test blog #10

Stephen Harper will be in Surrey, BC tonight. When: Tuesday, September 23, 6:00 p.m. Where: Main Ballroom, Sheraton Guildford, 1526 104 Avenue, Surrey, BC Let's just say people may be gathering there. Make a sign, and head on down. You won't be alone. As one of our organizers said today, "All it takes is a couple people, a camera, and some Stephen Harper stickers. And wearing a sweater vest seems to help."

I saw this yesterday on Progressive Bloggers , although unfortunately I can't remember whose blog it was, so I can't credit the blogger. Yesterday I couldn't find any corroboration, but today it seems to have some weight. The New Democratic Party is open to forming a coalition with the Liberals if it would help implement the party's policies, NDP Leader Jack Layton said Monday. Layton, speaking to CTV's Canada AM, hinted he would work with the Liberals if the two parties combined won more seats in Parliament than the Tories on Oct. 14. "I've worked with any other party, I think people have seen that," Layton said. "Maybe it goes back to my days as municipal councillor -- you roll up your sleeves and you try to solve a problem. And I think the problem we have is Stephen Harper and his Conservatives." However, when asked if he'd agree to a formal arrangement, Layton was more evasive. "I think what I'll do is, hopefully, sit down i...

Stephen Harper would sentence a 14-year-old to life in prison. But at the same time, Mr Morals would lower that bar in order to win a few votes. Teenagers as young as 14 who are convicted of serious crimes such as murder would face stiffer sentences - including the possibility of life in prison - under Conservative Party proposals that would bypass a Supreme Court of Canada decision that made it more difficult to sentence youths as adults. Conservative Leader Stephen Harper said yesterday a re-elected Tory government would overhaul the Youth Criminal Justice Act; in effect, imposing adult sentences on some young offenders and no longer shielding their identity. He said his government would raise maximum sentences for young killers - currently 10 years for first-degree murder and seven years for second-degree - and hand down 14-year sentences for other violent crimes now subject to two- or three-year terms. The new sentences would affect youths 14 and older in most of the country. But ...

I saw a beautiful thing tonight. I saw Jeremy Hinzman smile. Nga was beaming, but, as beautiful as that is, I have seen her smile many times. But Jeremy? I don't think I've ever seen him without a deeply serious expression on his face. Tonight, the permanent crease between his intense eyes relaxed, and a smile seemed to rise up from his soul. The Quaker Meeting House was packed - with Quakers, of course, and Campaigners, and peace activists - and Olivia Chow! - and many others who worked to help bring about this victory. There were speeches, and much applause, and many, many hugs. And a lot of food! But alas, no alcohol in the Meeting House, not the way resisters and campaigners usually celebrate. I'm sure a large contingent headed to a pub after dinner. One person had attended the court hearing in the morning, and she shared her impressions of Alyssa Manning, Jeremy's amazing lawyer. She said Alyssa spoke for two and a half hours, making the most cogent, articulate, ai...

We've won another round!! A federal court judge has stayed the deportation of war resister Jeremy Hinzman and his family. Jeremy's lawyer can now apply for leave to appeal. YES!! More news later tonight or tomorrow morning, after I attend an emergency meeting. For now, enjoy the victory. [Apologies for causing any confusion - or heart attacks - earlier. I hit "publish" instead of "draft".]

The "why we don't want another harper government" game is still going on. No way we've gotten all the reasons yet!

Jeremy Hinzman's lawyer, Alyssa Manning, is in federal court today, trying to have Jeremy's deportation order stayed. This happened with Corey Glass, the day before his scheduled removal, and Corey has since won leave to appeal. In the intervening time, there has also been a very positive decision in Josh Key's case, regarding a soldier being forced to participate in human rights violations or war crimes, and an individual's right to refuse such activity. Because of this, we are hopeful - we are trying to be hopeful - that today's decision will be positive. But we know it may not be. We don't expect to hear anything before day's end. There's an emergency meeting tonight, so I may have already left when the news comes down, in which case Allan will update the blog.