Intolerance/Racism.....France....USA.....Quebec

     Sarkozy, the political weasel has used the Burqa and now the Gypsy to bolster his "fall from grace ", and as in the last presidential election in France, outflank the National Front, for the right wing vote. He has taken a page from France's past (the deportation of Jews), to expel the Gypsies from France. Collective punishment was a favorite tool of the Nazis. Hopefully the "silent majority" will see through his scheme and punish him at the polls and restore French honor. 
     In New York , the issue of building a mosque has brought out the "haters". The decision to build the mosque near "ground zero", may be insensitive, but it is seen as Muslim "triumphalism". Obama has appeared weak on the issue of religious freedom, (afraid of the "loud idiots" on talk radio and Fox, and their railings that he is Muslim and a foreigner, which by the way has picked up steam...27%) . He has to take the lead and uphold the 1st amendment. On the other hand the Mayor of New York (a Jew) has shown courage in standing up and supporting the building of the mosque. He has not forgotten that taking away and/or limiting the rights of anyone, threatens the rights of all.
     Here in Quebec, the rights of the English community continues to be limited. Law 104, was struck down by the courts, but the feckless Charest government is pandering to "linguistic nAZIS", WHO WANT TO DENY THE PRESENCE OF THE MOST VITAL PART OF THIS DIMINISHED PROVINCE, BY STRIPPING THEM OF THEIR LANGUAGE AND THUS THEIR IDENTITY. I have just returned from my third trip from Totonto and was struck by the continued economic growth and integration of ethnic communities. There is a vibrancy and optimism which the "new blood"(many from Quebec), has injected into life there. Toronto "the good" is now Toronto the "energetic and bold"
     Pakistan is reeling from the aftermath, the devastation of the "floods". It seems that the gates of hell have been opened up and swamped the people. Millions are caught in this maelstrom and relief is not in sight. It has exposed the 60 years of neglect, ineptitude, incompetence, and corruption that have been the bane of this fractured nation. Outside help has been slow in coming mainly because of fears that corruption will be the "order of the day". Led by Zardari, nicknamed Mr. 10% during the tenure of his late wife Benazir, who was in London and Paris, when the deluge happened and who continued on his holiday while the country suffered, the government's response was little and confused. In stepp the military and the Islamic fundamentalists. These two forces , used to work together, but now are competing for power and influence. This is a precariousd time and the government may fall very soon.
     There is one bit of good news for this "cricket- loving" country. Against great odds. their cricket team, led by 18 year old Amir and 20 year old Akmal, won their Test match against England. A little ray of hope for a desperate people......GO PAKISTAN.