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User talk:209.218.129.3

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User talk:Eshen

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, welcome to Wikinews! I hope you like the place and decide to stay. Here are a few good links for newcomers:

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User talk:132.207.50.196

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title: User talk:132.207.50.196


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Template:Louisiana

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Newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky gives birth to baby boy

September 25, 2008

British newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky gave birth to a baby boy earlier this morning at around 08:30 BST. She had been on maternity leave since August 21. Kaplinsky had only been working with Five News just over a month when she announced she was pregnant. Her husband of three years, investment banker Justin Bower announced "We're absolutely thrilled."

Kaplinsky first started to work for the BBC in 2002 after a two year tenure with Sky News. She started on the BBC Breakfast show but later moved onto the BBC Six O'Clock News and later became only the third woman to present the BBC Ten O'Clock News. She left the BBC in October 2007. She also spent a short time with ITV News.

Five News released a statement saying "Her colleagues here at Five News are delighted too - and we've sent our best wishes." They also said both Kaplinsky and the baby are doing fine.


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Talk:Voluntary sterilization of poor women proposed by Louisiana state legislator

Tubes Tied?
Is that really that proper to say? Maybe in broadcast journalism, but not here. —Calebrw (talk) 00:28, 26 September 2008 (UTC)
 * Nevermind. I fixed it. —Calebrw (talk) 00:40, 26 September 2008 (UTC)


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Talk:Newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky gives birth to baby boy

How is this news? Women have babies all the time, it's natural. Was there something unusual about the pregnancy? Did she work to late during it? --Brian McNeil / talk 20:15, 25 September 2008 (UTC)
 * Agreed. The woman next to me at work is pregnant and due to have her baby within a few days. I could write a news story when she has a baby too. Now that I think of it, my cats are bathing themselves. News? I think so. —Calebrw (talk) 03:59, 26 September 2008 (UTC)


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Pakistani, United States troops in gun battle

September 25, 2008 According to media reports, ground troops with the Pakistani army exchanged gunfire with troops from the United States after Pakistani troop fired at two American OH-58 Kiowa helicopters on a patrol mission inside Afghanistan. Also included in the patrol were Afghan border police.

The helicopters were said to have been fired on by Pakistani troops when they flew near an outpost on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. U.S. troops on the ground then moved in on the outpost and began to exchange fire with Pakistani troops. No one on either side was injured, and no one on the helicopters were injured.

Officials for the Pakistani army said in a statement to the press that they only fired upon the helicopters after they "were well within" Pakistan's border. "On this, the helicopters returned fire and flew back." Pakistan's president, Asif Ali Zardari states that his troops only fired "flares" and that the border is "so mixed" that mistakes could be made in determining ones location.

"Sometimes the border is so mixed that they don't realize they have crossed the border," added Zardari.

The U.S. military denies that there was ever a firefight stating that the U.S. helicopters never fired a single shot, despite the fact they were fired upon. The White House also denies the reports of the helicopters ever crossing into Pakistan.

"They were U.S. helicopters. The flight path of the helicopters at no point took them over Pakistan," said White House spokesman, Bryan Whitman, during a press conference. Whitman also said that a "very serious" situation was avoided.

Afghan military officials stated in a statement that they had two helicopters also with the U.S. patrol, which were fired upon, but also were not in Pakistani airspace.

"ISAF helicopters received small-arms fire from a Pakistan military checkpoint along the border near Tanai district, Khowst. At no time did ISAF helicopters cross into Pakistani airspace," said the Pakistani military in a statement.

Reports say the battle lasted nearly five minutes before both sides retreated. Pakistan's military has been ordered to fire on any vehicle, person or aircraft that is unauthorized to cross into Pakistan. That order was given after a similar incident on September 3. The U.S. has denied any other incidents have taken place.


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Comments:Nine children left at hospital emergency room in Nebraska, USA

Title a Little bit misleading. And it seem this law is good for babies that mothers don't want. But i guess the dad did not want 9 kids then wear a condom.--KDP3 (talk) 20:20, 25 September 2008 (UTC)


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Talk:Pakistani, United States troops in gun battle

Edit
Category:Federally Administered Tribal Areas. Ali Rana (talk) 12:39, 13 August 2009 (UTC)
 * ✅ – Juliancolton  | Talk 00:04, 30 August 2009 (UTC)

Edit Protected
editprotected

Category:Asif Ali Zardari (Category created for articles relevant to current Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari). Ali Rana (talk) 06:55, 26 September 2009 (UTC)
 * ✅ – Juliancolton  | Talk 16:47, 30 September 2009 (UTC)


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Comments:Voluntary sterilization of poor women proposed by Louisiana state legislator

Coments
by acknowledging the concept of "generational welfare" you are putting the final nail in the coffin of the American Dream. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 72.139.47.141 (talk) 23:41, 25 September 2008 (UTC)

Great idea! I too would get a vasectomy if it was for free. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.11.231.4 (talk) 21:29, 25 September 2008 (UTC)

Sieg Heil, Amerikaner!! Can't let the poor untermensch soak in all your tax dollars. Better let the poor die off and let the rich live. But wait, if the poor die, who will polish your shoes, who will wax your cars, who will chew your food for you, who will fight for you in Iraq, Iran and North Korea? Who? You yourselves? It's exactly because of people like that legislator that over sixty million people died in WWII! Eugenics is a dead pseudoscience! The role of the state is to support its inhabitants, not to cull those who don't live up to the top 1%'s expectations! People are poor not because of laziness, but because of a whole host of circumstances. And the reason poor people get more kids is because they don't have careers to put ahead of their families! Idiocracy was ONLY A MOVIE!!! —Preceding unsigned comment added by 88.114.41.4 (talk) 23:14, 25 September 2008 (UTC)

 * I'm offended saying only the poor fight for the US. But this plan sounds like Communism too me, and a son of a Cuban Exile that is not a good thing.--66.229.17.181 23:40, 25 September 2008 (UTC)
 * Lol, 88. 66, I'm not sure why you think it's communism. Surely you would understand it's almost the opposite. It's trying to get rid of the poor not by helping them but by literally trying to get rid of them. --Poisonous (talk) 00:43, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

Leaving aside the demographics matching income with race, I'd be interested in a poll of those constituents who 'embraced' this propoals, first asking them what their race, and then asking what race they suppose these 'poor people' are.97.81.77.13 23:18, 25 September 2008 (UTC)

Screw those poor people, they're terrible for tourism, sleeping in the streets and building their trailer parks everywhere (do you know how little room there is to build country clubs these days?). They're all addicted to meth, so they'll get the sterilizations if we pay them, right? I hope so, 'cause I don't want to teach them Sex ED when they're most likely to become impregnated. That's borderline pedophilia, you know. --Smackdat (talk) 02:54, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

I had an interesting thought: One of the reasons the poor may be getting poorer and the rich may be getting richer is number of children; as the poor are more likely to have large families, the poor also must divide an inheritance among a much larger number of indivuals, leaving even less for each individual. Additionally, the poor have fewer resources to provide for each child; less money to pay for each child's college, etc. While the rich, who have tons, and could provide for more, don't, instead funneling their huge inheritance into fewer individuals, concentrating wealth in the hands of fewer and fewer individuals. It's downright Medieval. Jade Knight (talk) 04:18, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

Why do people talk of the poor like they were another race? And why do people want to preserve poverty? I can tell you being poor doesn't make one happy, like in the movies. It's a sad life. Being poor is one of the many many reasons not to make children. Those who fight against abortion, and contraception want a world of poverty and suffering. Contraception, sterilization, and abortion should be free. Family planning and sex education should be mandatory.

People who make more than two children are irresponsible. Bringing a child into this world is a serious thing, children are not toys. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.11.231.4 (talk) 04:28, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

 * Irresponsible simply for having more children, or irresponsible to have more children and not have the resources to properly raise them? As 1 of 8 children, 2 of which are at West Point, and with both parents with BAs or MSs, I'm insulted sir. Not all large famlies are poor, or morally degraded for choosing to have large families. Or religious zealots for that matter (my family is completely secular). I wouldn't have it any other way. Large families are becoming a lost culture in the Western Civilization. Any attempts at dissuading large families is laughable; if you have the means than do it. Zidel333 (talk) 07:47, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

=Is this proposal modern-day eugenics?=

Fascism...
It's always there...

I think this is a great idea as long as it's not limited to the poor. Government rewards people for having kids so why not reward them for NOT having kids?

How many women / men would like to get sterilized but cannot afford it? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 70.50.232.71 (talk) 14:40, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

Broaden it
What are the logical arguments against this policy?

Mandatory sterilization to every man or woman after his or her second child.

"Wah wah it's my RIGHT to overpopulate the Earth" is not a logical argument. -12.202.230.168 14:41, 27 September 2008 (UTC)

 * The slippery slope of taking away one's liberties. Where does it end? --Kitch (talk) 20:10, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

Slippery slope is a logical fallacy. Can you demonstrate the causal link(s) between the loss of destructive, unlimited reproductive license and the loss of other specific liberties (preferably ones that do not have grave consequences for the world as a whole)? -12.202.230.168 14:41, 27 September 2008 (UTC)

 * You are not smart enough to decide who lives, who dies or who can reproduce. Yes, my friend, we have the right to reproduce.  We will fight to protect it.  There is enough for everyone, please learn to share better.  —Preceding unsigned comment added by 99.233.78.142 (talk) 02:49, 28 September 2008 (UTC)

Not men?
Why not sterilize the men? Men will choose sterilization more easily. Nyarlathotep (talk) 15:54, 26 September 2008 (UTC)
 * In fact, any society wants poor people who'll work for little money, but we've discovered that poor Mexican (illegal) immigrants are "higher quality" than American poor because they'll work harder, work for less, and pay taxes for services they'll never use, like social security and welfare, etc. So the overarching economic goal here is replacing non-working native poor with working foreign poor.

Unbelievable!
Paying an indigent person $1,000 to be permantely steralized is no different than paying an indigent family $1,000 to place their baby for adoption. Both options exploit the poor, and neither can be undone. Shame on John LaBruzzo... —Preceding unsigned comment added by Wikigrl (talk • contribs) 17:11, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

The Nazis have always had a pretty thorough eugenics program

Not fascism...
Notice "voluntary" in the title of the article. It is not a good idea though. Many, many, many of those who are poor make it out of poverty each day. If they decide to sterilize themselves while they are unable to care for a child, but later on do wish to have a child, it will have been too late. A much better idea would to make contraception more available, for free or real cheap. If they still do decide to have a child, then they are just terrible. Do not get me wrong, I hate to see people living out on the street, or without food, and especially hate seeing handicapped people or veterans living out on the street (but charity is for churches not the government). In the end, if contraception is made more available, welfare spending might decrease, as well as a decrease in STDs.68.189.148.241 17:35, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

Sterilizaton of poor women
Yes, it is a suggestion that could lead to a return of the eugenics movement. The safeguards to keepit truly voluntary---meaning no penalty for not submitting would have to be in place and with the condition of our freedom right now, I am not sure that would happen.

If you are going to do it, then make it worth the person's while, namely $10,000, not just a measley $1000 that barely pays bills for a month. $10,000 can make a difference in the person's life--a good car to get to work or a down payment on a house. Second, it should be open to EVERYONE with no questions asked including those who are past childbearing age and gay people who don't want children.

Finally the emphasis needs to be on sterilizing men, not women. A woman can only make a baby once a year. A man can create one every day and plant his seed in 10 different women in a day if he chooses. STERILIZE THE MEN. Plus vasectomies are cheaper and less invasive with few side effects. Tubal ligation is painful and may leave the woman with abdominal problems. Encourage men to do this by telling them if they get sterilized, in addtion to the $10,000, they do not have to pay child support for the kids they already have unless they are married to the mother!!!! They will flock to the clinic.

Create another positive benefit, namely a full scholarship to college or vocational school for anyone who has it done. If they present the certificate there is no tuition, fees or book payments for school. Give the same to any children they already have. Mama or daddy gets sterilized, they and the children get an education---rapid decrease in poverty.

In other words make it desirable. And don't check income. Open it up to EVERYONE. That will keep it away from being a eugenics policy.

Rhonda —Preceding unsigned comment added by 209.124.233.152 (talk) 18:23, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

Sterlization of The Poor
The rationale behind this proposal is to prevent the poor from collecting more Welfare money by preventing them from having more children. Why is it okay to give $700 billion to the wealthy investors/bankers/businesspeople on Wall Street to bail them out, but it's not okay to give money to the poor? -Liz —Preceding unsigned comment added by Lizziemcgee (talk • contribs) 19:10, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

I would argue that simply giving them a birth control shot (which lasts for two years) after approval but before welfare benefits are actually paid makes a lot of sense in breaking this generational welfare cycle that is wreaking havoc on government budgets across the country. At the end of two years, if they want to continue receiving welfare they must get another shot. If, they leave the welfare system at some point they can then have kids again. Viole`

Problem is there given a lot of cash as is, and some people make a living off welfare, where as business employ the people who pay for welfare, so if they go down the amount of people applying for welfare will jump up. Plus they tend to go down like dominoes, if you don't trust me find a person who remembers the last time the business went down, and ask them if they got magic money while the nation was on its back. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 75.172.168.169 (talk) 13:47, 15 February 2009 (UTC)

Movie
This almost sounds like the movie Fortress. Although women were not sterilized, they were put in a maximum security prison for having more than one child. DragonFire1024 (Talk to the Dragon) 19:18, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

 * I had no idea anyone other than myself and a few people I dragged along had ever seen that movie... So delightfully bad. I suppose I should make a substantive comment here. So let me say that although I don't like the idea of this policy comparisons to Nazism, and Orwellian scifi seem overblown given that this proposal would be completely voluntary. JoshuaZ (talk) 19:21, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

It's About time!
Applause! Applause! Applause! It's about time some politician got his/her head out of their ass and actually DID something for the people! I think this is a great idea for ALL poor woman and men too to be sterilized so I and the rest of the American public can stop paying for these lazy welfare recipients. Has the people who "support" welfare forgotten why welfare even came about? It's not to keep getting checks the more "pups" you can squeeze out or living in hole in the wall places completely jobless making our communities look like dumps. Welfare was about helping people get on their feet again, not keeping them lying on their backs! I was a former educator and it makes me sick what that the adults on welfare are just teaching the kids of today to be as lazy and a non contributing American just like they are! Let's make them sterile so they can't corrupt more children too! Talk about a great Welfare Reform!!!! Elizabeth (NY)
 * Actually, learn some facts first. :) Half of all welfare recipients are just there temporarily. A large amount are also seniors or children and can't get a job because of that. The stereotypical teenage mother with 50 kids doesn't make up the bulk of welfare recipients. --Poisonous (talk) 20:49, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

Welfare does breed welfare and that cycle needs to stop. As a taxpayer I am tired of paying for deadbeats. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.100.136.134 (talk) 21:42, 27 September 2008 (UTC)

Archbishop calls LaBruzzo’s sterilization proposal 'anti-life'
The Catholic church has a long tradition of supporting all human life. With an Italian name like LaBruzzo, this guy is likely Catholic. I hope they ex-communicate him until he gets with the program.

http://www.wwltv.com/topstories/stories/wwl092508mlbishop.b051e50c.html

The archbishop's statement: http://www.arch-no.org/News.php?mode=read&id=282

— (talk) 20:21, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

Programs like this have a long RACIST history in the USA
Here is some information about the racist founder of "Planned Parenthood" Margaret Sanger:

http://www.ewtn.com/library/PROLIFE/PPRACISM.TXT —Preceding unsigned comment added by 207.245.9.90 (talk) 20:26, 26 September 2008 (UTC)
 * Actually, keeping birth control and abortion available to whites but away from blacks is racist. It forces them to have more kids where whites can 'cheat' and not have kids and stay wealthier. --Poisonous (talk) 20:51, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

Impeach this sick bastard!
This Louisiana legislator should be impeached and removed from office for conspiracy to commit crimes against humanity. This is comparable to similar schemes in Germany during the 1930's. In 1936 Joseph Goebbels proposed to pay 500 reichmarks to pay Roma and Sinti (gypsy) women to undergo sterilization. It also bears a striking resemblence to the sterilization program directed against Quechua and Aymara women in Peru under Alberto Fujimori. There is no place whatsoever for such twisted nazi fruit-cake ideas like eugenics in 21st century American politics

 * That is not the worst of it. Not too long ago, those that were disabled, both mentally and physically were also forcibly sterilized as well, to keep from "polluting the human gene pool". See that shit on Google, your history books. Powerzilla (talk) 00:39, 27 September 2008 (UTC)

 * Yes, these are part of "genetic engineering" and "social engineering" that is still going on. Powerzilla (talk) 00:43, 27 September 2008 (UTC)

Spot on!
This is spot on. I have been saying this for years! It doesn't make sense that the upper crest and middle crest of society have largely an equal proportion of kids to adults or less in most cases and the poor get a subsidy to procreate the whole maternity ward. This doesn't make sense and can only end in disaster. When the largely educated are having less children the largely religious and ignorant are having more children eventually that system will collapse. Sorry but its true. And btw, I was on welfare for 2 years when I was a child, but my parents didnt have another kid and they got off it immediately. So I dont want to hear about how i'm some rich boy in the hills. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 68.178.108.11 (talk) 03:22, 27 September 2008 (UTC)

lolz —Preceding unsigned comment added by 75.164.204.21 (talk) 05:16, 27 September 2008 (UTC)

Lack of money = lack of rights?
Lack of money does not equate to lack of the right to have children. She's proposing manipulating people who are vulnerable into giving up their human right to have children. This is not just unconstitutional but also goes against the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.203.169.137 (talk) 05:20, 27 September 2008 (UTC)

What about the rights of the taxpayer? I should not be burdened by the poor decisions of others. It is Constitutional in the fact that it is voluntary. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.100.136.134 (talk) 21:39, 27 September 2008 (UTC)

How many welfare recipients are veterans?
Your view on welfare may change if you discovered the percentage of welfare recipients who were veterans. I don't know the figure but it's worthy of discussion. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.203.169.137 (talk) 05:24, 27 September 2008 (UTC)

this isn't modern-day eugenics, it's eugenics
duh —Preceding unsigned comment added by 62.245.86.110 (talk) 10:55, 27 September 2008 (UTC)

Not Eugenics, technically
As long as its a voluntary "program" it really doesn't qualify. People who would hypothetically sign up would be choosing to remove themselves from the reproducing population. Such choices are expressed everyday by millions of people using other forms of birth control. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 66.45.61.71 (talk) 23:50, 29 September 2008 (UTC)

 * Eugenics is simply the improvement of the human genepool by intervention (although not really since the term also refers to ideas prior to people understanding genes). That doesn't have anything to do with whether or not it is mandatory. It is just that historically many forms of eugenics have been mandatory. JoshuaZ (talk) 17:50, 2 October 2008 (UTC)

wat
Modern-day eugenics?

Moar liek modern-day AWESOME! —Preceding unsigned comment added by 70.90.93.92 (talk) 01:48, 3 October 2008 (UTC)

Some use kids as meal tickets, they buy things better then I can with gov money
Key thing is "Voluntary" and yes its fun to act like its some horrible thing and scores some self-righteous brownie points, but considering I have a lot of family members who instead of learning there limits, learn the government will step in and save them.

I got an uncle who got divorced about 12 years ago, he found out that if he gained a little more weight (he was already overweight) and claim he was depressed, he could get a check for the rest of his life. And his oldest child after seeing this lovely example quickly realized her having kids with a deadbeat, could secure her a steady income, she managed to pop out 2 more children after she already resorted to welfare to support her other 2. Of course she still lives with her mother, so her mother gladly takes the EBT card (Food stamp debit card, its less traumatic to pull out,) and uses it to buy groceries for herself that I couldn't afford, getting the children generic brand products, and her leftovers.

I spent a lot of time working with food, and during that time in my state Ive seen a lot of poor family s with 4+ kids, exploiting the system. I can't count how many times Ive sold some one large jugs of cheap hard liquor, and then had them buy less food then me, and rack up a bigger bill then I can with there state issued EBT card.

The best part is they not aloud to buy half the things they get by state law, but if you tell someone that they use the coveted line wear they claim the stores competitor does it all the time. Ive had a regular who bought pounds of fresh cut expensive deli meat, I told 3 managers that the law and the card specifically states that there only aloud prepackaged food, I even found out one person who threatened to not due business there again got a custom wedding cake with there card.

Ive seen to many family s that should have had the inelegance to stop breeding about 3 kids prior, I did a little bit of digging, and found that poor large family s are a wrecking ball waiting to happen, they can destroy lives, thanks to governments and hand outs they don't die, but expecting a kid in a large poor family to come out on top is putting a lot of pressure one them to overcome the odds, not to mention how miserable the parents become before they finally submit to the emotional wear and tears of living outside there means.

Also for those who think we need to dump more money into helping them pay for there ever increasing family, or think that its fascist to allow them to get sterilized for free, I just have to remind you that a lot of people view welfare as communism. And if you look at the figures as of right now for what we dump into welfare, the projections for future payments, and the fact unemployment is rising by leaps and bounds, and you might see how allowing a mother who realizes she can't take the stress of having one more child while poor to get sterilized on uncle sams tab would be cheaper in the long run then her risk popping out more mouths to feed when theres already grown ones who can't eat.

In conclusion I am for this, its not as horrible as abortion, and considering alot of familys ive seen are to messed up with stress from what ever sent them to the poor house, then to realize they might want to set up a budget and stretch out there free ride, instead of buying on impulse, which kind of doesn't help the situation. I would feel better if there was a program to try and reach out and teach them how to manage finances,to get them on there feet, but people today would rather take free money then admit fault for there lives and try to fix it.


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Comments:New study claims Stonehenge was a place of healing

I remember I read a National Geographic and watched a show on it a couple months ago... They also think it might be a place where they celebrated the solstice, praised a god, or communicated with aliens. What I dont get is how they moved the stones... —Ub3rst4r (talk) 01:36, 26 September 2008 (UTC)
 * No one knows who moved the stones. --66.229.17.181 17:29, 27 September 2008 (UTC)
 * Dig pits and drop in for the standing ones, then pile up earth to make hills around them to bring up the caps. Labor intensive but everything in that age was. This process is well known. 66.20.174.90 18:37, 27 September 2008 (UTC)


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Comments:Newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky gives birth to baby boy

... News about the news? --Smackdat (talk) 02:50, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

whats the relevance of this??? Kamome (talk) 02:59, 26 September 2008 (UTC)


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User talk:24.113.66.33

Welcome
Welcome!

24.113.66.33, welcome to Wikinews! Thank you for your contributions I hope you like the place and decide to stay. Here are a few good links for newcomers:

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If you have any questions, you can ask them at the water cooler or to anyone on the Welcommittee, or ask me on my Talk page. Again, welcome! -- Shakata Ga Nai ^_^ 03:48, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

September 2008
You have been temporarily blocked from editing for vandalism of Wikinews. If you wish to make useful contributions, you may do so after the block expires. -- Shakata Ga Nai ^_^ 03:49, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

title: User talk:24.113.66.33


text:
User talk:85.82.179.226

Welcome
Welcome!

85.82.179.226, welcome to Wikinews! Thank you for your contributions I hope you like the place and decide to stay. Here are a few good links for newcomers:

Our key policies - if you read anything, read these! Here a few pointers to help you get to know Wikinews: There are always things to do on Wikinews:
 * Neutral point of view - tell every side to a story in a fair and balanced way
 * Cite sources - everything in a Wikinews article must be sourced
 * Introduction - overview of the site
 * Writing an article - how to write and publish a complete article
 * Content guide - what's suitable for Wikinews
 * Style guide - how articles should look before publishing
 * Contents - the contents page.
 * Existing articles need expanding and checking for spelling and mistakes
 * The front page lead articles often need updating
 * Developing stories need finishing and publishing
 * Discussions need your input
 * And of course, stories need writing!

Here are some other hints and tips:

 * I would recommend that you get a username. You don't have to log in to read or edit articles on Wikinews, but creating an account is quick, free and non-intrusive, requires no personal information (not even an e-mail address), and there are many benefits of having a username.  (If you edit without a username, your IP address is used to identify you instead.)

 * When using talk pages (the "collaboration" tab at the top of the page), or the comments pages (tab "opinions"), please sign your name at the end of your messages by typing four tildes (~~). This will automatically produce your username (or IP address) and the date.

If you have any questions, you can ask them at the water cooler or to anyone on the Welcommittee, or ask me on my Talk page. Again, welcome! -- Shakata Ga Nai ^_^ 04:31, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

title: User talk:85.82.179.226


text:
Comments:Pakistani, United States troops in gun battle

The statement of US that they no other incedent took place, seem to be such a shock. Everytime an attack is made on the Islamic State of Pakistan, its so called allies the U.S never takes any responsibility. The President of Pakistan states that the border is so mixed-up that one can easily get lost. So if the border is so mixed-up then why not define it and why not maintain proper cordination with the allies?—202.179.138.35 05:48, 26 September 2008 (UTC)
 * Because Pakistan's central government is so weak that it has no control over that area. It has no way to set the border, because it doesn't *own* large sections of its border with Afghanistan. Rather, (in that area) Pakistan has a border with Waziristan, which in turn has a border with Afghanistan. It's not pretty, and no one wants it that way (except the Taliban and their allies), but that's the way it is. Gopher65talk 07:30, 26 September 2008 (UTC)


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MediaWiki:Gadget-UTCLiveClock.js

try { // containerize gadget, to protect other gadgets if this one goes wrong

//IMPORTANT NOTE: This content /IS NOT/ licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.5, as the rest of our content is. //It was taken from Wikipedia: //en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=414288497 //You must agree to the conditions of Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 in order to reuse this content. // // OTOH, what is below is just a load statement. There is not really enough creativity in a load statement to claim copyright. //(However the gadget on mediawiki.org is copyrighted cc-by-sa and what not). mw.loader.load( '//www.mediawiki.org/w/index.php?title=MediaWiki:Gadget-UTCLiveClock.js&action=raw&ctype=text/javascript&smaxage=21600&maxage=86400' );

} catch (e) { // containerize gadget, to protect other gadgets if this one goes wrong // ignore }

title: MediaWiki:Gadget-UTCLiveClock.js


text:
MediaWiki:Gadget-UTCLiveClock

UTCLiveClock: add a clock in the personal toolbar that shows the current time in UTC, and provides a purge link.

title: MediaWiki:Gadget-UTCLiveClock


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Comments:Spies warn of October Al-Qaeda operations

Is this just a coincidence it comes from mostly conservative news sources?--74.46.223.68 07:21, 26 September 2008 (UTC)
 * Only conservatives are so obsessive about this stuff. :P --Poisonous (talk) 08:31, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

US intelligence couldn't intercept a fumbled pass - this is propaganda. --Brian McNeil / talk 13:02, 26 September 2008 (UTC)
 * Although news, I agree with brianmc. Though only thing we can do is wait and see. Of course if nothing happens in October then they can stand up and say that this 'report' foiled a terrorist attack or plan. Then they can say that Americans are "reassured". DragonFire1024 (Talk to the Dragon) 13:08, 26 September 2008 (UTC)
 * I have left a far stronger comment on the article's talk, this should never have been published. --Brian McNeil / talk 13:14, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

Lets not pay attention
Because Fox news was the first too report it. Fracking idiots.--66.229.17.181 15:03, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

The point where this is suspect is less from Fox, than that it is near another election. Propaganda is often used to manipulate populations for political purposes, and in the U.S. this has been done so many times in the recent past I am certain that is all that this ultra-vague and ambiguous story exists for. 72.154.55.191 15:19, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

And conspiracy theorists who believe the tragedy of 9/11 was US gov't engineered will doubtlessly see any sort of terrorist attack in October as a GOP staged effort to snag another 4 years. --63.170.55.63 16:33, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

Why do you bring up unrelated topics? Are you trolling 63? 72.154.55.191 16:37, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

Unrelated topics 72? The amusing thing to my mind is, which way does everyone think the direction of influence would be if there were another terrorist attack against the US or a US ally? The article says that Al-Qaeda want to influence elections, and we all(they included certainly) know which way worries over terrorist attacks have traditionally influenced popular opinion...[]

The other amusing thing that leaps to mind is, how often has the terror colour coding system has gone down to "general levels of risk" or "low risk". I'll give you a hint, it starts with 'N' and ends in 'ever'. Since the start of the Homeland Security Advisory System, the USA has not once been in a state of typical concern, only elevated or higher. Of course, the word elevated means something right? A comparison to some sort of base level? "Medium" is the smallest(not medium-sized) drink or french-fry you can buy at certain stores, and "Elevated" is the lowest that the terror level gets. Congrats on playing right into the terrorists' hands by cultivating a culture where everyone is terrified of potential attacks. 130.15.149.128 18:27, 26 September 2008 (UTC)


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Comments:Seventh Guantanamo Prosecutor resigns over ethical issues

Apathy
It's an amazing sign of American apathy that for the most part there is little to no outrage among us over this sort of thing. Few really care, and most are too lazy to do anything about the human rights abuses in Guantanamo. --Poisonous (talk) 08:37, 26 September 2008 (UTC)
 * That's not fair, I like to think that people of all nationalities exercise apathy equally. Americans are just better at focusing it, like tiny laser beams of ambivalence. I for one applaud the US for returning to their medieval roots, torture is a very important part of everyone's heritage. --Smackdat (talk) 13:17, 26 September 2008 (UTC)
 * I wouldn't agree with that, unless it's irony. --69.157.178.75 13:23, 26 September 2008 (UTC)
 * I don't agree with Smackdat either... I think Poisonous is absolutely spot on. -- 17:24, 1 October 2008 (UTC)

Democracy is so fragile a social construct because the very freedoms it is meant to protect can also, when "the balance of powers" is disrupted, enable one more assertive entity (currently the Executive branch) to assume prerogatives in the name of crisis or safety that truly endanger the democratic process itself. Power once gained is noteasily relinquished, though our mandatory regime change every 4 years is some safeguard against that eventuality. It is clear now that such a change MUST TAKE PLACE !

see you in nuremberg
psychopaths —Preceding unsigned comment added by 62.245.86.110 (talk) 11:14, 27 September 2008 (UTC)


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Wikinews talk:Tsunami Help/Aid Agencies/Europe

Modifiy www.secourspopulaire.asso.fr -> www.secourspopulaire.fr and http://www.secourspopulaire.asso.fr/goto/raz-de-maree.html -> http://donner.secourspopulaire.fr
 * Because of the age of this article I am reluctant to make this edit. -- Sken   my talk 10:34, 5 October 2008 (UTC)


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Controversial evangelist leader Tony Alamo arrested in child sex investigation

September 26, 2008

Controversial evangelist leader Tony Alamo was arrested in Flagstaff, Arizona Thursday and faces charges related to child sex abuse allegations at the Tony Alamo Christian Ministry organization. Alamo has previously been convicted on charges of tax evasion. United States federal agents raided Alamo's compound in Arkansas on Saturday and six girls were taken into state custody.

Law enforcement officials raided Alamo's compound in Fouke, Arkansas on Saturday and removed six girls aged 10 to 17. Over 100 federal and state agents participated in the raid on the compound, which followed a two-year investigation into Alamo and his organization.

Law enforcement officials were searching for evidence that minors had been videotaped performing sexual activities or had been molested. The Federal Bureau of Investigation searched Alamo's property for child pornography. Alamo, who claims he is legally blind and wouldn't be able to see child pornography, preaches that girls should marry young and sex with post-puberty girls is 'okay' because "in the Bible it happened".

"It's the transportation of minors with the intent to engage in criminal activity. The state concerns are children living at the facility may have been sexually and physically abused," said Little Rock, Arkansas FBI representative Tom Browne in a statement to KABC-TV.

The Associated Press (AP) has reported that Alamo will likely appear in federal court Friday in Flagstaff, Arizona, on charges that he violated the Mann Act by facilitating transport of minors across state lines for inappropriate sexual conduct. Documents produced by the FBI referred to Alamo by his birth name, Bernie Lazar Hoffman. Alamo has stated that he was born into Judaism but later converted to Christianity. According to the FBI, Alamo's court appearance Friday is intended to determine when he will be transported from Arizona back to Arkansas to face charges there.

Hearings have been scheduled for Friday and Monday by a state judge, to decide if the Department of Human Services of Arkansas can retain custody of the six girls. "We will transport them to and from hearings. We will take part in any future hearings. Our job right now is to basically take care of them," said agency representative Julie Munsell in a statement reported to the AP. The six girls will be present at the hearings in Arkansas: hearings for two of the girls will take place Friday and hearings for the other four on Monday.

The Southern Poverty Law Center, an organization which maintains data on hate groups, has described Alamo's organization as a "cult". The Ross Institute Internet Archives for the Study of Destructive Cults, Controversial Groups and Movements maintains a web page on Tony Alamo and his organization. AP reported that many former members of Alamo's organization also characterize the Tony Alamo Christian Ministries as a "cult".

Anna Pugh, a former member of the organization for 11 years, recounted some of her experiences in what she referred to as "Tony's Cult" to KOCO-TV. She stated that while she was living at Alamo's compound she felt she was brainwashed. Pugh says that while she was a member of the group a seven-year-old girl took her aside and told her Alamo had sexual conduct with minors while watching pornography. "I think that congregation in there needs to see what that man is. He is a monster. He is a very unmerciful, malicious, vindictive, judgemental, condemning person," said Pugh.

Former member Anthony Lane told KSLA-TV he was kicked out of Tony Alamo Christian Ministries when he questioned some of Alamo's teachings. "He is definitely a man who arranges marriages of little girls, and orders beatings of little children," said Lane. He has been getting help from a support group called Partnered against Cult Activities (PACA). Lane is trying to gain custody of his three children who are still in the group with his wife.

Alamo was convicted of tax evasion in 1994, and was released from prison in 1998 after serving four years out of a six year sentence. The Internal Revenue Service said Alamo owed the U.S. government US$7.9 million. Prosecutors in the tax evasion case argued prior to Alamo's sentencing that he was a flight risk, and a polygamist who conducted inappropriate activities with women and girls in his organization.

The Tony Alamo Christian Ministry organization promotes a philosophy and belief system which asserts sex with underage girls and polygamy is acceptable. The organization is critical of Catholicism, homosexuality, and the government. Tony Alamo Christian Ministry has compounds in Arkansas, California, Georgia and New Jersey, and Alamo himself lives near Los Angeles.


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Comments:Controversial evangelist leader Tony Alamo arrested in child sex investigation

= Is the U.S. "right to freedom of religion" appropriate given cases such as this? =

Cult of Pedophiles
There are some well known examples where freedom of religion is used to exclude certain religous groups from controlled substance laws for ritual purposes, and even in some cases things like zoning laws, but there is no exclusion for crimes involving minors nor should there be. Child sexual abuse does not get magically transformed into anything else because of what the perpetrators claim. None of this has anything to do with any true beliefs. Everything looks like this was a cult setup to give excuses for a group of pedophiles to abuse kids. I hope they all rot in jail. 72.154.55.191 11:04, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

The right to freedom of religion is, for the most part, fine. It just needs limits put on it to help prevent cults, bigotry, etc. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 77.102.177.108 (talk) 15:40, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

Freedom from religion, too
The children's rights to not have their parent's religion forced on them and not have their other rights abused is more important. I feel that everyone's unchecked freedom ends where someone else's begins--they can do what they want personally but when it affects someone else against their will, it's no longer their freedom. --Poisonous (talk) 16:15, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

 * So does the same right not to have parents religions "forced" on children apply to other religions? Parents of all sorts raise their children in their own religions. If we start making judgments about which religions are allowed to do that and which are not that amounts to massive violations of the First Amendment. We have to keep issues of child abuse generally separate from issues of whether or not we like a religion. JoshuaZ (talk) 16:38, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

 * Yes, if a child doesn't want to participate in a religion, I think it's fair to expect that parents respect that, though it's beside the point. The problem is when freedom of religion is used to defend child abuse, like when a girl was abused during excorcism in Texas. --Poisonous (talk) 05:46, 27 September 2008 (UTC)

Umbrella of religion not this big
Anything that is truly religious falls under the great commandment of love God above all and love your neighbor as yourself. Abusing minors is neither loving or sanctioned by God.

It doesn't say anything aboutloving your neighbor"S" or your neighbor's CHILDREN!

This guy is a scum bag and should be prosecuted to the full extent of he law! PerryO206.24.48.1 01:21, 7 December 2008 (UTC)

If this is religion then a whorehouse could be the cathedral! At least Hugh Hefner never purported to be anything but a libertaian. This guy Alamo is lower than pond scum. PerryO206.24.48.1 22:33, 13 December 2008 (UTC)


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Talk:Controversial evangelist leader Tony Alamo arrested in child sex investigation

Review
--Brian McNeil / talk 10:58, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

Update
There was a development in this story, see the later article: Arkansas judge tells parents to leave Tony Alamo compound to regain custody of seized children. Cirt (talk) 07:56, 26 November 2008 (UTC)

add Cat.
editprotected can u plz add the (Category:Children) to the article .عماد الدين المقدسي (talk) 09:26, 1 November 2017 (UTC)
 * ❌ Wikinews does not have such a category. --SVTCobra 20:16, 15 January 2018 (UTC)


text: File:TonyAlamo.jpg

title: File:TonyAlamo.jpg


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Swiss man successfully flies in jet pack across English Channel

September 26, 2008 Yves Rossy, 49, an airline pilot from Switzerland, has successfully completed a trip across the English Channel using a jet propelled pack. He is said to be the first human to successfully complete any such trip.

Rossy flew between England and France, approximately 22 miles, with his top speed reaching 120 miles an hour. Rossy, who has named himself 'Fusion Man' began his trip in a plane. When they reached an altitude of 8,000 feet, Rossy jumped out of the plane and started his jet pack. The trip took just about 10 minutes to complete with Rossy landing via parachute in Dover in England.

The pack is described as hang glider like, with a wing span of eight feet. When the fuel tank is filled, the device weighs about 120 pounds. Rossy was protected by a fire proof suit in case anything went wrong, an extra parachute and a helmet.

Rossy had spent nearly five years designing and building the jet pack.


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Controversial Florida attorney Jack Thompson disbarred

September 26, 2008

Florida attorney Jack Thompson was disbarred by a ruling of the Florida Supreme Court on Thursday for a variety of offenses, and has been banned from practicing law in Florida. The proceedings listed ten distinct behaviors by Thompson that led to his disbarment, including making false statements to a court, and violating a court order. Judge Dava Tunis said that Thompson had "abused the legal system by submitting numerous, frivolous and inappropriate filings". The judge also noted that Thompson had shown no remorse for his actions and had refused to cooperate with the disbarment hearing. Tunis concluded that the probability of rehabilitation was small.

In addition to this disbarment, Thompson is required to pay the court $43,675.35 as a recovery for the court's time and expense.

Thompson had previously come to public attention in 1988 when he ran for Dade County prosecutor against then incumbent Janet Reno. Thompson made repeated accusations that Reno was a lesbian and subsequently filed battery charges against Reno. These charges were found to be without merit.

After he lost the election to Reno, Thompson engaged in a variety of moral campaigns. Thompson targeted rap music and Howard Stern. Over the last decade Thompson has focused most of his effort against video games and computer games, accusing them of promoting violence and encouraging children to engage in violent behavior. His most recent media attention came when he criticized Grand Theft Auto series of games for sexual and violent content and Bully for violent content. Thompson responded to the disbarment by issuing a press release claiming it was politically motivated. "The timing of this disbarment transparently reveals its motivation: This past Friday Thompson filed a federal civil rights action against The Bar, the Supreme Court, and all seven of its Justices. This rush to disbarment is in retribution for the filing of that federal suit." Thompson went on to say that "this should be fun, starting now."


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Comments:CanadaVOTES: NDP candidate Max Lombardi running in Cambridge

Cant you guys join all the Canada elections stuff on 1 place? no need to flood the entire wikinews page eh?


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Talk:Swiss man successfully flies in jet pack across English Channel

It isn't a rocket pack. The jet engines are attached to a wing. --Brian McNeil / talk 15:38, 26 September 2008 (UTC)


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CanadaVOTES: Libertarian Kevin Stricker running in Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar

September 27, 2008

On October 14, 2008, Canadians will be heading to the polls for the federal election. Libertarian Party candidate Kevin Stricker is standing for election in the riding of Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar.

Born in Saskatoon, he graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 2003, with a B.Sc. with Great Distinction in Computer Science; he received a University Medal in Science. Having worked for several area businesses, this is his first political run. A longtime member of Fair Vote Canada, he currently serves on the Libertarian Party's ethics committee.

Wikinews contacted Kevin, to talk about the issues facing Canadians, and what they and their party would do to address them. Wikinews is in the process of contacting every candidate, in every riding across the country, no matter their political stripe. All interviews are conducted over e-mail, and interviews are published unedited, allowing candidates to impart their full message to our readers, uninterrupted.

The riding includes southwest Saskatoon and area, including rural areas Biggar, Rosetown and Delisle. First elected in 2000, Conservative MP Carol Skelton announced she would not be seeking re-election, and was shuffled out of her Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Western Economic Diversification cabinet posts.

Winning the Conservative nomination in the riding is acclaimed Mayor of Waldheim Kelly Block, who is joined by Stricker, Amber Jones (Green), Roy Bluehorn (Liberal), Nettie Wiebe (NDP), Marcel Leon Bourassa (Christian Heritage), and independent Rick Barsky.

For more information, visit the campaign's official website, listed below.

Interview
Why are you running for political office, why at the federal level, why this party, and why in this riding?
 * I am running for office with the Libertarian party because I don't feel any of the mainstream parties represent a libertarian view. To me, the federal government should be the most libertarian branch of government, as it is the most far removed from individual Canadians.  I am running in Saskatoon--Rosetown--Biggar as it is my home riding, and I would not be comfortable voting for any of the other candidates this year.

'''Previous to this campaign, have you been politically involved? How will you apply your previous work/volunteer/life experience to serving your constituents?'''
 * This is my first foray into politics. My computer science background will inject some much needed logic into political proceedings ;)

'''As you campaign around your riding, it's likely that some issues are mentioned more often by voters, than other issues. What would you say are the three hottest topics this election, in your riding? What would you and your party do to address these issues?'''
 * Economy: Residents, especially those on a fixed income are concerned about the rising cost of everything. We will work tirelessly to reduce the income tax burden on individuals and families, so people can fully enjoy the fruits of their labor.

 * Environment: People are still very split on this issue. Most Canadians are concerned about the environment and we trust them to act responsibly. If we alleviate the tax burden, families will be able to think less about meeting their basic needs, and more about making environmentally proactive spending decisions.

Is there any misconceptions about you, your leader, or your party and platform?
 * Despite the similar name, we are nothing like the Liberal party.

'''There's a more ways than ever to get your message out, from the traditional campaign fliers and lawn signs, to new media like websites, Facebook, and YouTube. The tried-and-true routes get the message out to the masses much easier, but digital alternatives are much more measurable in how many are seeing or interacting with your campaign. What seems to be the most effective, from your experience?'''
 * Websites, Facebook and YouTube are very cost-effective for grassroots campaigning. How effective they are at reaching a significant portion of the electorate remains to be seen.


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Talk:CanadaVOTES: Libertarian Kevin Stricker running in Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar

RAW TEXT
Your name: Kevin Stricker Political party: Libertarian Riding: Saskatoon--Rosetown--Biggar

New candidates: Why are you running for political office, why at the federal level, why this party, and why in this riding?

I am running for office with the Libertarian party because I don't feel any of the mainstream parties represent a libertarian view. To me, the federal government should be the most libertarian branch of government, as it is the most far removed from individual Canadians. I am running in Saskatoon--Rosetown--Biggar as it is my home riding, and I would not be comfortable voting for any of the other candidates this year.

New candidates: Previous to this campaign, have you been politically involved? How will you apply your previous work/volunteer/life experience to serving your constituents?

This is my first foray into politics. My computer science background will inject some much needed logic into political proceedings ;)

As you campaign around your riding, it's likely that some issues are mentioned more often by voters, than other issues. What would you say are the three hottest topics this election, in your riding? What would you and your party do to address these issues?

Economy: Residents, especially those on a fixed income are concerned about the rising cost of everything. We will work tirelessly to reduce the income tax burden on individuals and families, so people can fully enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Environment: People are still very split on this issue. Most Canadians are concerned about the environment and we trust them to act responsibly. If we alleviate the tax burden, families will be able to think less about meeting their basic needs, and more about making environmentally proactive spending decisions.

Is there any misconceptions about you, your leader, or your party and platform?

Despite the similar name, we are nothing like the Liberal party.

There's a more ways than ever to get your message out, from the traditional campaign fliers and lawn signs, to new media like websites, Facebook, and YouTube. The tried-and-true routes get the message out to the masses much easier, but digital alternatives are much more measurable in how many are seeing or interacting with your campaign. What seems to be the most effective, from your experience?

Websites, Facebook and YouTube are very cost-effective for grassroots campaigning. How effective they are at reaching a significant portion of the electorate remains to be seen.


text:
Talk:CanadaVOTES: NDP candidate Ryan Dolby running in Elgin—Middlesex—London

RAW TEXT
I have answered the questionnaire below with Ryan's responses. Thanks

Terry Painter Campaign manager for Ryan Dolby Federal NDP Candidate Elgin/Middlesex/London Cell: (519) 777-9639 Work: (519) 633-2100 ext 233

Your name: Ryan Dolby Political party: New Democrats Riding: Elgin-Middlesex-London

New candidates: Why are you running for political office, why at the federal level, why this party, and why in this riding? Incumbents: Why did you choose to run for office, and why do you wish to continue as an MP?

I’m running because of the thousands of people who have asked me to run because they can’t trust Stephen Harper and the Conservatives to protect their jobs, their health care, and the environment. This election is not about Jack Layton, Ryan Dolby and the team of New Democrats. It is about you and your family. We will act on ‘kitchen table’ issues, not just boardroom table issues. I am hoping to make a difference by putting families first.

New candidates: Previous to this campaign, have you been politically involved? How will you apply your previous work/volunteer/life experience to serving your constituents? Incumbents: Are you satisfied with your time as MP? What would be the biggest highlights of the roughly two years since the last election? The biggest disappointment?

I have been involved over the years with the local Labour Council and helping to raise money for the United Way and local Women’s Shelters in St Thomas, London and the surrounding areas. As a member of my local Union in Politics Committee, I have helped out on many campaigns including the Manufacturing Matters Campaign. I feel that my experience as a CAW Representative will help me while dealing with members of the community, while trying to solve their day to day issues. While In Ottawa, my firsthand knowledge of the problems faced by working people will help me to shape policy and legislation.

As you campaign around your riding, it's likely that some issues are mentioned more often by voters, than other issues. What would you say are the three hottest topics this election, in your riding? What would you and your party do to address these issues?

Definitely the 3 biggest issues are the Economy, Health Care and the Environment

For the economy, we will deliver on a 'Made in Canada' Green Manufacturing Policy that will protect jobs and create new jobs. The Conservatives and the Liberals have made many promises to improve the economy and they have failed to deliver. Hundreds of thousands of family supporting manufacturing jobs have been lost, including thousands in our own community. Jobs that make our communities a good place to live. Jobs that the Conservatives and the Liberals don't seem to care about. Meanwhile, the gap between the rich and the rest of us continues to grow, while consumers are being gouged by high gas prices, the banks and cell phone companies.

For health care, the Conservatives and the Liberals promised to reduce your health care wait times, and they didn't do that either. On top of that, today 5 million Canadians don't have a family doctor. The New Democrats will shorten wait times, not by making more empty promises, but by training more doctors and nurses.

For the environment, the Conservatives and the Liberals promised you they would tackle the climate change crisis and protect the environment. They failed at that too. Today, our polar ice caps are disappearing, our sea levels are rising and over 20,000 Canadians are dying each year from air pollution, while you pay record gas prices. The New Democrats Cap and Trade Policy will make sure Canada lives up to the challenge of climate change, not with idle words or by taxing you and your family, but with tough laws that force polluters to clean up their mess and pay their fair share.

Is there any misconceptions about you, your leader, or your party and platform?

I think the public is starting to recognize Jack Layton's leadership capabilities. The latest polls have shown that people feel he has the skills and qualities they want in a leader. Also, people are starting to recognize the sense in the NDP policies and that this is the time for a change.

There's a more ways than ever to get your message out, from the traditional campaign fliers and lawn signs, to new media like websites, Facebook, and YouTube. The tried-and-true routes get the message out to the masses much easier, but digital alternatives are much more measurable in how many are seeing or interacting with your campaign. What seems to be the most effective, from your experience?

We are getting an excellent response from our Facebook webpage. People can sign up for lawn signs or find out how to donate to our campaign. It is an exciting new method to get information out to people.


text:
CanadaVOTES: NDP candidate Ryan Dolby running in Elgin—Middlesex—London

September 26, 2008

On October 14, 2008, Canadians will be heading to the polls for the federal election. New Democratic Party candidate Pastor Ryan Dolby is standing for election in the riding of Elgin—Middlesex—London.

Born in Chatham, he moved to St. Thomas in 1994, and recently to the Village of Shedden. An employee of Lear Corporation, Dolby is a CAW Local 2168 member, who serves as Union Benefits Representative, and Local Trustee and Chair of the Union in Politics Committee. A CAW Council Delegate representative, he was appointed to the CAW National Employment Insurance Committee in 2006. He is involved in community organizations ranging from the St. Thomas Action Centre, United Way, the St. Thomas Women’s Shelter and the St. Thomas Fanshawe College Campus Advisory Committee. Having studied at the University of Windsor, he is currently completing the Labour Studies Certificate Program at McMaster University, aiming towards a Bachelor's Degree in Labour Studies

Wikinews contacted Ryan, to talk about the issues facing Canadians, and what they and their party would do to address them. Wikinews is in the process of contacting every candidate, in every riding across the country, no matter their political stripe. All interviews are conducted over e-mail, and interviews are published unedited, allowing candidates to impart their full message to our readers, uninterrupted.

In 1996, the riding was created through the amalgamation of the Elgin—Norfolk, Lambton—Middlesex, and London—Middlesex ridings. While it was a Liberal riding for many years, through Jean Chretien's Parliamentary Secretary Gar Knutson, in 2004, the riding became Conservative, with Joe Preston taking its reigns. Besides Dolby and Preston, the riding's candidates include Liberal Suzanne van Bommel, Green Will Arlow, CAP Noel Burgon, CHP Carl Hiemstra, and independent Michael van Holst.

For more information, visit the campaign's official website, listed below.

Interview
Why are you running for political office, why at the federal level, why this party, and why in this riding?
 * I’m running because of the thousands of people who have asked me to run because they can’t trust Stephen Harper and the Conservatives to protect their jobs, their health care, and the environment. This election is not about Jack Layton, Ryan Dolby and the team of New Democrats. It is about you and your family. We will act on ‘kitchen table’ issues, not just boardroom table issues. I am hoping to make a difference by putting families first.

'''Previous to this campaign, have you been politically involved? How will you apply your previous work/volunteer/life experience to serving your constituents?'''
 * I have been involved over the years with the local Labour Council and helping to raise money for the United Way and local Women’s Shelters in St Thomas, London and the surrounding areas. As a member of my local Union in Politics Committee, I have helped out on many campaigns including the Manufacturing Matters Campaign. I feel that my experience as a CAW Representative will help me while dealing with members of the community, while trying to solve their day to day issues. While In Ottawa, my firsthand knowledge of the problems faced by working people will help me to shape policy and legislation.

'''As you campaign around your riding, it's likely that some issues are mentioned more often by voters, than other issues. What would you say are the three hottest topics this election, in your riding? What would you and your party do to address these issues?'''
 * Definitely the 3 biggest issues are the Economy, Health Care and the Environment

 * For the economy, we will deliver on a 'Made in Canada' Green Manufacturing Policy that will protect jobs and create new jobs. The Conservatives and the Liberals have made many promises to improve the economy and they have failed to deliver. Hundreds of thousands of family supporting manufacturing jobs have been lost, including thousands in our own community. Jobs that make our communities a good place to live. Jobs that the Conservatives and the Liberals don't seem to care about. Meanwhile, the gap between the rich and the rest of us continues to grow, while consumers are being gouged by high gas prices, the banks and cell phone companies.

 * For health care, the Conservatives and the Liberals promised to reduce your health care wait times, and they didn't do that either. On top of that, today 5 million Canadians don't have a family doctor. The New Democrats will shorten wait times, not by making more empty promises, but by training more doctors and nurses.

 * For the environment, the Conservatives and the Liberals promised you they would tackle the climate change crisis and protect the environment. They failed at that too. Today, our polar ice caps are disappearing, our sea levels are rising and over 20,000 Canadians are dying each year from air pollution, while you pay record gas prices. The New Democrats Cap and Trade Policy will make sure Canada lives up to the challenge of climate change, not with idle words or by taxing you and your family, but with tough laws that force polluters to clean up their mess and pay their fair share.

Is there any misconceptions about you, your leader, or your party and platform?
 * I think the public is starting to recognize Jack Layton's leadership capabilities. The latest polls have shown that people feel he has the skills and qualities they want in a leader. Also, people are starting to recognize the sense in the NDP policies and that this is the time for a change.

'''There's a more ways than ever to get your message out, from the traditional campaign fliers and lawn signs, to new media like websites, Facebook, and YouTube. The tried-and-true routes get the message out to the masses much easier, but digital alternatives are much more measurable in how many are seeing or interacting with your campaign. What seems to be the most effective, from your experience?'''
 * We are getting an excellent response from our Facebook webpage. People can sign up for lawn signs or find out how to donate to our campaign. It is an exciting new method to get information out to people.


text:
Talk:CanadaVOTES: CHP candidate Jerome Dondo running in Brandon—Souris

RAW TEXT
Jerome Dondo to me show details 11:27 AM (1 hour ago) [Campaign Picture.JPG] Reply

I have completed the election candidate questionnaire and have also enclosed a campaign picture if you are able to use it.

Thank you for the opportunity to respond for your website.

Your name: Jerome Dondo, CGA

Political party: Christian Heritage Party

Riding: Brandon-Souris

New candidates: Why are you running for political office, why at the

federal level, why this party, and why in this riding?

I have decided to run for political office because I think we live in a great country, and I want to do my part to continue building up on the heritage of our ancestors.

When this country was founded, the preamble of the constitution states "Whereas Canada is founded upon principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law...". At the federal level, we have seen many examples where this fact is not upheld.

The Christian Heritage party is the only federal party which supports the whole constitution as written, and will base it laws upon the principles set out in the Bible.

I am running in this riding because the riding that I live in already had a candidate in this riding, and Brandon-Souris is the closest to where I live.

New candidates: Previous to this campaign, have you been politically

involved? How will you apply your previous work/volunteer/life

experience to serving your constituents?

This is my first political experience. However, in my work as a First Nation consultant, I have had much experience dealing with political issues, both at the federal and provincial level. I am also volunteering as a member of the parent’s advisory committee in our children’s school, and have volunteered in the past as a lay pastor of a church.

The experiences have taught me how to listen to people’s concerns and explain any positions that I have taken in decisions, while at the same time hearing their concerns and taking those concerns to the appropriate people.

As you campaign around your riding, it's likely that some issues are

mentioned more often by voters, than other issues. What would you say

are the three hottest topics this election, in your riding? What would

you and your party do to address these issues?

The Brandon-Souris riding is a large riding with diverse interests and concerns. This riding includes people living in a city, family farms, and First Nations. Therefore it is difficult to identify major issues.

That said, It appears that the three hottest topics that I have encountered so far in no particular order are:

1.       The farmer’s concerns about the Canadian Wheat Board

2.       The family concerns about the lack of support for family with only one income.

3.       The First Nation concerns are the settling of land claims.

In each of these and other issues, the Christian Heritage Party have a platform which can be viewed on the party website at www.chp.ca. In terms of the issues listed above, our party supports the dismantling of the Canadian Wheat Board, offering a $1,000 monthly child-care support for families in which one parent stays at home with the children, and we believe that First Nation land claims should be settled quickly.

Is there any misconceptions about you, your leader, or your party and platform?

Being a small federal party, I have found that there is a lack of knowledge of our party more than a misconception. We do not have access to the same dollars that the five larger parties and given from our tax dollars based on the number of votes in the last election. This money can be used by the larger parties for advertising which we cannot afford and makes it more difficult to get our message out.

There's a more ways than ever to get your message out, from the

traditional campaign fliers and lawn signs, to new media like

websites, Facebook, and YouTube. The tried-and-true routes get the

message out to the masses much easier, but digital alternatives are

much more measurable in how many are seeing or interacting with your

campaign. What seems to be the most effective, from your experience?

Since this is my first campaign, I have not comment on this at this time. - Show quoted text -

-Original Message- From: Wikinews Election Coverage [mailto:wikinews.election@gmail.com] Sent: September 16, 2008 5:15 PM To: wikinews.election@gmail.com Subject: Wikinews requests interview regarding election

Hello,

Wikinews, the news-based sister project of Wikipedia, is hoping to

interview you regarding your run for office.

We're ambitiously hoping to publish interviews of all candidates, in

all ridings, from all parties; we've had similar articles series for

the most recent Ontario provincial and Toronto municipal elections.

All candidates receive the same questions (incumbents are asked to

answer two alternates), which are left open-ended enough to allow you

to call the shots and discuss what's most relevant in your riding.

Interviews, once published unedited on Wikinews, will be linked to

from Wikipedia. Wikipedia is the top result for many popular search

terms, like "2008 federal election Canada", and most individual riding

names, and so an interview linked to from our site can be very

beneficial in your campaign's promotion.

If you have any questions, let us know.

Thanks,

Nick Moreau

CanadaVOTES coverage lead

Wikinews

Your name:

Political party:

Riding:

New candidates: Why are you running for political office, why at the

federal level, why this party, and why in this riding?

Incumbents: Why did you choose to run for office, and why do you wish

to continue as an MP?

New candidates: Previous to this campaign, have you been politically

involved? How will you apply your previous work/volunteer/life

experience to serving your constituents?

Incumbents: Are you satisfied with your time as MP? What would be the

biggest highlights of the roughly two years since the last election?

The biggest disappointment?

As you campaign around your riding, it's likely that some issues are

mentioned more often by voters, than other issues. What would you say

are the three hottest topics this election, in your riding? What would

you and your party do to address these issues?

Is there any misconceptions about you, your leader, or your party and platform?

There's a more ways than ever to get your message out, from the

traditional campaign fliers and lawn signs, to new media like

websites, Facebook, and YouTube. The tried-and-true routes get the

message out to the masses much easier, but digital alternatives are

much more measurable in how many are seeing or interacting with your

campaign. What seems to be the most effective, from your experience? Campaign Picture.JPG 345K  View   Download


text:
CanadaVOTES: CHP candidate Jerome Dondo running in Brandon—Souris

September 27, 2008

On October 14, 2008, Canadians will be heading to the polls for the federal election. Christian Heritage Party candidate Jerome Dondo, CGA is standing for election in the riding of Brandon—Souris.

Self-employed since 2000, Dondo works as a finance consultant with First Nation reserves, and provides accounting services to small business clients. From 1993-1998, he worked in the accounts department of Transport Canada. He volunteered as a pastor for Pentecostal Faith Temple in Cat Lake, Ontario, and is currently on the Parent’s Advisory Committee of Ecole Gilbert Rosset, St-Claude, Manitoba.

Wikinews contacted Jerome, to talk about the issues facing Canadians, and what they and their party would do to address them. Wikinews is in the process of contacting every candidate, in every riding across the country, no matter their political stripe. All interviews are conducted over e-mail, and interviews are published unedited, allowing candidates to impart their full message to our readers, uninterrupted.

Merv Tweed is the Conservative Party incumbent in the riding. Along with Dondo, challengers include M.J. Willard (Liberal), John Bouché (NDP), Dave Barnes (Green), and Lisa Gallagher (Communist).

For more information, visit the campaign's official website, listed below.

Interview
Why are you running for political office, why at the federal level, why this party, and why in this riding?
 * I have decided to run for political office because I think we live in a great country, and I want to do my part to continue building up on the heritage of our ancestors.

 * When this country was founded, the preamble of the constitution states "Whereas Canada is founded upon principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law...". At the federal level, we have seen many examples where this fact is not upheld.

 * The Christian Heritage party is the only federal party which supports the whole constitution as written, and will base it laws upon the principles set out in the Bible.

 * I am running in this riding because the riding that I live in already had a candidate in this riding, and Brandon-Souris is the closest to where I live.

'''Previous to this campaign, have you been politically involved? How will you apply your previous work/volunteer/life experience to serving your constituents?'''
 * This is my first political experience. However, in my work as a First Nation consultant, I have had much experience dealing with political issues, both at the federal and provincial level.  I am also volunteering as a member of the parent’s advisory committee in our children’s school, and have volunteered in the past as a lay pastor of a church.

 * The experiences have taught me how to listen to people’s concerns and explain any positions that I have taken in decisions, while at the same time hearing their concerns and taking those concerns to the appropriate people.

'''As you campaign around your riding, it's likely that some issues are mentioned more often by voters, than other issues. What would you say are the three hottest topics this election, in your riding? What would you and your party do to address these issues?'''
 * The Brandon-Souris riding is a large riding with diverse interests and concerns. This riding includes people living in a city, family farms, and First Nations.  Therefore it is difficult to identify major issues.

 * That said, It appears that the three hottest topics that I have encountered so far in no particular order are:

 * The farmer’s concerns about the Canadian Wheat Board.
 * The family concerns about the lack of support for family with only one income.
 * The First Nation concerns are the settling of land claims.

 * In each of these and other issues, the Christian Heritage Party have a platform which can be viewed on the party website at www.chp.ca. In terms of the issues listed above, our party supports the dismantling of the Canadian Wheat Board, offering a $1,000 monthly child-care support for families in which one parent stays at home with the children, and we believe that First Nation land claims should be settled quickly.

Is there any misconceptions about you, your leader, or your party and platform?
 * Being a small federal party, I have found that there is a lack of knowledge of our party more than a misconception. We do not have access to the same dollars that the five larger parties and given from our tax dollars based on the number of votes in the last election.  This money can be used by the larger parties for advertising which we cannot afford and makes it more difficult to get our message out.

'''There's a more ways than ever to get your message out, from the traditional campaign fliers and lawn signs, to new media like websites, Facebook, and YouTube. The tried-and-true routes get the message out to the masses much easier, but digital alternatives are much more measurable in how many are seeing or interacting with your campaign. What seems to be the most effective, from your experience?'''
 * Since this is my first campaign, I have not comment on this at this time.


text:
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Welcome
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Our key policies - if you read anything, read these! Here are some pointers to help you get to know Wikinews: There are always things to do on Wikinews: By the way, you can sign your name on Talk pages using four tildes ( ~~~~ ), which produces your name and the current date. If you have any questions, you can ask them at the water cooler or to anyone on the Welcommittee, or ask me on my Talk page. Again, welcome! JoshuaZ (talk) 16:57, 26 September 2008 (UTC)
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text:
Talk:CanadaVOTES: Liberal incumbent Susan Kadis running in Thornhill

RAW TEXT
ATTN NICK MOREAU

WIKIPEDIA ANSWERS

Your name: Susan Kadis Political party:   The Liberal Party of Canada Riding:   Thornhill

Incumbents: Why did you choose to run for office.

ANSWER: As a life-long grassroots community leader, I entered politics to make a difference and improve the lives of others. I am a person of integrity and accountability, and I stand for giving a voice to the issues our community cares deeply about. Thornhill residents know they can rely on me to stand up, speak out, not sit idly by, and get results as proven by my record of service.

ANSWER: I continue to be very dedicated to the ensure that Thornhill residents continue to thrive and prosper. Theres a lot at stake in this election. We have a great action plan that will secure our future.

ANSWER: I will fight to ensure that we have a strong economy, cleaner environment, which will result in a prosperous and sustainable Thornhill and Canada.

Incumbents: Are you satisfied with your time as MP

ANSWER: Over the last four years Ive and had the privilege to help thousands of residents in Thornhill. Knowing the positive impact I have made, I am eager to continue to do more. Our community continues to inspire me to improve the lives of Thornhill residents and all Canadians.

What would be the biggest highlights of the roughly two years since the last election?

ANSWER: I had the opportunity to travel across the country to consult Canadians about security needs for at-risk communities, and to develop a policy to strengthen the safety of Canadians. This inclusive and comprehensive Liberal plan, which is part of our commitment in our platform, would not only benefit residents of Thornhill but all Canadians. I introduced a private members bill to establish a national holocaust monument in the nations capital to honour the victims and survivors, and to teach next generations about the consequences of state sanctioned genocide.

The biggest disappointment

ANSWER: As someone who has served on the Industry Committee and an Ontario MP, I was very disappointed to see Minister Harper and Flaherty attack Ontario and suggest that Ontario is the last place to invest. Thornhill residents who are worried about losing their jobs need a new Liberal government that is prepared to be a real partner especially in these challenging times. I will always stand up for Thornhill and Ontario.

As you campaign around your riding, it's likely that some issues are mentioned more often by voters, than other issues. What would you say are the three hottest topics this election, in your riding:

1/ Economy 2/ Environment 3/ Health care

What would you and your party do to address these issues

ANSWER: "Richer, Fairer, Greener," the Liberal Party of Canada's fully-costed, fiscally-responsible platform, lays out a progressive, inclusive vision to make Canada a stronger country for the next generation. Fiscal discipline is part of the Liberal DNA. We were the party that turned a huge deficit into eight years of surpluses, and we will continue to put fiscal responsibility first. A Liberal government will never put Canada into deficit.

We are committed to balanced budgets, which is why all the commitments in this platform are set within a prudent fiscal framework that includes a contingency reserve of $3 billion a year to be applied to the debt if it's not used a prudent measure irresponsibly abandoned by the Conservative government.

The cornerstone of the Liberal platform is the Green Shift plan. This innovative and forward-thinking plan will cut income taxes, put a price on pollution, fight poverty and position Canada to be a leader in the 21st-century global economy.

Richer, Fairer, Greener : An Action Plan for the 21st Century A Greener Canada to fight the Climate Change Crisis, Clean Air, Safeguarding our Water, Protecting our Health from Toxic Substances, Protecting Our Natural Heritage, Empowering Canadians

A Fairer Canada Includes: The 30-50 Plan, Investing in Our Children, Health Care, Womens Equality, Immigration: Welcoming New Canadians, EI Changes, A New Relationship with Canadas First Nations, Inuit and Mtis, Minority Language Rights, A Safer Canada, Respectful Federalism

Canada and the World Includes: Climate Change and Global Security, Diplomacy: Projecting Canadian Values Abroad, Development: Sharing Canadian Hope and Vision with the World, Stronger Relationships, Trade, Defence, Arctic Sovereignty.

Are there any misconceptions about you, your leader, or your party and platform

ANSWER: Stephane Dion is a man of personal conviction, who has a bold and visionary action plan for Canadas future. This is evident by the comprehensive Liberal platform that will address a struggling economy, job creation, improve our environment and the health of Thorhhill residents and all Canadians.

There are more ways than ever to get your message out, from the traditional campaign fliers and lawn signs, to new media like websites, Facebook, and YouTube. The tried-and-true routes get the message out to the masses much easier, but digital alternatives are much more measurable in how many are seeing or interacting with your campaign. What seems to be the most effective, from your experience:

ANSWER: The most effective way to get our message out is to speak directly with Thornhill residents to understand the issues they are facing. Over the last several weeks I have had the privilege of speaking with thousands of individuals about how a Liberal government will improve their lives.