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150 killed and dozens injured after Pakistani border battles Iraq's President supports U.S. Senate plan to decentralize Iraq Iraq's President Jalal Talabani said on Sunday that he supports a U.S. Senate plan to divide Iraq into three separate regions for Shiite Muslims, Sunni Muslims, and Kurds.

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Alex Necochea and Bryn Bennett: the 'Guitar Heroes' of Bang Camaro Wikinews caught up with the two founding members of Bang Camaro at the Bowery Ballroom and spoke with guitarist Alex Necochea about touring, musical influences, politics and more.

Wikipedia Current Events
The United States Supreme Court dismisses the case of the German citizen Khalid El-Masri who accuses the CIA to have him abducted to a secret prison in Afghanistan where he claims he was tortured. The US government had argued that a public trial would reveal state secrets. 20 people are injured in Peshawar, Pakistan, when a bomb rips through a music shop. Employees of an Australian-owned security firm open fire on a car in Baghdad killing two Iraqi women. War in Iraq: Twin blasts in the town of Baiji kill at least eight people and injures dozens more. Japan extends sanctions against North Korea, citing a lack of progress in a dispute about the abduction of Japanese nationals. The President of France Nicolas Sarkozy travels to Moscow to meet with the President of Russia Vladimir Putin to discuss a broad range of policies including Kosovo, Chechnya, and Iran. Albert Fert and Peter Grünberg are announced as winners of the 2007 Nobel Prize in Physics for the discovery of giant magnetoresistance. The general election in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador gives the Conservative government of Premier Danny Williams an enlarged majority at the expense of the Liberals.

Wolfsburg player draws criticism for withdrawal from squad
Wolfsburg player Ashkan Dejagah drew criticism today for planning to not participate in Germany's 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship qualification match against Israel which is scheduled to be played on October 12 in Tel Aviv.

The issue stems from the fact that Dejagah is an Iranian-born citizen. Dejagah was quoted as saying, "I have more Iranian than German blood in my veins" and "That should be respected, and besides I'm doing this out of respect. My parents are Iranian." Iran-Israel relations are currently tense and Iranian citizens are forbidden from traveling to Israel since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, while at the same time, Iran began to refuse to recognize Israel's right to exist. Several German politicians and media members have called for Dejagah to be expelled from the German national team.

This is not the first time that the Iran-Israel conflict has entered German football. Current Hanover and Iran national team striker Vahid Hashemian, when he was with Bayern Munich, was pulled from the squad scheduled to face Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv in a Champions League game in 2004. Although Bayern cited a back injury as the reason for the Iranian's withdrawal, the potential visit proved controversial, with opposition to Hashemian's involvement coming from Iran's national sporting body.

Basque city car bomb injures bodyguard
A bomb wounded a local politician's bodyguard in the northern city of Bilbao on Tuesday, in an attack a senior Spanish Interior Ministry official blamed on the Basque separatist group ETA.

Spanish media say the injured man is a bodyguard for a town councillor from Spain's ruling Socialist Party, who was taken to hospital with burns to his face, right hand, and shoulder. While there was no immediate claim of responsibility, Basque regional government sources said the attack bore the hallmarks of an attack by the armed separatist group ETA.

It comes days after suspected leaders of the separatist party Batasuna were arrested - an action the party described as a "declaration of war".

Ontario Votes 2007: Interview with Green Party candidate Miriam Stucky, Peterborough
Miriam Stucky is running for the Green Party of Ontario in the Ontario provincial election, in the Peterborough riding. Wikinews' Nick Moreau interviewed him regarding his values, his experience, and his campaign.

Stay tuned for further interviews; every candidate from every party is eligible, and will be contacted. Expect interviews from Liberals, Progressive Conservatives, New Democratic Party members, Ontario Greens, as well as members from the Family Coalition, Freedom, Communist, Libertarian, and Confederation of Regions parties, as well as independents.

Interview

Why have you chosen to involve yourself in the political process? Why did you choose to run in this constituency?

As with many (of the best) things in life, I became involved in politics by happenstance, fate. For at least the past 4 elections, I’ve had the pleasure of knowing the Green Party Candidates in our riding. Larry Tylsley, Tim Holland, Brent Wood, and have been inspired by their work. Recently, the federal riding associate was seeking contestants for their nomination, and I was dis-enchanted by the sole contender, thinking “we can do better than that.” If it was to be, it was up to me. So, at the very last minute, I threw my hat in the ring, and sought the nomination. He was much more politically savvy than I (having run for every political party on the ballot); having only two days to sign up new supporters, he won by a nose. As my father said, “if you’d a had another week, you’d-a kicked his ass.”

A few short months later, the provincial nomination came up, and with transportation and energy, two issues close to my heart, being within provincial purvue, I sought the nomination, and now look! Runnin’ runnin’ runnin’ for MPP, here in Peterborough Onscario. My home for the better part of the last 12 years. I couldn’t imagine running anywhere else. My peeps are here.

So, all in all, it stems from the sentiment: “we can do better than that,” and “if it is to be, it’s up to me/us.” True at so many levels when it comes to political leadership and vision, eh?

p.s. I’m learning a lot from my uber-energetic, ever-helpful federal counterpart.

What prior political experience do you have? What skills and insight can you bring to office, from other non-political positions you may have held?

I canvassed for the NDP with my mum before I was old enough to vote (how cute must that have been!). I did a bit of research for our federal Green Party candidate in a past election.

Insight, you ask? I was roommates with/landlord to a friend who’s a (militant) anti-poverty activist and stand-up good woman. She’s honoured me by agreeing to be spiritual/moral advisor to me in this political work/life. I learned a lot from her.

I wildcraft food (pick herbs, berries, etc. for food and medicine). This connects me some with the physical world/our environment.

I ran my own business for a while, delivering local and organic food. From this I learned it’s so much better to have colleagues/workmates/a team.

I’ve worked as a reporter. It’s done nothing to help me keep from getting mis-quoted.

I’ve got a B.A. in cultural studies & native studies. Ergo, I’m a certified good critical thinker (I was born that way), and b) we’re all on Native land. Let’s stop choosing to be blind to what a priveldge it is to be here, now, and (re)commit to learning what it is to behave well as humans here, now.

Which of your competitors do you expect to pose the biggest challenge to your candidacy? Why? What makes you the most desirable of all candidates running in the riding?

For part a, I don’t know.

For part b, because, as my kind friend Barb said the other night after an all candidates’ meeting, “you out-classed them all.” I/we are fresh, creative, and fun-loving. I’m the only woman running in our riding, I’m smart, interested, and dam, does our party have some great ideas!

What do you feel are the three most important issues to voters in your riding? Are these the same top three issues that are most important to you? What would you do to address these issues?

I’m hearing voters say they’re interested in health care, education, and democratic reform. My friend Gary who’s involved with the Green Party campaign in Quinte west/Northumberland today said he/they are all about water. I would have to add that to the list. If our water’s unhealthy, we’re unhealthy. I’m afraid I’ll have to point here to the party tenet of the interconnectedness of all things: the economic, social and environmental factors of ANY and ALL issues HAVE to be considered simultaneously. THAT is what we would do to address any/all issues close to the heart of voters, is address them simultaneously, holistically.

What role, if any, does “new media” play in your campaign, and the campaign of your party? (websites, blogs, Facebook, YouTube videos, etc) Do you view it as beneficial, or a challenge?

Of the decisions made by Ontario's 38th Legislative Assembly, which was the most beneficial to your this electoral district? To the province as a whole? Which was least beneficial, or even harmful, to your this riding? To the province as a whole?

Ontario Votes 2007: Interview with Progressive Conservative candidate John O'Toole, Durham
John O'Toole is running for the Progressive Conservative in the Ontario provincial election, in the Durham riding. Wikinews interviewed him regarding his values, his experience, and his campaign.

Stay tuned for further interviews; every candidate from every party is eligible, and will be contacted. Expect interviews from Liberals, Progressive Conservatives, New Democratic Party members, Ontario Greens, as well as members from the Family Coalition, Freedom, Communist, Libertarian, and Confederation of Regions parties, as well as independents.

Why have you chosen to involve yourself in the political process? Why did you choose to run in this constituency?

I originally become involved in politics when members of the community suggested I stand for election as a local school trustee. As a parent, I was naturally interested in school board issues. This later led to my involvement as an elected municipal councillor for Clarington. One of my responsibilities on Council was as Chair of the local budget process. I was first elected to the Ontario Legislature in 1995.

What prior political experience do you have? What skills and insight can you bring to office, from other non-political positions you may have held?

I have experience at both the local and provincial level. In addition, my 30 years with General Motors has given me a strong background in the business sector, especially within the auto industry and related manufacturing enterprises that are so important to Durham Riding.

Which of your competitors do you expect to pose the biggest challenge to your candidacy? Why?

In my most recent campaigns, the Liberal Party candidate has placed second and the New Democratic Party candidate third. However, when I first ran for office in 1995, the incumbent MPP was a New Democrat. I try to learn from previous campaigns, but take nothing for granted and try to treat each campaign like it’s a new beginning – a new opportunity to win the support of local citizens.

What makes you the most desirable of all candidates running in the riding?

I have direct experience in the Ontario Legislature for three terms, and have a solid background in ensuring constituents get the help they need when dealing with provincial issues. Given the fact that I have over 25 years of elected experience, I also have the advantage of many contacts within community organizations and local government. In other words, I understand the community and work hard to ensure Durham Riding has the best possible representation at Queen’s Park.

What do you feel are the three most important issues to voters in your riding? Are these the same top three issues that are most important to you? What would you do to address these issues?

Healthcare is at the top of the list of provincial and local issues. There are still an estimated one million Ontarians without a doctor, and my riding is no exception. We have also suffered from chronic under-funding for healthcare. A PC government would ensure there is catch-up funding for Durham and other GTA-905 communities as well as any other areas of rapid growth. This will allow local hospitals to continue to provide the outstanding care Durham residents depend upon.

The local economy is foremost in the minds of Durham residents. Ontario has been hit hard by the loss of an estimated 140,000 good jobs in the manufacturing sector. The Oshawa / Durham area is no exception. All levels of government along with unions, business, education, and individuals citizens must work together to build a strong local economy based on energy, manufacturing and agriculture.

Durham Riding also faces quality of life issues that include gridlock and the need for improved public transit, support for agriculture/rural communities, and protection of our environment.

What should be the first order of business in the 39th Legislative Assembly?

Restoring trust and confidence in government. The past four years have been marred by dozens of broken promises from a government that promised not to raise taxes on the campaign trail and then introduced the $2.6 billion-per-year health tax. Other broken promises range from tackling gridlock on our highways to closing the coal-powered generating stations.

Are the property taxes in your riding at a fair level for the amount of services received in the municipality?

When property assessment rises suddenly over a few years, it puts pressure on retirees and persons on modest incomes who own a house. I fully support a five per cent cap on the annual assessment increase for as long as an individual owns his or her home. In addition, the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation should be required to justify higher assessment instead of demanding that homeowners prove why their assessment is too high.

Ontario can do better in forging a new partnership between the provincial government and municipalities. Local taxes should be used primarily for local needs and not to pay for provincial programs unfairly imposed on a community. There should be long-term, multi-year funding arrangements for municipalities. A PC government under John Tory is committed to speed up the municipal review process so that we can start the reforms before the next provincial budget.

How can the province lead the way in stimulating job creation?

By reducing the burden of red tape on small business, reducing inter-provincial trade barriers, helping to create a skilled workforce, lowering taxes for individuals as well as lowering the business capital tax, providing a stable, affordable supply of electricity and by encouraging innovations.

What are your views on the mixed member proportional representation (MMP) referendum?

I am surprised how few people are familiar with this important matter. It is important that voters learn all they can about the concept and cast an informed vote on October 10. MMP would give seats in the House to smaller parties that collect a considerable number of votes province-wide, but never enough votes to win an actual riding and a seat in the House. MMP may help ensure the percentage of popular vote is recognized when issues are brought to the Legislature.

The drawback to MMP is that it would make it very difficult for any one party to gain a majority. It is actually quite rare for parties to get more than 50 per cent of the popular vote. In addition, I have concerns that members appointed from a party list would not be directly accountable to the communities in the ridings where they got elected. The process seems flawed.

What role, if any, does “new media” play in your campaign, and the campaign of your party? (websites, blogs, Facebook, YouTube videos, etc) Do you view it as beneficial, or a challenge?

The new media is playing a larger role in the 2007 election campaign, especially among younger voters. I hope the new media encourages younger people to get involved in the political process. My one reservation is that there is not always the same level of accountability that is found in the traditional media. There tends to be anonymity in the new media, whereas traditional media is filled with so-called “gatekeepers” who are clearly identified and who serve as editors, publishers, reporters, photographers, videographers etc. There is the potential for material to be posted online that is in error or is deliberately false. If this happens, it may be difficult to set the record straight.

Of the decisions made by Ontario's 38th Legislative Assembly, which was the most beneficial to your electoral district? To the province as a whole? Which was least beneficial, or even harmful, to your/this riding? To the province as a whole?

I don’t feel decisions made by Ontario’s 38th Parliament have benefited our Electoral District. For example, Durham is not receiving its fair share of health funding, transportation funding and public transit. This must change if Durham is to maintain the high standard of living that has been established through the hard work of many generations. Too often, funding promises have long implementation time limits.

Ontario Votes 2007: Interview with Green Party candidate Gordon Kubanek, Nepean Carleton
Gordon Kubanek is running for the Green Party of Ontario in the Ontario provincial election, in the Nepean Carleton riding. Wikinews' Nick Moreau interviewed him regarding his values, his experience, and his campaign.

Stay tuned for further interviews; every candidate from every party is eligible, and will be contacted. Expect interviews from Liberals, Progressive Conservatives, New Democratic Party members, Ontario Greens, as well as members from the Family Coalition, Freedom, Communist, Libertarian, and Confederation of Regions parties, as well as independents.

Why have you chosen to involve yourself in the political process? Why did you choose to run in this constituency?

Three years ago I moved out of the city to live the country life but a virus from my new environment gave me congestive heart failure. During my three year recovery period I promised myself that IF I recovered I would find a new purpose to my life. That purpose is helping the Green Party to bring a saner and healthier way of living to Ontario.

What prior political experience do you have? What skills and insight can you bring to office, from other non-political positions you may have held?

Previously I was the riding president for the federal Conservative party in Ottawa; am the federal Green party riding president; have helped out in 3 campaigns, worked with many school initiatives in the public school I teach in and on several committees in the school my children attend. My experience living and working in Europe, USA, Australia and Canada have given me a global perspective that none of the other local candidates have. My consulting work of the Department of National Defence using a computer modeling methodology called "System Dynamics" [ the same method used to create scenarios for the world's future in the classic 'Limits to Growth"] give me a real experience how we MUST think ahead and act BEFORE big problems happen by changing how we live and behave proactively.

Which of your competitors do you expect to pose the biggest challenge to your candidacy? Why? What makes you the most desirable of all candidates running in the riding?

The Conservative candidate is the biggest challenge as she is the incumbent and the voters currently see themselves as mostly 'conservative' – no matter what the facts are. I am perhaps not the most desirable but certainly most capable of guiding this riding into the 21st century as only the Green platform has new solutions to our new 21st century problems. I am also the only candidate raising his family in this riding and the only candidate with enough life experience to see that simple solutions to complex problems only make things worse.

What do you feel are the three most important issues to voters in your riding? Are these the same top three issues that are most important to you? What would you do to address these issues?

Transportation/urban sprawl: We must redesign our cities around walkable communities linked by light rail; the Federal governments plans for the old Rockcliff air base is an excellent example of how the province should work with the cities to redesign how we live.

I am focused on opposing the proposed MINTO development in Manotick because it will create traffic chaos, destroy the village character and legal status of the village, and make a real mass transit solution even more difficult to implement, and increase smog that increases the asthma rate among our children.

The ticking time bomb in Nepean-Carleton is the rise in environmental illness. It is well documented that autism rates have increased 100 fold in the last 30 years in Nepean-Carleton. However asthma, peanut allergies, fatal responses to even perfumes are all indication that our autoimmune system is under great stress. I almost died of heart failure from a virus three years so I know personally what our environment is trying to tell us something significant: remove the toxic chemicals that have become integral to our lifestyle or our children and grandchildren will suffer the consequences

What should be the first order of business in the 39th Legislative Assembly?

Stop the loss of well paying industrial job by investing in 21st century high tech and green jobs that cannot be done by 3rd world countries.

Are the property taxes in your riding at a fair level for the amount of services received in the municipality?

The property taxes are high but that is not the REAL issue. The real issue is that the property tax system should be changed to a LAND value taxation system [LVT] that, for example, charges the same tax to a parking lot as a large building; or charge the same tax to a developer who sits on land with no buildings as it would if the land hand building. This will increase intensification in the city and stop developers from sitting on land and developing it when they want to.

How can the province lead the way in stimulating job creation?

Invest in helping companies that do ‘green’ & high tech activities. Eg. Robotics.

What are your views on the mixed member proportional representation (MMP) referendum?

I am VERY pro MMP as without it we have no democracy because in my view democracy means 50% +1. Now we have government with a majority elected by the minority who imposed its will on the majority – this is NOT democracy.

What role, if any, does “new media” play in your campaign, and the campaign of your party? (websites, blogs, Facebook, YouTube videos, etc) Do you view it as beneficial, or a challenge?

My website has been my #1 campaign tool. I have post videos from Utube on my site and have a Facebook identity. I know that I should do more but frankly have not had the time to do it all.

Of the decisions made by Ontario's 38th Legislative Assembly, which was the most beneficial to your this electoral district? To the province as a whole? Which was least beneficial, or even harmful, to your this riding? To the province as a whole?

I do no think that the government did very much. They are good caretakers in that we have had labour peace and they have undone some of the damage done to the environmental legislation created by the PCs. Their problem is that they have no new ideas on how to remove Ontario from being the province now lowest in job growth. We need NEW ways to move us forward and they need some the Green party platform ideas to do this.

A-League 2007-08: Round 7 Results
Round 7 of the A-League 2007-08 has produced some interesting moments throughout the country. Accusations have been made that the A-League's 'thug-like' onfield play has decreased its good name, but all teams enjoyed a close-to satisfying game, whatever the result.

WA team Perth Glory is still stalling in its win drought, sparking calls for coach Ron Smith's dismissal, however this was met with limited concern. The low attendance numbers were partly due to the Perth Glory vs Adelaide United match with one of the lowest crowds in Perth's history, 6252.

Attendance/Average: 49,768 / 12,442

Iraq's President supports U.S. Senate plan to decentralize Iraq
Iraq's President Jalal Talabani said on Sunday that he supports a U.S. Senate plan to divide Iraq into three separate regions for Shiite Muslims, Sunni Muslims, and Kurds. The plan includes a limited central government in Baghdad which would protect Iraq's borders and distribute oil revenues among the three regions. The Bush administration and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki both oppose the plan, which was put forth in a non-binding Senate resolution adopted last month.

"I think the resolution passed by the Senate is a very good one," said Talabani in an interview with CNN on Sunday. "It is insisting on the unity of Iraq, of the security of Iraq, of the prosperity of Iraq, of national reconciliation and asking our neighbors not to interfere in the internal affairs of Iraq."

On September 26, the U.S. Senate voted 75-23 in favor of a non-binding resolution supporting the plan. The legislation was written by Senator Joe Biden (D-Del.) and was co-sponsored by Senators Sam Brownback (R-Kansas), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Arlen Specter (R-Penn.), and John Kerry (D-Mass.).

According to RFE/RL, the resolution "sparked a massive outcry both inside Iraq and across the Arab world, with critics suggesting the United States has overstepped its role in Iraq."

At least 150 militants and 50 Pakistani troops killed in clashes
The Pakistani army says that at least 150 to 200 Taliban militants, along with 50 Pakistani troops have been killed in recent battles between al-Qaeda, Taliban fighters and Pakistani troops along the border region of Pakistan and Afghanistan in an area known as North Waziristan. At least 20 other troops were injured and at least 15 are reported to be missing. 12 civilians are also reported to have been killed.

"We have told them to surrender and give up their weapons," said Major General of the Pakistani army, Waheed Arshad. Militants say that they are going to attempt to overthrow the government and take the newly elected Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf out of power.

The battles began on Saturday October 6 in the town of Mir Ali and have lasted three days so far. Army officials say that they will "continue punitive action until complete peace is restored." The battles were triggered after several Pakistani officials were targeted and peace talks with officials in Islamabad failed to go forward.

In September, Osama bin Laden issued a new audio tape in which he told militants to resist Pakistani troops and rebel against the army. He also asked militants to seek revenge for the assault on the Red Mosque when almost 100 were killed by militants and troops.

Ontario Votes 2007: Interview with Communist Party candidate Stuart Ryan, Ottawa Centre
Stuart Ryan is running for the Communist Party in the Ontario provincial election in Ottawa Centre. Wikinews interviewed him regarding his values, his experience, and his campaign.

Why have you chosen to involve yourself in the political process? Why did you choose to run in this constituency?

I have been involved in the political process for over 40 years, in terms of organizing over political issues such as opposing the Wars in Vietnam and now the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I see the elections, if that is what you mean as the political process, as a way to express our political views to the electorate so that they can pass judgement and see that the various issues we raise are related in that the capitalist system and the neo-liberal agenda take away the rights of workers, woman, aboriginals and people in general.

I run in Ottawa Centre because I have lived in the riding since 1979 and I know the issues that concern the people who live in the riding. It has a progressive history and is open to socialist ideas.

What prior political experience do you have? What skills and insight can you bring to office, from other non-political positions you may have held?

I have run for office in my Steelworker union in Windsor in the 1970s and in my Autoworker union now. I work for a CUPE union at Carleton University in Ottawa. I think I can bring my organizing skills in the labour movement, the anti-war movement and in the Central American solidarity movement to Queen’s Park and in building a base within Ottawa Centre to fight for a people’s agenda.

Which of your competitors do you expect to pose the biggest challenge to your candidacy? Why? What makes you the most desirable of all candidates running in the riding?

I think the biggest challenge to my candidacy is the feeling that people feel they have to vote NDP in order to win the riding, or to prevent a victory by the Liberal or Conservative party. This is a product of the first-past-the-post-voting system. I have had many people say that our ideas are good, and that I have been a good campaigner, but because they feel voting for the Communist Party might jeopardise the NDP. I think I would be the most desirable candidate because we have the best policies and that I would work very hard to make sure they are pushed for in the legislature.

What do you feel are the three most important issues to voters in your riding? Are these the same top three issues that are most important to you? What would you do to address these issues?

The three biggest issues in this riding are the crisis in public education; the increasing debtload of students because of tuition hikes; and the inability of municipal government to fund the social services downloaded by the Harris government form the province to the cities in 1997. They are my most important issues.

Re public education: Our Party will commit to spending $20 billion for a quality public secular school system in French and English for primary and secondary education.

We would commit to a comparable investment in public post-secondary education while reducing tuition by 50% now, and then eliminate it when the funding is adequate to provide the education for all who qualify for post-secondary education.

We would give municipalities secure funding through provincial grants and the ability to tax corporations. This would wean them off the property tax, which we would reduce by 75%, along with the scrapping of the market value assessment taxation scheme. We would give 50% of the gas tax for mass transit such as the O-train in Ottawa that would travel both east and west and north and south. We would upload to the province the funding of health, education, transit and welfare.

What should be the first order of business in the 39th Legislative Assembly?

The first order of business schould be the drafting of the legislation to implement Mixed Member Proportional Representation, following its victory in the October 10 referendum.

Are the property taxes in your riding at a fair level for the amount of services received in the municipality?

The property tax situation in the province is in chaos. Home owners are seeing property taxes increase as the value in their neighbourhoods go up while the property tax of businesses are diminished by a comparable amount. The net increase in revenue to the municipality coming from the residential tax increases is zero. Outraged taxpayers are blaming the municipal officials and are taking it out by voting for right-wing candidates who promise not to raise taxes (In Ottawa the slogan was “zero means zero”. The same candidate is now the mayor, and is backing a two per cent increase and campaigning to have the municipal financing system revamped.

The property tax system discriminates against tenants as they pay for the extra taxes landlords pay through higher rents.

How can the province lead the way in stimulating job creation?

The province should take action to save the manufacturing jobs leaving the province by insisting that raw materials be processed in Ontario rather being shipped raw out of the country. It should pass legislation to establish public tribunals so that corporations who are closing profitable factories, such as Hershey’s in Smith Falls and GM in Oshawa would have to justify their closing. Failure to do so would lead to the province taking over the closed business. Our Party would invest in mass transit and produce 100,000 units of social housing.

What are your views on the mixed member proportional representation (MMP) referendum?

I support MMP and will be voting for it. No longer will we have to choose between the lesser of two evils, and end up with the same mess. The last two governments in Ontario are proof positive of the problem. You will be able to vote for what you believe in and see it relected in the legislature.

Of the decisions made by Ontario's 38th Legislative Assembly, which was the most beneficial to your this electoral district? To the province as a whole? Which was least beneficial, or even harmful, to your this riding? To the province as a whole?

The only thing that was good for Ottawa Centre was the tuition freeze for two years. That was negated by the new tuition scheme that will raise tuition 25-35% over four years.

You are running as a candidate for the Communist Party. A lot of people say that Communism is a dead idea or fear that a Communist government would implement some sort of repressive dictatorship. What do you say to this?

Communism is not a dead idea; we see revolutionary parties win in Venezuela and trying to bring socialism in by democratic means. This was tried in Chile in the 1970s but was overthrown by the CIA and the Chilean military. What will succeed is that the working class and its allies will demand socialism; it was the insistence of the Venezuelan people that stopped the coup against Hugo Chavez in 2002. The system that they will bring will be democratic, as it will be the will of the people that it be so.

The Communist Party is unlikely to win any seats in the election. Why did you decide to run for a small party rather than be involved with one of the major parties?

This is a good question, but if you want to bring about real change, you must be part of a party that calls for it. Our Party calls for socialism, public ownership of the means of production under democratic control. Working for a party like the NDP and the Greens would make you feel that you might get things done, but those parties will disappoint you - look at the record of the Bob Rae NDP government in Ontario that opened public sector collective agreements to attack benefits in order to save $2 billion from its deficit.

Dida and Milan face UEFA charges over Celtic fan incident
The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has started to investigate Milan and their goalkeeper Dida over the incident with the Celtic fan that led to his substitution against Celtic. A fan ran on to the field immediately after Celtic striker Scott McDonald scored the eventual winning goal and appeared to have slightly touched Dida. Dida ran after the fan for a few steps before falling to the ground. UEFA have already started investigating Celtic for lack of security for the same incident.

The charges are based on Article 5 Paragraph 1 of UEFA's disciplinary regulations, which states that "member associations, clubs, as well as their players, officials and members, shall conduct themselves according to the principles of loyalty, integrity and sportsmanship".

The case will be heard on 11 October by UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body.

Today in History
732 – Battle of Tours: Charles Martel and the Franks defeated a large Andalusian Muslim army led by Abd er Rahman near Tours and Poitiers, stopping the northward advance of Islam from the Iberian Peninsula.

1780 – The Great Hurricane of 1780: One of the deadliest Atlantic hurricanes on record struck the Caribbean, killing at least 22,000 people over the next several days.

1911 – The Xinhai Revolution began with the Wuchang Uprising, marking the beginning of the collapse of the Qing Dynasty in China.

1982 – St. Maximilian Kolbe, who had volunteered to die in place of a stranger in the Nazi concentration camp of Auschwitz in Poland, was canonized by the Roman Catholic Church.

1987 – After two military coups in Fiji led by Sitiveni Rabuka, the military government revoked the constitution and declared the country a republic.

October 10 is National Day in Fiji (1970), Double Ten Day in the Republic of China.

Quote of the Day

The search for the truth is the most important work in the whole world — and the most dangerous. ~ James Clavell

Word of the Day

apocryphal; adj

Of doubtful authenticity.

Of dubious veracity; of questionable accuracy or truthfulness.

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2007-10-09T21:26:03