Postcards from New York, cont.

Feb 14
Happy Valentine's Day Grasshopper. Thanks for writing, you rascal, you!! Major storm scheduled for Sat. afternoon here. Peace. Bye from New York.

Feb 17
Grasshopper: Hope that you are alive, well, and on top of your very tricky game. Stayed at work Sat. nite so I wouldn't have to fight the record storm for the next morning in order to reach church. I'm writing Brett/Fatty today. Haven't heard from him in months. Hope your Valentine's Day went well?!!!
Love J Postcards

Thanks Averil

February 24, 2006

Thank you for your email. I will show it to Mr. Hawn when he returns from Ottawa.

Averil, Executive Assistant
to Laurie Hawn, M.P.
Edmonton Centre
----- Original Message -----

Thank you Mr. Hawn, MP

Hi Rebecca,
Thanks for the e-mail. Let me get a bit of information on this facility before I give you a reply.
Thanks,
Laurie Hawn
----- Original Message -----
From
Rebecca Bodo
Date
Wed, 22 Feb 2006 00:16:45 -0700
To
"info@lauriehawn.ca"
Subject
Hello from 157th St. NW

Kewl to Bitch!

Your Hon. Laurie Hawn MP,

Please respond to the creation of a correctional facility based in Kingston, ON that will hold four Arab nationals that have currently served for five years already. Is Canada starting a "Guantanamo North" to hold suspected foreign nationals without charge?

I think Canada's role for our foreign policy should express greater compassion for the people pulled into circumstances via war, poverty, disease. Placing "prisoners" into correctional facilities while ignoring their right to be proven guilty or innocent flies right in the face of the Geneva Conventions. As a Canadian, I do not wish this country to go down that route. Please advise when there was a vote for the contruction of the facility.

Thanks for your attention,
Rebecca Bodo

I will decent

Under our current Conservative government, Corrections Canada is building a facility in Kingston,ON which will detain foreign nationals via "security certificates" violations. This facility is being dubbed "Guantanamo North". Are we bending to US pressure to create a torture centre? Hmmmm...

I think it's time to bitch to my local Conservative MP...........stay tuned.....

Total transparency by our PM

Well, well, well......as the Conservative party campaigned with the ideology of transparency, our media seems to have problems trying to figure out what our PM is talking about to various world leaders and what will be discussed with Jean Charest. Isn't this example of a direct turn around from what the former Liberal government would entertain with?

Come on, Steve.....let us in on your secrets........

Thanks Mr. Savage (via Savage Love)

I know your liberal heart means well, Dan, but the response you gave to SAUDI typifies much that is wrong with Western attitudes toward the Middle East.While SAUDI is partially to blame for having the poor judgment to ask you about sexual ethics, your statement, "Unlike the country you left behind, there are no morals police in the part of North America where you live" smacks of haughty, imperialistic condescension. You totally ignored the fact that the values he was taught as a Muslim have a deep and completely valid cultural context that needs to be considered when dispensing advice. You reduced the conundrum of a devout man experiencing serious cultural conflict to the influence of the "morals police," and in quite a smirking tone. I don't care how progressive Canadians are. It is incredibly offensive to imply the superiority of morals in Canada to values taught in Saudi Arabia. To paraphrase Gandhi, have some goddamned cultural sensitivity, man.
Sick Of Stereotypes
Did I imply the superiority of morals in Canada to values taught in Saudi Arabia? Jesus H. Christ, SOS, I feel just terrible about that. So let me set the record straight: I never meant to imply the superiority of morals in Canada over values taught in Saudi Arabia. I meant to state, loudly and clearly and for the record, the absolute superiority of morals in Canada over values taught in Saudi Arabia.Let us count the ways in which Canada is superior: equality of the sexes, political and religious pluralism, a little thing called democracy, and, of course, the radical notion that consenting adults are free to have sex with other consenting adults without having to worry about being lashed or beheaded in public. Canada's also got vodka tonics, BC bud, and pornography going for it, along with Tim Hortons, pork-sausage gravy on fries, and a just and equitable social-welfare system. Is Canada morally superior to Saudi Arabia? You bet. It's also morally superior to the United States of America.But back to the big SA: Unless you believe that cutting off the heads of homosexuals has a "deep and completely valid cultural context," or that men treating women as their property is a "value," you have to acknowledge that Saudi Arabia practices and promotes a thoroughly fucked-up brand of Islam. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia's state-sanctioned "morals police" are not, as you imply, an imperialistic fantasy of mine. They are, sadly, a fact of everyday life for Saudi Arabian women, gays, atheists, moderate/non-Wahabi Muslims, and anyone else who fails to live up to the pinched, sex-negative, deeply psychotic brand of monotheism practiced there.To paraphrase the U.N.'s Universal Declaration of Human Rights, I believe that human rights are universal, man. As Saudi Arabia exists in this universe, I think that the humans there—Muslim or not, liberal or conservative, male or female, gay or straight—are entitled to their full human rights. Until that day comes, SOS, I'm going to go right on thinking that Canada kicks Saudi Arabia's ass when it comes to morals and values. And bud.

Well sung Propellerheads....hehehe!

The word is about, there's something evolving,
whatever may come, the world keeps revolving
They say the next big thing is here,
that the revolution's near,
but to me it seems quite clear,
that it's all just a little bit of history repeating.

The newspapers shout a new style is growing,
but it don't know if it's coming or going,
there is fashion, there is fad
some is good, some is bad
and the joke is rather sad,that its all just a little bit of history repeating..

and I've seen it before.. and I'll see it again..
yes I've seen it before.. just little bits of history repeating

Some people don't dance, if they don't know who's singing,
why ask your head, it's your hips that are swinging
life's for us to enjoy
woman, man, girl and boy,
feel the pain, feel the joy
aside set the little bits of history repeating..

just little bits of history repeating.. and I've seen it before.. and I'll see it again.. yes I've seen it before.. just little bits of history repeating

Love this country, okay?

Louis Riel was an MP that never assumed his seat in the Commons. Elected to Parliament, he continued to live in the U.S. and raise a family with 3 children. He was known as the Father of Manitoba, and moved to Saskatchewan in 1884 to represent Metis grievances to the Canadian Gov't. Without success. The North-West Rebellion began, and ended in his arrest, trial, and eventual execution for treason. He is known for his controversial role in Canadian politics in Ontario, but when you get out West, the attitude takes on a more dramatic change. Much of this early rebellion history still exists today in our political landscape with the Social Credit, Reform Party and finally Conservatives. The West has risen out of the money pockets of Alberta but I don't know if it's a clean. Maybe we can trust this Western governing body with our federal coffer's, or maybe there will be another Meech Lake Deal.
I find that in Canada in general, Native peoples face discrimination everyday. I can see how that is an easier reaction for non-Native people to express; however, I do not deem this as necessary. How can we personally judge the circumstances of whatever the self governing Chiefs chooses? If there are third world conditions in Canada that find people getting sick from the water on their reserves, drug/alcoholism or living in absolute poverty, I would have a few questions for the people responsible for government transfer payments from the Royal Bank whom holds most of these accounts that are supposed to be administered to Native peoples.
I certainly hope the comment expressed by Stephan Harper on The National regarding Native issues, "Look, I don't know what the problem is..." means that he will try to learn? Can this mean easy cuts of funding to the Native Affairs department for this new government? Don't mind me, but I think it's just a little bit of history repeating just a bit....

Dear Grasshopper: Postcards from New York

December 2005
Grasshopper: Sorry I didn't follow up with the call to you when I was in Denver. Hope that you are well. Talked to Fatty while I was in the mountains. I'm on the mend health wise. Weather is still holding out. You guys catch hell (ICE COLD) every month, no? Love Joseph

Jan 6, 2006
Grasshopper: I didn't call you back from Denver. Was in a totalling relaxed, devil may care mood. Talked to the Fat Girl (Brett). Gave me his new address etc. Watching USCL texas Rose Bowl game. I hate anything Texas.

Jan 31, 2006
Becca: Where is you girl? I'm well, in the rotten apple. Tell me about your new PM!!! Getting ready for Super Sunday. I know I know Pro Sports is Big Business & a huge male fantasy but I do have fun with it!

Jan 30, 2006
Heard about the transit strike here in the evil apple (NYC)? Well, the rank and file turned a rather good contract down. Now the draconian taylor law which says that NYC Municipal employees cannot strike is being applied. No union dues check offs, for every strike day we owe the city two, etc. But there are fine points, estoric and arcan legal ties that must be addressed. Stay tuned.

Feb 2006
You are indeed a very episodic and excentric woman. I dig you very much anyway, you see. Our Union turned down, what I though was a good conhtract which gave us health insurance after retirement for the first time. Will keep you posted. A new breeze in your country w/a conservative PM. WOW. Stay well Grasshopper......

Thank you Sting

Finding the world in the grain of sand
And holding infinities in the palm of your hand
And Heaven's realms in the seedlings of this tiny flower
And eternities in the space of a single hour

Send your love into the future
Send your love into the distant dawn

Inside your mind is a relay station
A mission probe into the unknowing
We send a seed to a distant future
Then we can watch the galaxies growing

This ain't no time for doubting your power
This ain't no time for hiding your care
You're climbing down from an ivory tower
You've got a stake in the world we ought to share

You see the stars are moving so slowly
But still the earth is moving so fast
Can't you see the moon is so lonely
She's still trapped in the pain of the past

This is the time of the world colliding
This is the time of kingdoms falling
This is the time of the worlds dividing
Time to heed your call

Send your love into the future
Send your precious love into some distant time
And fix that wounded planet witht the love of your healing
Send your love

There's no religion but sex and music
There's no religion but sound and dancing
There's no religion line and colour
There's no religion but sacred trance
There's no religion but the endless ocean
There's no religion but the moon and stars
There's no religion but time and motion
There's no religion, just tribal scars

Throw a pebble in and watch the ocean
See the ripples vanish in the distance
It's just the same with all the emotions
It's just the same in every instance

There's no religion but the joys of rhythm
There's no religion but the rites of Spring
There's no religion in the path of hate
No prayer but the one I sing

Send your love into the future
Send you precious love into some distant time
And fix that wounded planet with the love of your healing
Send your love

There's no religion but sex and music
There's no religion that's right or winning
There's no religion in the path of hatred
Ain't no prayer but the one I'm singing

Send your love

I'm sorry this is all I can do guys

This is what our neighbors to the South have been dealing with lately. Sure glad to be Canadian most days.......

Your government, on the basis of outrageous lies, is waging a murderous and utterly illegitimate war in Iraq, with other countries in their sights.
Your government is openly torturing people, and justifying it.
Your government puts people in jail on the merest suspicion, refusing them lawyers, and either holding them indefinitely or deporting them in the dead of night.
Your government is moving each day closer to a theocracy, where a narrow and hateful brand of Christian fundamentalism will rule.
Your government suppresses the science that doesn't fit its religious, political and economic agenda, forcing present and future generations to pay a terrible price.
Your government is moving to deny women here, and all over the world, the right to birth control and abortion.
Your government enforces a culture of greed, bigotry, intolerance and ignorance.
People look at all this and think of Hitler — and they are right to do so. The Bush regime is setting out to radically remake society very quickly, in a fascist way, and for generations to come. We must act now; the future is in the balance.
Millions and millions are deeply disturbed and outraged by this. They recognize the need for a vehicle to express this outrage, yet they cannot find it; politics as usual cannot meet the enormity of the challenge, and people sense this.
There is not going to be some magical "pendulum swing." People who steal elections and believe they're on a "mission from God" will not go without a fight.
There is not going to be some savior from the Democratic Party. This whole idea of putting our hopes and energies into "leaders" who tell us to seek common ground with fascists and religious fanatics is proving every day to be a disaster, and actually serves to demobilize people.
But silence and paralysis are NOT acceptable. That which you will not resist and mobilize to stop, you will learn — or be forced — to accept. There is no escaping it: the whole disastrous course of this Bush regime must be STOPPED. And we must take the responsibility to do it.
And there is a way. We are talking about something on a scale that can really make a huge change in this country and in the world. We need more than fighting Bush's outrages one at a time, constantly losing ground to the whole onslaught. We must, and can, aim to create a political situation where the Bush regime's program is repudiated, where Bush himself is driven from office, and where the whole direction he has been taking society is reversed. We, in our millions, must and can take responsibility to change the course of history.
Acting in this way, we join with and give support and heart to people all over the globe who so urgently need and want this regime to be stopped.
This will not be easy. If we speak the truth, they will try to silence us. If we act, they will to try to stop us. But we speak for the majority, here and around the world, and as we get this going we are going to reach out to the people who have been so badly fooled by Bush and we are NOT going to stop.
The point is this: history is full of examples where people who had right on their side fought against tremendous odds and were victorious. And it is also full of examples of people passively hoping to wait it out, only to get swallowed up by a horror beyond what they ever imagined. The future is unwritten. WHICH ONE WE GET IS UP TO US.
The World Can't Wait! Drive Out the Bush Regime!

Thank you Eddie Harris

I love to lie and lie to love
I'm hangin' on, they push and shove
Possession is the motivation that is hangin' up the God damn nation
Looks like we all might end up in a rut -- everybody now
Tryin' to make it real -- compared to what?

Slaughterhouse is killin' hogs
Twisted children killin' frogs
Poor dumb rednecks rollin' logs
Tired old ladies kissin' dogs
I hate the human love of that stinkin' mutt -- I can't use it
Try to make it real compared to what.

President he's got his war
Folks don't know just what it's for
Nobody gives us rhyme or reason
Have one doubt, they call it treason
We're chicken-feathers, all without one nut -- God damn it
Tryin' to make it real -- compared to what?

Church on Sunday, sleep and nod
Tryin' to duck the wrath of God
Preachers fillin' us with fright
They all tryin' to teach us what they think is right
They really got to be some kind of nut -- I can't use it
Tryin' to make it real -- compared to what?

Where's that beat and where's that honey
Where's my God and where's my money
Unreal values a crass distortion
Unwed mothers need abortion
Kind of brings to mind ol' young King Tut -- he did it now
Tried to make it real compared to what!

So there's a Conservative minority in our Commons

There it is, the mosaic conclusion of our grand country is has taken a change in course. The Conservatives crafted a very tricky, slick election campaign accompanied by a smiling Stephan Harper advertising their slogans. I will give them credit for winning the top job by playing on the fears of Western alienation and therefore give the West some political results. The Bloc also came back from slumber with a greater amount of seats in the Commons to the credit of the eastern left, and then our King & Queen of the NDP party: Jack Layton & Olivia Chow have taken their seats in the Commons along with 8 other NDP seats. Another extreme credit to the federal left!

The final analysis is that the left side of the spectrum has alot of power. This is all about positioning. I think the only thing they will be passing threw the Commons are budgets, 1st & foremost, however the issues surrounding same-sex marriage & abortion should not tie up the process due to the diversity of progressive leftist seats within the Commons and how much they out number the Conservatives.

I think I can exhale, because this last election had me proudly voting in my 4th consecutive province. The Liberals can heal for awhile, but I certainly hope he takes our PM to task to expose where they fuck up. The Conservatives certainly aren't perfect, but then, such is life!

Yes, some influential people have some power of my opinion......

It seems that not only young people are going to the polls Monday, but some enthusiasm from the south has also drawn my attention. I have to publish this, even if no one reads it! Here's what Michael Moore had to say on the issue of our Federal Election efforts:

"Oh, Canada -- you're not really going to elect a Conservative majority on Monday, are you? That's a joke, right? I know you have a great sense of humor, and certainly a well-developed sense of irony, but this is no longer funny. Maybe it's a new form of Canadian irony -- reverse irony! OK, now I get it. First, you have the courage to stand against the war in Iraq -- and then you elect a prime minister who's for it. You declare gay people have equal rights -- and then you elect a man who says they don't. You give your native peoples their own autonomy and their own territory -- and then you vote for a man who wants to cut aid to these poorest of your citizens. Wow, that is intense! Only Canadians could pull off a hat trick of humor like that. My hat's off to you.
Far be it from me, as an American, to suggest what you should do. You already have too many Americans telling you what to do. Well, actually, you've got just one American who keeps telling you to roll over and fetch and sit. I hope you don't feel this appeal of mine is too intrusive but I just couldn't sit by, as your friend, and say nothing. Yes, I agree, the Liberals have some 'splainin' to do. And yes, one party in power for more than a decade gets a little... long. But you have a parliamentary system (I'll bet you didn't know that -- see, that's why you need Americans telling you things!). There are ways at the polls to have your voices heard other than throwing the baby out with the bath water.
These are no ordinary times, and as you go to the polls on Monday, you do so while a man running the nation to the south of you is hoping you can lend him a hand by picking Stephen Harper because he's a man who shares his world view. Do you want to help George Bush by turning Canada into his latest conquest? Is that how you want millions of us down here to see you from now on? The next notch in the cowboy belt? C'mon, where's your Canadian pride? I mean, if you're going to reduce Canada to a cheap download of Bush & Co., then at least don't surrender so easily. Can't you wait until he threatens to bomb Regina? Make him work for it, for Pete's sake.
But seriously, I know you're not going to elect a guy who should really be running for governor of Utah. Whew! I knew it! You almost had me there. Very funny. Don't do that again. God, I love you, you crazy cold wonderful neighbors to my north. Don't ever change. "
"Michael Moore "

We all stick our foot in our mouths sometimes.....

I think Mt Buzz Hargrove has stuck his foot in his mouth this time 'round. I think his suggestion that Mr. Harper is a separatist is entirely propaganda-ridden and it's the same way that he chose to isolate the West and Quebec. I'm going to be highly critical here because I think he said some ignorant comments in his press conference with Paul Martin. Our Prime Minister had to catch himself in making sure that his statements were entirely complimentary to Mr. Harper and acknowledged his federalism at the same time firing any attempt to suggest Quebecors to vote Bloc.

This is getting ugly and the more people I speak with in Edmonton, they all think the Liberals suck huge ass. I listen to stories of the federal government taking money from public coffers and sticking it to their friends. This was very irresponsible of our government, but I don't see the alternative of a Conservative govn't who may try to adjust the GST at will, when they put it there in the first place. This bit of history mysteriously is gone from our federal & local media outlets, and for some reason, people don't care about it.

I remember studying in grade 10 Social Studies about the federal election taking place back in 1989, and reading Conservative NAFTA propaganda that promised more jobs and greater prosperity for Canada partners with the US & Mexico. Did that come true for all of Canada? Let's not reiterate this statement to loggers in small BC communities that had the bottom fall out because of softwood lumber issues with the U.S. Hmmm...and remember when there wasn't a tax on fast food? The gold 'ol GST is a wonderful memory that still exists today.

Hmmm....the NDP has very good intentions with wanting to stick up for the underdog, supporting students, immigrants, social programs for Canada's kids, etc. but the thought of spending a lot more money then our current federal gov't and possibly spending into deficits could negatively impact our nations' economy. I like Jack Layton, as he is very charismatic but I don't think I'd like NDP as a federal government entirely for fiscal reasons. (8 years of NDP in BC was my experience!)

The lesser of evils perhaps? Or a democratic balance someday, when the choices are greater and not just what the media tells us to care about. How about the Green Party? Let innovation take us into the 2100s century by taxing corporations that pollute, you get huge federal tax breaks for owning environmentally responsible items such as a e-car or scooter. Give the car companies tax breaks for contributing to Canadians this way.

Like John Lennon said, "I'm just a dreamer"..........

I digress.

I know it's been a while but........

Well, I haven't written for awhile, but I've needed some time to get out into that Edmonton world of mine............ :) Next week is the federal election and I've finally received a response from your Hon. Anne McLellan in the mail from when I sent her an earlier email, close to the start of the campaign trail. Here is what she had to say:

"Dear Ms. Bodo:

Thank you for your correspondence of November 28, 2005, regarding the situation in Iraq and same-sex marriage. I appreciate you taking the time to share your considered thoughts on this matter with me.

Please be assured that the Government of Canada considers the safety of Canadians abroad a top priority. Foreign Affairs Canada regularly issues travel advisories about countries with political, environmental or health issues and maintains a searchable database of these notices. Canadians are encouraged to consult this service before and, it possible, during travel to any country in order to keep informed of changing conditions. If you are interested in learning more about this service, you may wish to visit the Consular Affairs website at www.voyage.gc.ca.

Regarding the current situation in Iraq, Canada will continue to assist the Iraqi government in its efforts to implement the new constitution and to build democratic and effective governing institutions, in collaboration with the United Nations and the international community. The Government of Canada has established a $300-million development fund to support the development of a stable, self-governing, democratic, and prosperous Iraq.

Like you, I believe that the Civil Marriage Act helps a society that strives for respect and understanding, and I am happy that you share my belief in the importance of tolerance and inclusion. The discussion about revisiting this legislation worries me and I can assure you that if re-elected, I will continue to work on behalf of all minorities to ensure that their constitutional rights are protected.

Again, thank you for bringing your thoughts on these issues to my attention. I greatly appreciate your kind words of support and wish you all the best this New Year."

"Yours sincerely,
****signed*****
A. Anne McLellan"

Well what the hell... Now, did anyone just read this and think that they were being sent a line or two please raise your hands. I dunno.... I almost feel blackmailed that if I don't vote for her, minorities are going to be f*cked over by the Conservatives. The letter itself is nice, with a beautiful stamp to send it with ( on all our money people!). Now a prompt email sent to me would have been wonderful, but the letter is nice for the first time. The two reasons above are the main reasons I won't vote Conservative. Sorry, but I think Christmas campaigning was a burden also, let alone minority rights and combined war mongering with the country to the south. Sorry Alberta......I just can't decide. :(

I like to work our democratic process by getting these MPs of ours to be accountable to all of us, and that means asking questions until to truth is found out. Some ppl don't like to be questioned but our MPs certainly deserve our free market scrutiny. It's good to be a tough customer in this country!

Anyhow, it's super warm in Edmonton, only -4 to -8C which is awesome for this time of year. Have a super MP3 player that plays my favorite music for my 20-minute walk to work. Don't worry, I just bought a humidifier to keep that BC glow going hopefully!!!

Good luck at the polls people,
Take care,
Becca

Jealosy

Jealosy is sinfully sweet. We cannot seem to get enough of it. I think that when you have been biten once, jealousy moves in for the kill. What I mean by that, is when you have been betrayed somehow, physically or mentally, when you lose trust in someone, jealousy moves in permanently. It brings in its toothbrush and takes the spare room. You hear it in there at night watching Leno. "Need anythin before I go to sleep?" it calls. "One last reminder of how weak you are???" I hate the feeling of helplessness, the feeling of being jealous.

You have to believe in yourself. Bit by bit, you have to believe in your goodness and your grace. You have to convince yourself of your worth, which is so great, it is not countable. You have to let go of your fears and worries and live a freer life. You have to get over being afraid of being alone. We are all alone; to find comfort in that will make you live longer. It's not that we don't WANT each other, but do we have to NEED each other so much? I think that is where the haze sets in. Needing makes the boat rock.

You WANT the right person; you NEED the wrong person. You want someone you can be alone with. Being alone together, that is the tricky part. That would be perfect really. There is an old sock for every old shoe. I believe that. If you don't trust someone, there is no point in being with them. If you are tied to someone else as you climb up the mountain, don't you have to trust them completely?? Why would you even bother climbing up in the first place if you didn't? You have to completely trust that they will not let you fall, period. See what I mean? Trust. It's a hard thing to win back once it's spoiled. Not trusting is mixed in with jealousy and fear, so make sure you have it all sorted out before you say the wrong thing.

Let's remember the good things

Dear Mrs. Parrish,

Thank you for being truthful about Canadian policy in our neighbors, the United States. Things are starting to come to a judicial halt down there, and thank you for your protection against Missle Defence media proposal. This issue was very clear for Canadians to make a decision regarding our US neighbors, and you could zoom into that attitude on national news stations immediately. Sure, it's not easy, but if you really stand up for what you believe in, regardless, our voice is not dead!
Thanks again,
Rebecca Bodo

Weddnesday, August 17, 2005 12:31 pm
Subject: Response
> Re: Web site comment > > > > You're a breath of fresh air, Rebecca. Thanks for writing with > such enthusiasm. > > > > Sincerely, > > > > Carolyn Parrish, MP > >

The ability to VOTE!

Today my roommate received his Election Canada voting ticket in the mail, but I have yet to receive one. Why, you may ask, as it seems like I live to vote every 28 days! Geez, if you can figure that out, it means I direct my pissy anger and/or total affection at our elected officials when this time of the month occurs. Too much information, so let's stick to the issue at hand here.

I have since voted in 3 provinces: British Columbia (provincial & federal), Manitoba (municipal), Ontario (provincial). No big deal really, just call the number and they send you a ticket. I guess that could label me quite the non-Patriot.

This federal election, I am supporting our dear federal NDP party. Not only do I want my tax dollars going to the underdogs of society, I would like to hear some good ol'Canadian bitching about federal dollars going to ad agencies. If the government would stay the same as it currently is, I would also be satisfied. I would like to see the social policies of the NDP create an impact on our foreign policy, so I will vote for that specific change.

Although lots of criticisms have hit the Liberal government, I would like to maintain a balanced federal budget with surpluses and a clean/progressive human rights record.

May God be with us when we go to the polls.........

Cheers,
Becca