ONWARD JAMES

Peter Worthington, Reporter, Editor-In-Chief, Co-Founder & the Knight Errant

noreply@blogger.com (Edmund Onward James) — Tue, 14 May 2013 14:57:00 +0000

Peter Worthington in his own words

http://www.torontosun.com/2013/05/14/peter-worthington-in-his-own-words

Years ago, I met editor and columnist Peter Worthingto...n at the Toronto Sun office building to interview him about Ray Munro, who had worked for the competition the Toronto Star, and then the Vancouver newspapers.

Mr. Worthington, twenty years older than me, was about my height but tougher looking, angular, with a strong handshake. With his shoulders back and head up, I could tell that he was once military. His face and penetrating eyes indicated he had battled and he didn’t take fools lightly. I asked him about his career and if he was also in the army. Mr. Worthington didn’t brag. He said he was a platoon commander in Korea... then many years as a reporter and war correspondent, leading up to the co-founding the Sun and still writing.

After he softened up a bit, I told him I considered writing a film script or TV mini-series about Ray Munro who had passed away in ninety-four.

His eyes pierced again, he paused and looked me over, then he smiled a bit and said Munro was a character. If there wasn’t news, a slow news day, he had created it. I chuckled and Peter Worthington laughed a bit, too. Then I asked if all the adventures Ray wrote about in his book “The Sky’s No Limit” were true and exaggerated. I gave him a copy. He scanned through and glanced at some of the pictures.

Ray Munro was an adventurer, Peter Worthington said, and the best way to describe him was two words “knight errant”. Ray was like a knight searching for chivalrous adventures.

I think Mr. Worthington was an adventurer, too. And, I was happy to meet him. He was one of the reasons I purchased the Sun.

Peter Worthington was in a class of his own
http://www.torontosun.com/2013/05/13/peter-worthington-was-in-a-class-of-his-own

“The Great Gatsby” written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, directed by Baz Luhrmann…

noreply@blogger.com (Edmund Onward James) — Sat, 11 May 2013 18:25:00 +0000

The Great Gatsby

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1343092/

I have read Fitzgerald’s novel several times at different ages. My views were not that diverse the author wasn’t that emotional and his dialogue at times was wooden. A lot of narrative, but the story was intriguing in a reportage-style of the Roaring Twenties.

Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda were party people and heavy drinkers. Some of the characters could have been based on them and their friends or associates.

Frankly, I liked the previous version with Robert Redford even though critics said he was boring. But I didn’t care for Mia Farrow, there was no spark. The parties were more realistic of the times.

The new 3D version was entertaining but ED didn’t do that much for the film except attract younger people. Leonardo DiCaprio was terrific, more intense and excitable. Generally all the acting was quite good, considering

However, director Luhrmann went too far, too opulent with his party scenes, and I didn’t care for his choice of music, especially Rap. This story took place in the 1920s. At times the director was showing off that it was his film and style, rather than Scott Fitzgerald’s story. Luhrmann even made some changes which were not required. Nonetheless, the director he allowed the actors to act and bring something to the parts.

All-in-all, I thought the movie was worth seeing. I give it 3 ½ out of 5.

FREE TRADE & FAIR TRADE… with China et al…

noreply@blogger.com (Edmund Onward James) — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:14:00 +0000

I understand the importance of trade, buying and selling goods, and helping 3rd world countries to elevate their economy. Perhaps they are burgeoning democracies who appreciate freedom and rule of law.

But too often, I am perturbed buying products from countries that take advantage and use our civil society.

Perhaps, we should re-establish the tariff for such countries, communist China for example with an under-valued dollar, corruption permeates at the top and they are diabolical I have read.

Frankly, I label China a 3rd world country because they rule by men, they cheat, they have too many poor people struggling to survive while party members, associates, government connected businesses, live like kings.

Our government and people worry about jobs and the reduction or closing of industries which may have moved to other locations in the world. There are essential industries that will always be necessary and require labour and white collar workers (unless technology and robots take over).

Of course, there will be shifts of interests. But we still need food, shelter, clothes, medicines, hospitals, transportation, resources (such as oil and metals) and so on, basically wealth creating businesses and professions.

Entrepreneurs are constantly searching for opportunities, new ideas or improving existing ones. Sometimes an idea is far ahead it requires the creators to create an interest and desire.

Canada is fair, more than fair, to most nations who wish to do business with out country. Maybe countries, such as China, ought to be paying fees to do business with us, and the money goes into Employment Insurance funds for example because of the lost jobs China has helped create with cheaper competition.

That would be fair.

But Free Trade is by defintion Fair Trade
http://www.forbes.com/sites/timworstall/2012/04/02/but-free-trade-is-by-definition-fair-trade/

ABOUT POLITICIANS...

noreply@blogger.com (Edmund Onward James) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:13:00 +0000

Too often, I hear broadcasters and read journalists/commentators state – “All politicians are cut from the same cloth. They’ll do anything to get elected.”

I suppose there are a few, but most truly desire to do something positive for the people and the country, province, city or town. I have been represented by politicians like that, patriotic, concerned, ready to help and work hard and long hours. They don’t get rich in politics. Of course there are some, lets say lawyers, who may have been tired of the time to justify their presence in a law firm: How much billing they have accomplished. Therefore, they might get a corporate job or enter politics.

But the majority of lawyers are decent contributors for the people. And since they know, and have experienced certain aspects of the laws and constitution this is usually beneficial.

Frankly, however, I would prefer more accountability. And perhaps rewards for saving the people money and coming through on-time, on-budget, and effective. But I accept the votes for an approval preferably First Past The Post (most votes win) rather than proportional representation. Sometimes for big issues I think referendums might be effective but they can be time consuming and costly.

There have been terrific politicians, some great, and there are many who are terrific, and a few who are great.

Muslim Extremists Are Among US...

noreply@blogger.com (Edmund Onward James) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:04:00 +0000

“More extremists among us local Muslim warns."

“Some of these Mosques people are really emotional (and) what goes on around the world is an easy sell. They buy into the narrative that they’re us versus them.” Muhammad Robert Heft (converted... whistleblower)

Hundreds of radicals in GTA: Muslim Youth Counselor
http://m.torontosun.com/2013/04/24/hundreds-of-radicals-in-gta-muslim-youth-counsellor

Pundits and mainstream media reporters and broadcasters keep saying that the number of radicals is far less than the majority of Muslims. Perhaps only 10% of the 1.2 billion or more Muslims are fanatical and welcome jihad terrorism. Perhaps only 10% of the 10% are jihadists.

That means the major majority are moderate and somewhat like us when it comes to families, work, sports and so forth.

But I presume the majority of clerics (over 50%) the imams and religious leaders mainly funded by Sunni Saudis and Shi’a Iranians are zealous true believers who will resort to influencing the youth for extremities. They either join some Muslim organization such as Hamas, Hezbollah, Muslim Brotherhood, al Qaeda or become lone-wolves. There are Muslim charities and lobbying groups who raise funds and receive substantial support from Saudi Arabia and Iran for their causes, one of them being Sharia Law.

Islam requires reform.

Every visitor and immigrant should be checked out before they enter Canada or America.

Citizenships are a privilege not a right, and they must accept our laws or they will suffer the consequences.

One of the consequences is supposed Moderate Muslims, secular or pious ones, who have had enough with the medieval ideology or sabotaging their interpretation of Islam and the Qur’an, will inform to the law keepers.

However, that is a risk and the protection programs could be costly.

Root Cause is Islam and the interpretations of the Sunnahs

noreply@blogger.com (Edmund Onward James) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:50:00 +0000

“Jihad is part of this overall defence of Islam.” From Towards Understanding Islam written by Syed Maudoodi, distributed to young Muslims in Canada and the U.S.

“For those who search the root cause of Islamist terrorism, it’s the doctrine of jihad, stupid.” Tarek Fatah, Toronto Sun.

It’s the jihad, stupid – Tarek Fatah
http://www.torontosun.com/2013/04/23/its-the-doctrine-of-jihad-stupid

Canadian Liberal leader Justin Trudeau believes that the Islamists, Muslims, have been mistreated in Canada, U.S.A. and other parts of the world. Does he know who the Coptic Christians are of Egypt, for example?

Former American Ambassador John R. Bolton said on the radio, those Muslims who feel alienated are fools. And the best defence is an offence... against the Jihad Islamists. American soldiers try with their best effort to separate non-combatants from combatants. But sometimes non-combatants are injured or killed.

Bolton said there is no root cause for killing innocent people (such as the 8 year old boy in Boston, I say).

However, there is a root cause — it's Islam, and the interpretations, was and still is a problem, since it is a medieval ideology based on Muhammad the prophet's sunnahs.

Obama, in his Islamist Muslim appeasing mind, thinks the same thing as naïve Trudeau, or did, maybe he has changed: Hope and Change.

A Map of Terrorist Incidents and Suspicious Acts
http://www.globalincidentmap.com/

Andrew Coyne of the National Post about Justin Trudeau and Root Cause

noreply@blogger.com (Edmund Onward James) — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 16:55:00 +0000

Andrew Coyne of the National Post is an apologist for Justin Trudeau and the Liberals regarding the terrorists and terrorism. Coyne stated that Trudeau's comments are not that objectionable. The terrorists, particularly the home-grown ones feel disaffected, alienated.

Justin Trudeau’s terrorism ‘root causes’ comments unfortunate but not truly objectionable - Andrew Coyne
http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2013/04/19/andrew-coyne-justin-trudeaus-terrorism-root-causes-comments-unfortunate-but-not-truly-objectionable/

So the terrorists are marginalized, excluded, hence they are victims: ROOT CAUSE

"The causes should be figured out."

How limited. And such a obtuse statement. The cause have been studied for decades.

One of them is ISLAM. The definitions by imams, clerics, and ayatollahs are generally medieval. Islam should rule the world. Therefore, the true believers tell them to spread out and procreate, we will outlast them. Even if takes hundreds of years.

In the past decade, approximately 99% of the terror in the world are by Islamist Jihadists. Organizations, home-grown groups funded by charities, which are either funded by Saudis or Iranians. And those reporters and commentators, supposed pundits who ask WHY are not really asking why or they are morons. They are often of the left who wish to blame capitalism, individualism, conservatism, and motivation to compete and improve. The left desires to redistribute the wealth to the undeserving — for VOTES. And to change the Constitutions.

I highly recommend Michael Coren's astute piece about Margaret Thatcher concluding with limited Justin Trudeau

Leaders vs Pretenders - Michael Coren, The Saturday Sun
http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/sunnews/straighttalk/archives/2013/04/20130420-075036.html

Justin! Why Trudeau's Heir Isn't Ready - David Frum
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/04/20/justin-why-trudeau-s-heir-should-stop-talking.html

BOSTON MARATHON terrorist act.

noreply@blogger.com (Edmund Onward James) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:23:00 +0000

Tears welled in my eyes when I heard about the terrorism in Boston. I am dismayed once more, broken-hearted for the people and the victims of such a horrible terrorist act in America.

President Obama refrained from calling this a terrorist act. I lowered my head when I heard him speak on the radio... and sighed.

Years ago, I ran a marathon once, in Toronto, and I can imagine the horror. I want to believe that the egregious criminal or terrorist(s) and those who planned this are found as soon as possible.

I didn't link reports and articles because of the pictures and, frankly, until they catch whomever, I am too angry. I try not to profile, but it isn't easy.

Frankly, though, to me this is a declaration of war, either by an individual rogue or organization that influended the terrorist.

CHANGE — a few interpretations (April, 2013)

noreply@blogger.com (Edmund Onward James) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 18:08:00 +0000

Henry David Thoreau (1817 -1862), American writer, poet, philosopher and naturalist, said, “Things do not change, we change.”

Interesting philosophical logic, but I disagree. Things change. Even the universe and nature changed, and they slowly continue to transform.

“No great improvements in the lot of mankind are possible, until a great change takes place in the fundamental constitution of their modes of thought.” John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) British philosopher and economist.

Subsequently, there have been great changes because of the desire for a better life, occasionally as a result of crisis, or competition with others and ourselves. We can always do better. For example: in medicine, manufacturing automobiles, airplanes, communication devices, even kitchen products ─ scientists, inventors and engineers strive for enrichment. Then there are the non-materialistic things such as... education, philosophies, politics, and religions.

We compete with status quo and tradition when necessary...

However, as Anglican divine Richard Hooker (1554–1600) recognized and boldly declared, “Change is not made without inconvenience, even from worse to better.”

Separating Church from state was inconvenient for many, but not for Henry VIII.

Inconvenient change is for the sake of change, rather than reasonable progress of improvement, incremental change that is prudent. Then things and ideas are tested, proven viable, and accepted. Sometimes accepted regardless.

Youth love expedient change: anything different than their parents, teachers, and elders. Some of it can be considered artistic transformation for the modern times. But some of it is rebellion. Is the music and art of today better than the past, fifty, a hundred or two hundred years ago? Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, and even Miles Davis will last longer than Lady Gaga or Snoop Dog.

In my senior years, I have become more of a traditionalist and conservative, which happens as one ages with dignity and hard-earned wisdom. However, some change is beneficial and enjoyable.

I tend to concur with Edmund Burke (1729-1797) British statesman and political writer who said, “A state without the means of some change is without the means of its conservation.”

Indeed, preservation requires the discernment of contest and survival in globalization. I am not a Luddite. I believe in mechanization and superb weapons. We are not living in the Utopian dream. Terrorism, jihadist wars, communism, world domination continue; hence modern weaponry is required.

In recorded history there has never been peace all around the world. We are far from perfection, but most of us believe in decency and good judgment. Education for all, or the trades. There are those who are autodidacts, like me. And there are people who are unskilled labour but still work. Then there are those who feed off of others. Some on grants. But not all welfare collectors and people on unemployment insurance are shiftless and live by the entitlement code.

Though I am not that righteous, I understand what Republican President Theodore Roosevelt once stated, “If I must choose between righteousness and peace, I choose righteousness.”

“The real challenge for government is to respond intelligently and farsightedly to the changes that occur.” Margaret Thatcher, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, stated.

Then there is I-Obama’s change which the left and low information follow. Not all citizens follow wholeheartedly now, because the patriotic ones recognize a severe transformation of America and the Constitution.

Canadians made a wise choice with Stephen Harper and the Conservative Party with capable ministers. The testimony is in the state of affairs and the people, regardless of the Quebecois and the separatists.

The federal Liberals are going through a change. They love drastic change, because they believe they are progressives. A new leader will be chosen: Back to the Future.

Change, and reasons for transformations, is an ongoing topic about circumstances, perfection, and a dilemma at times. N’est-ce pas?

CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER one of the great, great actors...

noreply@blogger.com (Edmund Onward James) — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 14:22:00 +0000

Once more, I watched “The Last Station” (about Leo Tolstoy and his wife Sofya) written and directed by Michael Hoffman, starring Christopher Plummer and wonderful Helen Mirren.

Both actors should’ve won an academy award or at least tied.

Tolstoy was in the midst of his movement in his final years. About fairness for peasants and the working class, freedom for all, less materialistic things, and more love. In the film, he walked with his naïve assistant, who was a follower. Tolstoy talked about women, his sexual past with one woman in particular. The young man didn’t know what to say and how to respond. “You’re more a Tolstoyan than me,” said Tolstoy.

Years ago, I had bumped into Christopher Plummer at the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto. That was my chance to pitch a script. “Loose Threads” was originally a theatrical play then transformed into a screenplay. It was about a family of tailors in their fine custom shop.

Surprisingly, Mr. Plummer didn’t mind chatting for a few minutes. He said that I should send the script to his agent. But I never did. Things happened. Changes in my life. However, I remember that he was a gentleman who allowed me some time to present a desire.

The Last Station
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0824758/

When We Were Kings... Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, James Brown in the Congo (Zaire)

noreply@blogger.com (Edmund Onward James) — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 14:17:00 +0000

Muhammad Ali vs. George Foreman (Heavyweight Champion)

It’s been years since I watched the documentary of the amazing boxing match in Zaire formerly named the Congo.

George Foreman (22 years-old) was frightening. Not in temperament but in size, power, and his knockout ability. He knocked down George Frazier 7 times, virtually lifting him off the ground and knocked him out. He destroyed Ken Norton in 2 rounds. Both overpowered boxers had defeated Muhammad Ali (32). The boxing world feared for Ali.

During sparring, Foreman had his right eye cut which needed stitches. The fight was postponed for 6 weeks. Perhaps that helped Ali to get in even better shape, toughen up for disastrous body punches from the brutal World Champion and, also become more acclimatized to the African weather and culture.

I saw the fight live on a screen at a hotel in Toronto.

Ali came out punching rather than dancing and jabbing. He led with rights instead of the left jab then a right. 12 times he nailed Foremen, who had his left down which made him wide open. But the punches didn’t faze him. Ali survived the next few rounds on the ropes. At first, like most, I thought he was in trouble. But he survived the hammer body punches and a few that landed on his arms and face. After 3 more rounds, I sensed he was trying to tire Foreman out, an impromptu strategy: Rope-a-Dope.

By round 5, Foreman looked punched out, but the fight continued until round 8. Muhammad Ali landed several punches ─ a powerful right knocked Foreman out. Underdog Ali became World Champion, once more.

The world was shocked... but the majority were ecstatic. So many years. A few defeats. A broken jaw by Ken Norton. Nonetheless, older Ali was victorious.

I met the champ through Spider Jones (Mentor to youth, Radio Talk Show Host, Golden Gloves Champion). The room was packed with reporters and celebrities. I didn’t want to bother Ali with Parkinson disease, so I wrote a haiku-style poem on the spot for him. When I gave it to him he read it immediately, stood up, and said, “I’ll keep it by my heart.”

small dreams...

sometimes lead to...

little miracles.

At the time, I didn’t know his wife had had a child. Maybe that touched him. Or maybe he prayed about his circumstance.

Regardless, in my opinion, he was/is the Greatest.

When We Were Kings - directed by Leon gast
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118147/

Wind Power dirty waste of money?

noreply@blogger.com (Edmund Onward James) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:07:00 +0000

Good work, again, Dalton McGuinty and the Ontario Liberal party. Such grandiose utopian ideas of the progressives.

On the radio this morning, the John Oakley program 640 AM, Toronto, I heard from an expert that the cost per kilowatt hour is 13.7 cents, but the power from subsidized windmills is usually produced during times it’s not required; hence the overload is sold to New York State for 4 cents. Brilliant!

I wonder to whom Obama is going to sell his overpriced subsidized electricity from his windmills? Evidently dirty electricity for several reasons, one being the environment, and another how windmills affect citizens.

Government must stay out of business, particularly the liberals and socialists.

The utilities ought to be privatized with minimal regulations, especially government monopolies, which are exorbitant and the price makes industries pack their bags and move to either other provinces or out of the country. Many jobs gone.

Wind power kills jobs and increases electricity costs: Report
http://www.torontosun.com/2013/04/11/wind-power-kills-jobs-and-increases-electricity-costs-report

Wind energy's dirty secret: Blizzard (2011)
Mining mineral for windmill magnets causes environmental disaster
http://www.torontosun.com/comment/columnists/christina_blizzard/2011/02/25/17412836.html

Ontario paying price for Energy Act
http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2013/04/11/ontario-green-energy-act/

Decline of Britannia, again?

noreply@blogger.com (Edmund Onward James) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 14:51:00 +0000

Members of the labour party, unions, people of the left procreated children during Margaret Thatcher’s rule. And now they are soccer hooligans, street thugs, G8 protesters, haters of individualism and capitalism, even university students guided by the disgruntled and jealous academia.

They sing and dance to celebrate the Great Lady’s death.

Do they know that she changed housing, so working-class people could own a home?

“…by selling off the huge estates of ‘council houses’ and guaranteeing tenants the right to buy their homes, turned an aristocratic, feudal system into a country of homeowners. Home ownership rose from 12% to over 70% in a decade, and householders took pride in their homes, and, by extension, in themselves and their country.” Rick Smith, Nanaimo, B.C. reader of the National Post

She privatized state-run businesses, and, people became shareholders.

She survived from the egregious terrorist bombing by the IRA, and stood up to them.

She was a woman and politician of conviction. She turned Britain around from decline.

However, those who dance with posters “Thatcher Dies” are metaphorical pygmies, the misfits and extremists, who try to denigrate a Giant.

Charity shop smashed as hundreds 'celebrated' death of Margaret Thatcher
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/margaret-thatcher/9981988/Charity-shop-smashed-as-hundreds-celebrated-death-of-Margaret-Thatcher.html

Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was one of my favourite Politicians and Statespersons

noreply@blogger.com (Edmund Onward James) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:26:00 +0000

Baroness Margaret Hilda Thatcher was a great Prime Minister. A great woman. Lord Christopher Monckton said she put "Great" back into "Great Britain".

From 1979 - 1990 prime Minister Margaret Thatcher governed England with a majority Conservative government. Hence the people were fed up with the Labour Party, even union workers were fed up with their leaders. She cleaned up some of the socialist labour union messes caused by the elite in the unions. She successfully challenged the unions and turned Britain around. The countries of the word learned, especially Argentina, Great Britain was not to be taken lightly and pushed around.

In her book "Statecraft" Prime Minister Thatcher stated she was fond of Rudyard Kipling's poem.

What Say the Reeds at Runnymede - Rudyard Kipling

(A poem commemorating the signing of Magna Carta
Runnymede, Surrey, June 15, 1215)

At Runnymede, at Runnymede,
What say the reeds at Runnymede?
The lissom reeds that give and take,
That bend so far, but never break,
They keep the sleepy Thames awake
With tales of John at Runnymede.

At Runnymede, at Runnymede,
Oh, hear the reeds at Runnymede:
'You musn't sell, delay, deny,
A freeman's right or liberty.
It wakes the stubborn Englishry,
We saw 'em roused at Runnymede!

When through our ranks the Barons came,
With little thought of praise or blame,
But resolute to play the game,
They lumbered up to Runnymede;
And there they launched in solid line
The first attack on Right Divine,
The curt uncompromising "Sign!'
They settled John at Runnymede.

At Runnymede, at Runnymede,
Your rights were won at Runnymede!
No freeman shall be fined or bound,
Or dispossessed of freehold ground,
Except by lawful judgment found
And passed upon him by his peers.
Forget not, after all these years,
The Charter signed at Runnymede.'

And still when mob or Monarch lays
Too rude a hand on English ways,
The whisper wakes, the shudder plays,
Across the reeds at Runnymede.
And Thames, that knows the moods of kings,
And crowds and priests and suchlike things,
Rolls deep and dreadful as he brings
Their warning down from Runnymede!

STATECRAFT
http://onwardjames.blogspot.ca/2010/03/statecraft-margaret-thatcher.html

Magna Carta
http://www.britannia.com/history/docs/magna2.html

DEMOCRACY & FREEDOM in the Middle East...

noreply@blogger.com (Edmund Onward James) — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 18:03:00 +0000

Democracy usually means people can vote and the majority wins. But sometimes the majority can be questionable, such as the Brotherhoods in the Middle East, and 75 years ago the Nazis in Germany.

Freedom is grand. However, free to do what, by whom, and where?

Even in the democracies of the west it seems that the majorities push toward liberalism and socialism for the low information people who desire to be taken care of much more than reasonable, affordable. It seems too many do not believe in individualism and capitalism, the entrepreneurial spirit.

Thomas Sowell has written a profound piece about democracy and freedom in the Middle East. Followed by an essay in The Cairo Review of Global Affairs.

Middle East 'democracy' has not brought greater freedom ...

"Those who applauded the spread of democracy in the Middle East seemed to assume that the “Arab Spring” meant greater freedom. But there was no reason to assume that beforehand — and certainly no reason to believe it after the fact. Christians in Egypt have already lost whatever security they had under Hosni Mubarak".

..."Most Western nations had freedom long before they had democracy. Women have been voting in the United States less than a century. But, even before women could vote in England or America, they had freedoms that women in many Middle Eastern countries can only dream about today."

The Struggle For Middle East Democracy

"It always seemed as if Arab countries were ‘on the brink.’ It turns out that they were. And those who assured us that Arab autocracies would last for decades, if not longer, were wrong. In the wake of the Tunisian and Egyptian revolutions, academics, analysts and certainly Western policymakers must reassess their understanding of a region entering its democratic moment.

"What has happened since January disproves longstanding assumptions about how democracies can—and should—emerge in the Arab world. Even the neo-conservatives, who seemed passionately attached to the notion of democratic revolution, told us this would be a generational struggle. Arabs were asked to be patient, and to wait. In order to move toward democracy, they would first have to build a secular middle class, reach a certain level of economic growth, and, somehow, foster a democratic culture. It was never quite explained how a democratic culture could emerge under dictatorship."

Many Converts to Islam Become Jihadists and worse...

noreply@blogger.com (Edmund Onward James) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 19:53:00 +0000

One doesn’t hear or read of converts to Christianity, Judaism, Hindu, Buddhism, and many other civil religions become terrorists, like the jihadists of Islam.

Religions are generally complex and difficult, but most have progressed from medieval times, except Islam it seems.

Proselytizing can also mean searching susceptible people for conversions so they can be induced to join the religion.

It also seems that few Muslims are truly ashamed of what the Islamists have done with Islam and what many clerics are doing at mosques. However, the true believers would question them. They are not part of the submission, and they are not dedicated to eradication of the infidels, especially the Great Satan, in any way possible, starting with proselytization. Convert as many as possible. Spread the word and sharia law. Emigrate and procreate: we will outlast them.

Some might say I am an Islamophobe… well what is to like about Islam and what it has caused around the world and in my own country. Canada has become a place for sleeper cells, a training ground for al Qaeda and other Muslim Brotherhood organizations, phony charities, and block votes to make sure they also have representation.

Stewart Bell, journalist for the National Post who writes about national security issues and foreign affairs, is someone I highly recommend to read what he usually finds out with hard facts. Often he makes it to the front page such as the following link…

Desire to fit in with Muslim community can push 'bitter and isolated' converts to jihad: experts
http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/04/02/desire-to-fit-in-with-muslim-community-can-push-bitter-and-isolated-converts-to-jihad-experts/

IRAQ WAR ANNIVERSARY

noreply@blogger.com (Edmund Onward James) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 15:45:00 +0000

I am not surprised how the left and their mainstream media still criticize the Iraq war. Many supported it, later flipped.

The way I see it, Sad Sack Hussein tried to bluff he had completed nuclear weapons, or was on the verge of completing them. No doubt there were chemical and biological weapons.

Since the war... I noticed there was no major terrorist attack such as the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The warlords, jihadists, terrorists, and clerics realized what America would do regardless of the UN. Furthermore, Iranians, Pakistanis, and other Muslim nations feared America, and still do, the power of the military, regardless of the flip-floppers.

Some will say that they should've just concentrated on Afghanistan. Just get bin Laden. I say they should've gone after all those who thought they were Supreme Rulers. This includes the leaders of the Muslim Brotherhoods, Hezbollah, Hamas, al-Qaeda and so forth...

Impossible by just one nation. Too spread out.

However, look how Israel has done without the help of the UN. They have defeated the Saladin wannabe's several times. And what do the shameful ones do, send missiles? But they fear the Mossad, because eventually they’d topple, become fragments.

Because of the Iraq war, the terrorist attempt have been relegated to pot shots, now mainly at each other, Muslims killing Muslims, jihadist/terrorist killing Copts, and Christians. But many of the leaders, the big-time strategists, have been removed covertly.

Intelligence has improved. I think. Key organizations communicate with each other. Not like before, when the CIA and FBI refused to co-operate with each other or hid things.

Now, we know more about who the Islamists and the supporters are, and what their intentions are.

Before, we were sheep, or treated like sheep… before 9/11.

The Iraq War at 10: A Legacy of Resolve

Cotton: Iraq 'Was a Just and Noble War' - National Review Online

"In law, we often come upon a situation after an event -- a crime, an accident, etc. -- and we must decide what to do based on the knowledge we have now. Courts award damages based on the harm to the victim and the harm to society. Suppose you thought that the Iraq war was a mistake. If so, isn't the proper remedy to restore Saddam Hussein's family and the Baath Party to power in Iraq? If you are unwilling to consider that remedy, aren't you conceding that on balance, the benefits of the war outweigh the costs?" John Yoo, B.A. Harvard University, J.D. Yale, law professor at UC Berkeley, former Department of Justice lawyer, and AEI scholar.

AEI - Scholars - John Yoo

Soul Brother Number One - James Brown

noreply@blogger.com (Edmund Onward James) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 19:35:00 +0000

Who will play James Brown in the biopic? Who can sing like that? No one. So they will lip-sync, perhaps?

Evidently, Mick Jagger might be one of the exec-producers. Poor Rolling Stones had to follow James Brown & The Famous Flames on the T.A.M.I show 1964. Godfather of Soul and the Flames knocked-out the audience. But Jagger loved James Joseph Brown, a major fan.

James Brown Biopic Set To Begin Casting - David Browne, Rolling Stone
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/james-brown-biopic-set-to-begin-casting-soon-20130116

Story about Soul Brother Number One http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBKz8pDNuto

Following is a link to "James Brown: Live at the Apollo" (1962) on vinyl with some of the songs...

Side A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVBEmZpbz4w

Side B
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2fMfBedQEQ

One of my favourite numbers is Cold Sweat. His music is about rhythm. Even the horns sound like drumbeats. All original. And he never swayed from R&B like many others, such as Berry Gordy and Motown.

Cold Sweat
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXMBMM3whyI

Cold Sweat (Part 1) Live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4Pg7MOTEEw

Cold Sweat (Part 2) Live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zy-f0px7HQ0

Jihadists in Canada

noreply@blogger.com (Edmund Onward James) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 15:10:00 +0000

For years, I have been interested in foreign affairs, intelligence and counter-intelligence.

One wonders why things have been reasonably quiet in Canada. Either we are on top of it, tough, or the enemy considers us as easy pickings, a place to plan, organize the cells, to pick jihadists for other locations such as in Africa and the Middle East, and, of course to raise funds for the brotherhoods and jihad.

I’d rather think the former that we are tough and wise: CSIS, RCMP, Military, Local Police have done superb jobs with the assistance of International Intelligence.

But they are here and fundraising helps their cause.

“…the fact that Canada is an attractive place to live and do business because of its openness, and its respect for human rights and freedoms. With so many terrorist groups in Canada, people might wonder why the media are not reporting the occurrence of serious violence in Canada on a regular basis.”

Algerian terror attack latest case of Canadian jihadist involvement
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/dailybrew/algerian-terror-attack-latest-case-canadian-jihadist-involvement-220321337.html

Canadian Jihad - Leo Knight, Prime Time Crime, Paladin Security

http://www.primetimecrime.com/Recent/War%20on%20terror/Canadian%20Jihad.htm

Terrorism: CSIS
http://www.csis-scrs.gc.ca/prrts/trrrsm/index-eng.asp

Some dances of my misspent youth...

noreply@blogger.com (Edmund Onward James) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 18:20:00 +0000

I loved Rhythm and Blues, still do, the classic R&B when singers could sing and harmonize. And I loved dancing to R&B songs.

Years ago, I wrote a screenplay about white kids, in Toronto in the sixties, listening to an R&B radio station in Buffalo.

One of the last numbers was...

"The Bounce" by The Olympics

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGDun7k8z9U

TOM JONES... and BILL MEDLEY

noreply@blogger.com (Edmund Onward James) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 18:01:00 +0000

One of my favourite voices is TOM JONES. Last night I listened to one of his albums "I'm Coming Home". He has a powerful voice, soulful too — Blue-Eyed soul — that many black people, people of colour like.

Some of his songs of different times
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIfxBthfFkg&list=AL94UKMTqg-9DaKsE_Il4GKT-mMU9-r2dL

'If I Give My Soul' (Gospel)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSKfG9DmOes&list=AL94UKMTqg-9DaKsE_Il4GKT-mMU9-r2dL

I would've loved to hear a duo of Bill Medley (Righteous Brothers) and Tom Jones when they were in their prime. But they still have it and that would be a knock out to me.

The Righteous Brothers' Bill Medley Concert Highlights 2011 .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iryTGZ9g6X4

Bill Medley, Michael Grimm, McKenna Medley and Bob Gulley
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4XwFl34Ptw

Academy Awards 2013 — Django Unchained nominated for best picture?

noreply@blogger.com (Edmund Onward James) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 17:02:00 +0000

About the academy awards. There ought to be separate juvenile and adult awards (not porno). I mean popcorn and silly movies, writing and directing, as opposed to intelligent, mature films. Furthermore, it truly bothers me that Hollywood plays with history and state "based on the truth or real story" and use the excuse of... well it's entertainment.

I watch a lot of films on videos rather than become disappointed at a theatre which I had to pay. I pick them up at libraries or rent them, also buy a few, mainly westerns such as the Wild Bunch. And if they do not grab me in the first few minutes, next.

An example of playing with a true story I just read on National Review Online about Johnny Cash and religion...

How Hollywood De-Christianized Johnny Cash

Then there's politics, propaganda as seen by other countries such as Iran. Michelle Obama presented Best Picture which was exaggerated, bias history, but that's entertainment. I must admit the thriller worked at the end; Ben Affleck pulled it off and won.

Iran state media calls Argo ‘most political’ for Oscar win

As far as the Ayatollah of Iran and his underlings are concerned about the hype, I am glad he squirms and his tongue flaps.

Canadian Veterans vs Politicians regarding pensions

noreply@blogger.com (Edmund Onward James) — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 19:15:00 +0000

Rick emailed to me the pictures of a young soldier, a veteran. And, he made his comment which I agree with.

"No one has been able to explain to me why young men and women serve in the Canadian or U.S. Military for 20 years, risking their lives protecting freedom, and only get 50% of their pay on retirement. While Politicians hold their political... positions in the safe confines of the capital, protected by these same men and women, and receive full-pay retirement after serving one term. It just does not make any sense." R.P. CanadianWrangler

Prime Minister Harper and the Conservative government have made some improvements but, perhaps not enough for Rick's and my views.

Our brave warriors are not your average worker

Ottawa ends clawback on veterans affairs pensions

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-ends-clawback-on-veterans-affairs-pensions/article4601024/

Veterans' Military Pensions

http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/department/facts-fait/military-pensions

Despicable Professor Emeritus Noam Chomsky said America is to blame...

noreply@blogger.com (Edmund Onward James) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 15:59:00 +0000

Last night I listened to Mark Levin on 770 WABC Radio, New York and heard a couple of sound-bites:

America is like the Nazis.
Americans are terrorists.

The "prominent cultural figure" has made statements that anarchists. academics, students, and the left agree with. He indicated that the Iraq war was a crime, that assassinating Osama bin laden is a crime. America is to blame for the evil in the world. He blamed America for 9/11.

Noam Chomsky

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noam_Chomsky

Chomsky has stated that his "personal visions are fairly traditional anarchist ones, with origins in the Enlightneent and classical liberalism", and he has praised libertarina socialism. Although Chomsky tries to avoid the ambiguity of labels, his political views are often characterized in news accounts as "leftist" or "left-wing," and he has described himself as an anarcho-syndicalist. (Wikipedia)

For your interest, I included a recent interview with @#$%&!!!! in the Huffingtom Post which I didn't read fully. Just noticed a few points. He is consistent.

Huffington Post Interview with Chomsky
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/noam-chomsky/american-power_b_2615453.html

Noam Chomsky Website
http://www.chomsky.info/

MEN'S MEN - NAVY SEALs - Watch "Act of Valor"

noreply@blogger.com (Edmund Onward James) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 16:29:00 +0000

"Damn Few"

Navy SEALs

http://www.sealswcc.com/seal-default.aspx

Since, I'm reading "SEAL TARGET GERONIMO" by Chuck Pfarrer, about the Osama bin Laden mission by SEAL Team 6, I decided to watch "Act of Valor", again; a movie about SEAL TEAM 7 based on true events.

Movie critic Roger Ebert gave the film 2 1/2 stars out of 5. He thought the action was terrific. The key players, the SEALs were real NAVY SEAL members. members of a very special club. Men's men.

After listening to the directors' comments (2 directors) about how the film was made, I give it 4 stars. And I am awfully critical. Years back, I was an actor and screenwriter.

There was little computer generation (GC), only to wipe out a camera or a face. The directors were in the action. The military allowed them to utilize machines, equipment, staff, even a submarine with a special sub that James Bond would have been proud of.

Act of Valor is not a chick-flick movie, but some or many women will like it or at or appreciate what warriors go through to rescue and protect. Nor is it a juvenile popcorn action thriller with gratuitous indulgence.

The NAVY SEALs approached the directors to make a film; they had made a short documentary NAVY SWCC (special warfare combatant-craft crewman). Afterwards, they made a movie they and the SEALs can be proud of, I think. I'm not a warrior just an observer who fantasizes, and sometimes writes about the fantasies.

Act Of Valor (2012) Official Trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnlPgo9TaGo

Full cast and crew
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1591479/fullcredits?ref_=tt_cl_sm#cast

FILMSTALKER (reviewer) about Act of Valor
http://www.filmstalker.co.uk/archives/2011/10/act_of_valor_features_real_nav.html