In February, the parliamentary committee on Veterans Affairs released a report calling for the federal government to create a veterans ombudsman to handle problems faced by our veterans – including the 228 Canadians who have so far been wounded in Afghanistan (which does not include those who might face psychological problems.) At that time our own MP, Betty Hinton, who is also parliamentary secretary to the veterans affairs minister, described the office of the ombudsman as a "heavy hammer" to uphold the Veterans Bill of Rights.
Now, the Toronto Star reports that
...the transparent and accountable process Canadians have demanded and government has promised in creating the office has been virtually non-existent .... [t]he ombudsman's office will not be legislated, nor will it have the necessary robust powers of investigation, such as the power to subpoena documents and witnesses, take testimony under oath or enter any relevant premises as required.
Just another half-filled promise. It's unfortunate that the victims in this case are our nation's best and bravest.
Cited article by Sean Bruyea
Published September 21, 2007
© Copyright Toronto Star 1996-2007
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6 comments:
I'm guessing as left-centre oriented you would consider yourselves civil libertarians and somewhat familiar with the rule of law. How then can you consider as negative "The State's" refusal to appoint a commisar/ombudsman with both investgative and judicial power? I'd say we just dodged a bullet.
Be careful what you wish for.
Certainly we have to credit our MP with the fact that during her terms, Kamloops has become known as the Center of the Universe. Its a little bit of a stretch since its actually located near Vidette Lake, but like the owner of this blog, who wants to ruin a good story with the facts?
Then there is the story of the crystals; One of the locals living near the property and very skeptical about any para-normal or religious claims connected to this spot, was curious enough to bury three crystals on the knoll in locations only known to himself. A few months later, to his astonishment, the crystals had disappeared. “Absorbed by the earth” are his words. “Something very different and unexplainable is at work over there”.
He and many other people who have spent some time camping on that exact location agree that there may be areas more spectacular to view, but none as addictive and peaceful. One Kamloops resident who frequents this area claims to be unable to stay away. “Deadman Valley gets in your blood” she states. “You fall in love and have to go back again and again”.
What brought this monk all the way from Tibet? What made him select this precise spot? What causes the music of heavenly voices? How does the earth absorb crystal? Why indeed does a monastery offer to buy the property for a sum of money far exeeding market value? Is it because the incredible becomes credible? Do the claims merit serious consideration?
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
However, the style and substance (while pithy) is far from my personal writing style and thus is very easily differentiated from each other.
In other words, your imitation sucked!
the question is whether the anonymous creator of a fake name can claim exclusive ownership of that fake identity?
Or as Seinfeld once said: "I guess I wasnt ready for the responsibilities that come with a pretend marriage"
But of course.
...not
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