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Stories about Canada Day and the Native apology:
Poor O Canada. Will no one ever learn the words?
Still, in English Canada you'd think that by now we could have learned the words. But here's the latest problem: half-English, half-French versions of the national anthem. Even I get muddled! At a recent Toronto Marlies hockey game they switched to French for the middle stanza of the song, then back to English for the end. At Toronto council, they sing the middle stanza in French, too. Earlier this spring, when I tuned in to a Montreal Canadiens hockey game on CBC, they did the same thing backwards, singing the middle stanza in English. What's doubly bizarre is that the middle stanza of the French song, the one English Canadians sing to be politically correct in multi-culti Canada, is the most stridently Catholic bit of the whole anthem: "Carton bras sait porter l'epee, il sait porter la croix." (Your arm knows how to carry the sword, it knows how to carry the cross.)
Peter Kuitenbrouwer, National Post, June 28
Harper says native apology sign of unity and strength on Canada Day
It's Canada's 141st birthday on Tuesday and the prime minister is pointing to his government's recent apology for residential school abuses as a prime example of Canadian togetherness. Stephen Harper has issued his third Canada Day message since his minority Conservative government took power in January 2006. In emphasizing unity and co-operation among Canadians, Harper calls the formal apology "an important evolution in Canada's relationship with our First Peoples."
Canadian Press, June 30
Lawsuit seeks apology, redress from feds for 'Experimental Eskimos'
Unlike children at residential schools, the Experimental Eskimos were not subject to religious indoctrination. Nor do they complain of mistreatment and most say they grew fond of their temporary guardians. Mike came to know hers as "Aunt Helen." But all complain of loneliness and cultural dislocation suffered not once, but twice - first when they moved south and again when they returned to the North.
Canadian Press, June 30
Harper's apology to natives puts pressure on Bush
Canada's residential-schools apology has opened the possibility that U.S. President George W. Bush may do the same in his final months of office, says Republican Senator Sam Brownback. In an interview with The Globe and Mail, the senior senator from Kansas said Canada's apology has increased the pressure on Washington, and he expressed hope that Prime Minister Stephen Harper will raise the issue directly with the President.
Globe and Mail, July 2
Panel debates God and O Canada
Reflecting our history, both versions of the anthem have a clear religious, even Christian wording. Yet, as Canada becomes ever more multinational and pluralistic, are those words still appropriate?
Globe and Mail, July 2
Earlier: One Harper issues apology for residential schools, another Harper forgives
Stories about Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed:
'If you mention intelligent design... you do get mugged'
Ben Stein, front man of the documentary Expelled, is unapologetic in his harsh view of Darwinism
Globe and Mail, June 27
Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed
Then Ben Stein went to the former death camps at Dachau, followed by a scene where he visited a statue of Charles Darwin, with whom he engaged in a staring contest of many moments -- but Darwin's heartless statue refused to blink.
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail, June 27
Nature vs. nurture vs. Nikita KhrushchevExpelled has some apparent design; evidence of its intelligence is harder to come by.
Chris Knight, National Post, June 27
Ben Stein's assault on Darwin goes over the top
Media gadfly alleges scientific 'cover-up' Jay Stone, Ottawa Citizen, June 27
Also: Vancouver Sun | Edmonton Journal
Earlier: Expelled brings Intelligent Design controversy back home to Canada
Stories about Henry Morgentaler and the Order of Canada:
Reports that Morgentaler to be named to Order of Canada met with controversy
A published report that abortion-rights activist Dr. Henry Morgentaler will receive the Order of Canada is being met with both applause and outrage. A national newspsper reported Tuesday that Morgentaler will receive the prestigious national honour. However, no one in the Governor General's office could be reached on the Canada Day holiday to comment.
Canadian Press, July 1
Henry Morgentaler's naming to Order of Canada met with controversy
The naming of abortion-rights activist Dr. Henry Morgentaler to the Order of Canada is being met with both applause and outrage. The Harper government was quick to distance itself from the decision.
Canadian Press, July 1
Henry Morgentaler's Canada is not my Canada
Word on the street is that, barring an unlikely 11th-hour intervention, Dr. Henry Morgentaler, our country's most famous abortionist, will be inducted into the Order of Canada. The decision, which is to be announced in time for Canada Day, is clearly not driven by popular demand. For example, an online poll by the Globe and Mail, with over 300,000 respondents, went 92% to 8% against giving the award to Morgentaler.
Douglas Farrow, Full Comment, National Post, June 29
Outrage brews as Ottawa set to honour Morgentaler
Abortion-rights crusader's friends and foes gird for fight over expected Order of Canada
Globe and Mail, July 1
Morgentaler named to Order of Canada
Henry Morgentaler, the country's best-known abortion-rights crusader, has been named to the Order of Canada, the country's highest honour. Governor General Michalle Jean on Tuesday announced 75 new appointments to the Order of Canada. The new appointees include five Companions, 26 Officers, and 43 Members, as well as one Honorary Officer.
Globe and Mail, July 1
Cheers, jeers greet Morgentaler's honour
The Harper government was quick to distance itself from the announcement that Henry Morgentaler, the controversial abortion doctor who changed the face of health care in the country, was named on Tuesday to the Order of Canada. The Tories, no doubt sensing a brewing backlash from their conservative base, issued a brief response outlining how the appointment process has nothing to do with the government.
Globe and Mail, July 1
Morgentaler is no monster. But he still doesn't deserve the Order of Canada
Opponents of abortion cast Henry Morgentaler as a monster. Proponents of abortion rights view him as a Saint. Both of these views are overly simplistic. In fact, Dr. Morgentaler -- a Polish holocaust survivor who has made it his life's work to help Canadian women get access to abortion services -- is a complex figure. While he does not deserve the Order of Canada, he also does not deserve to be blamed for the absurd state of abortion law in this country.
Jonathan Kay, Full Comment, National Post, July 1
Morgentaler proud to 'finally' receive Order of Cda, says Cda set global example
Abortion rights activist Henry Morgentaler said Wednesday he's honoured that his work has "finally" been recognized with the country's highest civilian honour and hopes the country has set an example for governments around the world. Best known for taking his fight to the Supreme Court and striking down the country's abortion laws 20 years ago, Morgentaler expressed surprise that those opposed to him being named to the Order of Canada have not been "more violent."
Canadian Press, July 2
Morgentaler given Order of Canada
High honour for abortion doctor outrages activists
National Post, July 2
Morgentaler 'honoured' to receive Order
Abortion rights activist Dr. Henry Morgentaler says he's honoured to receive the Order of Canada and says the country has set an example for other countries to emulate. Dr. Morgentaler, best known for taking the issue of abortion rights all the way to the Supreme Court, says he's proud to receive the prestigious order.
Globe and Mail, July 2
'I deserve' Order of Canada, Morgentaler says
Abortion doctor's honour applauded, derided
Toronto Star, July 2
Coquitlam priest returns Order of Canada
Father Lucien Larre said giving honour to abortion activist Henry Morgentaler "degrades" award
The Province, July 2
Honouring a remorseless extremist
Yesterday, it was confirmed that abortion-rights activist Dr. Henry Morgentaler received the Order of Canada. Was that wise? No. The Order of Canada is meant to honour an individual whose contribution to the nation all Canadians can take pride in. Dr. Morgentaler's successful crusade to ennoble the concept of abortion without constraints of any kind does not meet that criterion.
Barbara Kay, National Post, July 2
A symbol of moral decay
To award the Order of Canada to Henry Morgentaler does not much diminish Governor-General Michaelle Jean nor Canada (neither, truth to tell, have much of a reputation to tarnish), but it might make some past recipients -- for example, Jean Vanier (1971), or the Salvation Army's Arnold Brown (1982), or the late Cardinal Emmett Carter (1983) -- seem to be in rather uncomfortable company. But then, people forget that the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Yasser Arafat.
Ian Hunter, Full Comment, National Post, July 2
Abortion doctor: 'I am very proud'
Beyond the steel door and security cameras that guard the entrance to his Toronto clinic, Henry Morgentaler, Canada's most lauded and reviled abortionist, sat in a conference room with a photograph of Albert Einstein behind him on the wall. Prompted by the media pack who had gathered for his comments on being appointed to the Order of Canada, a distinction for which he is "genuinely honoured and proud," Dr. Morgentaler said the portrait's caption nicely captures his 40-year campaign to liberalize access to abortion in Canada, during which he has been incarcerated and survived the bombing of a clinic.
National Post, July 3
B.C. priest gives back his Order over Morgentaler
Revoke abortion doctor's award, churches say
National Post, July 3
Veto of Morgentaler would have set precedent
The Governor-General has the power to veto appointments to the Order of Canada, but it would have been highly unusual for her to use it to block abortion-rights activist Henry Morgentaler from receiving the honour, according to those familiar with the process.
Globe and Mail, July 3
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Every child a gift from God
I began bothering people in 1973. This was the year that I was born, and folks who have known me since before I could form memories assure me that my company was unpleasant almost from day one. Something else happened in that year -- something that has had a profound effect on society ever since. In January of 1973, the United States Supreme Court handed down its landmark Roe vs. Wade ruling, guaranteeing American women the right to abortion.
Theo Caldwell, National Post, July 3
A champion of personal liberty
Dr. Henry Morgentaler is like a Rorschach Test. Show his picture to activist Judy Rebick, or one of the millions of Canadian women who have undergone an abortion they do not regret, and they see a hero; a man who put principal ahead of personal freedom and safety.
John Moore, National Post, July 3
Morgentaler's claim that abortion reduces crime is a myth
So much for every child being "wanted." In 1999 journalist Steve Sailor of Slate.com debated Levitt, noting that the national homicide data showed Levitt's (and Morgentaler's) theory doesn't stand up to scrutiny: The first cohort born after Roe vs Wade, as 14-17 year olds, produced a homicide rate triple that of the last cohort born before abortion was legalized. You can read all about it and see the graphs here.
Barbara Kay, Full Comment, National Post, July 3
Earlier: Pro-lifers mark 20 years since Morgentaler decision
Stories about Islam and the West:
Brother of girl killed in apparent hijab incident charged
The brother of a Mississauga, Ont., teenager who was strangled to death in her home has been charged with first-degree murder. Aqsa Parvez was 16 when she was strangled to death in December 2007 during what friends said was a family dispute over her reluctance to wear a hijab. Her father, 57-year-old Muhammed Parvez, was charged with first-degree murder soon after his arrest that month.
Canadian Press, June 27
Aqsa Parvez brother hit with murder in 1st degree
Peel police have charged Aqsa Parvez's brother with her first-degree murder and say others may be arrested in a killing that drew international attention for an apparent clash of Muslim and Western cultures.
National Post, June 28
Are you down with the J?
What is cool-speak to an alleged young global jihadi intent on impressing his love interest? Judging by the missive Mohammad Momin Khawaja penned for his girl, it's not quoting the Koran. In his weekly examination of a quotation, Stephen Marche finds out what an alleged jihadi thinks is cool.
National Post, June 28
Muslims open new house of worship
Calgary's new northeast landmark is Canada's largest mosque
Calgary Herald, June 29
'Turban effect' points to anti-Muslim bias: study
A Muslim-style turban is perceived as a threat, even by people who don't realize they hold the prejudice, a phenomenon researchers of a new study dubbed "the turban effect." Research volunteers played a computer game that showed apartment balconies on which different figures appeared, some wearing Muslim-style turbans or hijabs and others bare-headed. They were told to shoot at the targets carrying guns and spare those who were unarmed, with points awarded accordingly. People were much more likely to shoot Muslim-looking characters -- men or women -- even if they were carrying an innocent item instead of a weapon, the researchers found.
CanWest News Service, June 30
Would-be jihadis tricked into bomb plot, Khawaja lawyer suggests
Would-be Islamic warriors who attended a supposed terrorist training camp in northern Pakistan thought they were going to fight in Afghanistan, not participate in a bomb plot in Britain, says Momin Khawaja's defence lawyer. Lawrence Greenspon made the suggestion Wednesday as he launched his cross-examination of Mohammed Babar, the Crown's star witness against his client.
Canadian Press, July 2
Was teen a terrorist or just troubled?
Court hears conflicting testimony on whether camp Toronto 18 youth attended was military or religious
Toronto Star, July 3
Khawaja walked into sophisticated surveillance operation
Uncontested surveillance tapes and audio intercepts played in an Ottawa court Thursday revealed the full extent to which Mohammed Momin Khawaja was watched by security forces after he arrived in London in 2004. The evidence, which the defence is not challenging, shows Mr. Khawaja was picked up at the airport by a man who lectured him on the importance of security. Never disobey your "emir" or leader, Mr. Khawaja was told, and keep to your own "cell." Check the background of prospective recruits, he was told, and be careful about who you send money to.
Globe and Mail, July 3
Earlier: Stories about Islam and the West
Other stories from the past week:
The state has no place in the nurseries of the nation
Under the pretext of safeguarding people's health, self-esteem, and family, the authorities demand veto over everyone's conscience, speech, and lifestyle. Many years ago a Chicago gangster named Al Capone came up with a scam called "protection racket." In our time it has been taken over by the government. Consider last week: A Quebec judge rules that a father must consent to his 12-year-old daughter going on a school field trip. The Senate passes a bill that would outlaw parents physically restraining or disciplining their children in all but the most extreme circumstances. The Ontario government makes it illegal for people to smoke in their own cars while transporting children. In British Columbia and Alberta Human Rights Commissions regulate, and in Ontario demand the power to regulate, press and electronic communication. (The federal Human Rights Commission is studying the question.) The German authorities jail a couple for home schooling their children. I've picked these examples because I feel at arms length from most of them.
George Jonas, CanWest Publications, June 25
Earlier: Stories about spanking, grounding, and the legal issues thereof
B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell boosts foe of same-sex kids' books
Vancouver's youngest civic politician told the Georgia Straight that Premier Gordon Campbell has slapped the gay and lesbian community in the face by appointing B.C. Liberal Langley MLA Mary Polak to provincial cabinet.
Georgia Straight, June 26
Earlier: Supreme Court rules on gay books
Lessons from the Golubchuk case
Samuel Golubchuk has died. Silenced by illness and intubation, the 84-year-old Winnipeg patient has been the focus of a national debate over when doctors can withdraw treatment. Was the health care team providing Mr. Golubchuk medical treatment with the hope of saving his life, or were these interventions merely prolonging the agony during his death? The central question was who should make this determination -- physicians or judges? The case of Mr. Golubchuk suggests that if judges are to be involved, they cannot repeat the process that unfolded in Manitoba.
Juliet Guichon and Christopher Doig, National Post, June 26
Earlier: Stories about Samuel Golubchuk and end-of-life issues
Gossip is good -- most of the time
Gossip, when it's not too nasty, has its good side; It helps us discern moral standards, bond with others and acquire information outside of official channels
Douglas Todd, The Search, Vancouver Sun, June 26
Student anti-abortion group fights ban
An anti-abortion student group at Toronto's York University has launched a complaint under the school's code of conduct over the student government's effective ban against them, one of several such bans across the country. Students for Bioethical Awareness allege that their rights were violated by the York Federation of Students' last minute cancellation of a public debate on abortion, to be moderated by the school's debating club.
National Post, June 27
Earlier: Stories about abortion and related life issues
Conrad's 'cataract of horrors'
The long legal tragedy of Conrad Black and his companions is now over. The Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit dismissed Lord Black's appeal on Wednesday, and did so dismissively. In a unanimous opinion written by Judge Richard Posner, the appellate court rejected all the arguments on all the counts for all four defendants.
Father Raymond J. de Souza, National Post, June 27
Archbishop's brother named in sex assault
The brother of Marc Cardinal Ouellet, the Archbishop of Quebec, has been accused of sexually assaulting a young girl in the 1980s. Paul Ouellet, 63, was charged on Wednesday in Amos, in northwestern Quebec, with three counts of having sexual relations with a minor, touching a young person when in a position of authority and inciting a minor to touch him.
CanWest News Service, June 28
PM calls UN conference an 'anti-Western hatefest'
Prime Minister Stephen Harper told a delegation of B'nai B'rith members yesterday that Canada is refusing to participate in a United Nations conference on racism because Ottawa will not be party to an anti-Semitic "anti-Western hatefest."
CanWest News Service, June 28
Academic philosophers need to speak again of God
Wouldn't it be great if young women and men could attend UBC, SFU and similar institutions of higher learning and discuss with professors the meaning of life? To me it would be a dream come true if their fresh, open minds were given the chance to intensely explore the nature of goodness, truth, beauty, chance, purpose, love, transcendence and divinity. But many of the most profound topics of existence are not on the table in philosophy departments.
Douglas Todd, Vancouver Sun, June 28
Crooks use priest as bait to waylay Montreal armoured truck guards
Three daring bandits are being hunted by Montreal police after the crooks used a priest as bait to waylay armoured truck guards. The robbers entered the presbytery and grabbed the priest before going after the armoured truck which was passing through the working-class neighbourhood.
Canadian Press, July 2
What we don't know about Canada's war in Afghanistan
Since Canada went to war in Afghanistan, it has become customary to pay special tribute to the troops on the Dominion Day holiday. It's fitting -- soldiers in battle deserve a high place in the thoughts of their compatriots, especially during patriotic festivals.
Father Raymond J. De Souza, National Post, July 3
Academic freedom and assisted suicide
Canada's university professors are preparing to defend the right of a Vancouver researcher to witness illegal assisted suicides in the name of increasing understanding of the right-to-die movement. The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) has formed a high-level committee to investigate claims that Kwantlen University College sociologist Russel Ogden was unjustly denied the chance to research new techniques for assisted suicide.
Douglas Todd, Vancouver Sun, July 3
July 3/2008
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