghold, Ramadi.
The target was described as of ‘strategic significance’ by the Ministry of Defence, whose remit has been to avoid civilian casualties at all costs. The postbox is just one of several high priority targets on the RAF’s radar, which also includes terrorists’ bicycles, allotments and garden furniture. (More)
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Leeds, England, beer drinkers learn that shouting won't
stop flood waters so order a pint instead and drink wet
An English husband went to the police station to report that his wife was missing...
Husband: My wife is missing. She went shopping yesterday and has not come home...
Sergeant: What is her height?
Husband: Gee, I’m not sure. About five-feet four.
Sergeant: Weight?
Husband: Don’t know. Not slim, not really fat.
Sergeant: Colour of eyes?
Husband: Never really noticed, brown or green.
Sergeant: Colour of hair?
Husband: Changes a couple times a year. Maybe dark brown.
Sergeant: What was she wearing?
Husband: Usually a skirt or slacks and a blouse or polo top. I don’t remember exactly.
Sergeant: What kind of car did she go in?
Husband: She took my sports coupe.
Sergeant: What kind of sports coupe was it?
Husband: Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG 7G-Tronic finished In Magnetite Black Metallic with Black Soft-Leather Electrically Adjustable and Heated AMG Front Sport Seats with Memory; Brushed Aluminium trim with Piano Black Cappings; Unmarked 19" AMG Multispoke Alloy Wheels; Tyre Pressure Monitoring; Panoramic Glass Electric Tilt/Slide Sunroof; COMAND Online with HDD Wide Screen Satellite Navigation; Bluetooth Telephone Connectivity; Multi-Media Interface for MP3, Ipod etc; Superb Sound System With DAB and Harman-Kardon Sound Upgrade; Leather Trimmed AMG Multi-Function Steering Wheel with Paddle Shift; Parktronic Front and Rear Parking Sensors; Parking Assist; Attention Assist; Speed Limit Assist; Electrically adjustable, heated door Mirrors with Powerfold; Electrically Adjustable Steering Column; Bi-Xenon Headlights with Powerwash and Auto Activation; LED Daytime Running Lights; Cruise Control; Rear Privacy Glass; AMG Carpet Overmats...
At this point the husband starts choking up.....
Sergeant: Don’t worry, mate. We’ll find your car...
Classic Christmas Quiz
How Rudolph almost didn't get his name
By Mark Kearney and Randy Ray
Mark Kearney of London, Ont. and Randy Ray of Ottawa are the authors of nine books about Canada, with best-seller sales of more than 50,000. Their Web site is: www.triviaguys.com
Questions
1) True or false? The poinsettia plant, a favorite at Christmas, was named for a Dr. Poinsett.
2. The original Santa Claus, St. Nicholas, was believed to be born in the fourth century in what is now this country?
a) Sweden b) The Netherlands c) Turkey d) Czechoslovakia e) The Soviet Union
3. Robert May, an advertising copywriter for the Montgomery Ward department store, came up with the tale of a Red-Nosed Reindeer. Before he settled on Rudolph what two other names were suggested?
a) Rollo and Reginald b) Roscoe and Randy c) Robin and Roland d) Rufus and Rupert
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www.randyray.ca - www.triviaguys.com
O Canada! Getting to know you!
This is one of a series on the heartbeat of Canada
In 1775 London called us the Quebec province
While the American rebels called us Canadians
The objective of the American military campaign, control of the British province of Quebec, was frequently referred to as "Canada" in 1775. For example, the authorization by the Second Continental Congress to General Philip Schuyler for the campaign included language that, if it was "not disagreeable to the Canadians", to "immediately take possession of St. John's, Montreal, and any other parts of the Country", and to "pursue any other measures in Canada" that might "promote peace and security" of the colonies.
Even relatively modern history books covering the campaign in detail refer to it as Canada in their titles. The territory that Britain called Quebec was in large part the French province of Canada until 1763, when France ceded it to Britain in the 1763 Treaty of Paris, which formally ended the French and Indian War.
As noted in a previous edition of True North Perspective, this first invasion of a foreign country by the Americans suffered a dismal failure. The Canadians firmly objected to American plans. The Americans went home after losses at Montreal and Quebec City.
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"News is what (certain) people want to keep hidden. Everything else is just publicity."
-- PBS journalist Bill Moyers.
Your support makes it possible for True North to clear the fog of "publicity" and keep you informed on what's really happening in the world today. Please send your donation to:
Carl Dow, True North, Station E, P.O. Box 4814, Ottawa ON Canada K1S 5H9.
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Books
Writing is hard work and writers like Kevin Dooley
have developed their own techniques to ease the pain
01 December 2015 — Allan Paivio, world renowned London, Ontario, psychologist, published two hundred articles and book chapters, and five major books on subjects with emphasis on such as nonverbal and verbal information being stored separately in long-term memory. Together it stands as a highly respected monumental work, and he wrote all of it while standing up at the equivalent of a pulpit.
Dalton Trumbo, one of the most prolific and successful Hollywood screenwriters, who even won Oscars while writing under pseudonyms after being blacklisted during the McCarthy lunacy, would write while sitting in a full bathtub whenever he suffered from the proverbial writer's block. He would set a writing pad on a board and produce brilliant scripts.
So Ottawa's Kevin Dooley ranks with the great when we learn that in this day and age he writes the first draft of his novels in pencil, and the second by pen and ink.
We are happy to report that Kevin Dooley has just published his fourth novel A Dog's Breakfast and we link you to a review as it appeared in NEWSWEST On-line (HERE) and you can buy it (HERE).
Change of Venue
The Ottawa Canada Celtic Folk Night, featuring Kevin Dooley
has moved to
The Heart and Crown Club
353 Preston Street, Ottawa
Every Wednesday evening at 7
Attacking a hospital is a war crime
Unless your side launches the attack
U.S. journalists instantly exonerated their government of the Kunduz Hospital attack, declaring it an 'Accident'
The Intercept
Why the media can't tell the truth
about the lies told by Donald Trump
24 November 2015 — The Donald is ‘controversial’ but never flat-out wrong in the press, because it cares more about being ‘fair’ and ‘objective’ than anything else.
On Sunday afternoon (22 November), Donald Trump retweeted an objective lie. The lie claimed that 81 percent of murdered white people are killed by black people. In truth, 84 percent of murdered white people are murdered by other white people, almost the exact opposite the claim. Not only were the statistics wrong, but the tweet cited the “Crime Statistics Bureau—San Francisco.”
This organization doesn’t exist. (More)
Another money is possible
Will the ScotPound succeed as a parallel currency?
Occupy.com
While Canadians are cheered by an El Nino warm winter
Much of the world may face floods, famine, and sickness
22 November 2015 — A fog of suffocating smoke settles over the Indonesian countryside, sickening hundreds of thousands of people and triggering an environmental crisis.
In Peru, officials abandon plans to host the lucrative Dakar Rally and prepare instead for torrential rains and devastating floods.
And in Ethiopia, crops perish for lack of seasonal rain as United Nations officials warn of imminent famine.
Although many Californians hope forecasts of a "Godzilla" El Niño will deliver drought-busting rains this winter, mention of the mysterious climate phenomenon inspires dread in much of the world. (More)
Health Watch
Cuba leading eradication of HIV/AIDS, UN says
First country to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis
Science
Scientists develop 'nanopores'
that inexpensively filter the salt out of seawater
Canada's scientists can speak freely again, so I called a few up
If things are really changing, we should be able to hear it from the scientists themselves — so I called scientists in several government departments who were at the center of muzzling controversies over the past ten years. In many cases it was the first time they’ve been able to speak about their research and experiences publicly since the previous government came into power in 2006. (More)
