Terrorist mastermind given life sentence

Zakaria Amara is the mastermind of a 2006 plot to bomb Toronto. By the Ontario judge Zakaria has received a life sentence behind bars. Justice Durnos decision is said to be the stiffest punishment imposed to date under Canada’s anti-terrorist laws. Despite the stiff sentence he still stands eligible for parole in about six years which is the time of his 30th birthday. The police had Mr. Amara under surveillance in Mississauga over the last couple of months than quickly arrested him after seeing that he was building truck bombs and planning to blow them up in Toronto. Zakaria committed a terrorist offense and deserves to be in bars for the rest of his life.
It can't be said that terrorism just occurs in other countries. Zakaria's bomb plot is a huge eye opener and will bring stress to many Canadians. Is Canada safe? Should we have to fear things like this? These are all reasonable questions that can be asked and Canada is no different from other countries in the fact that there is terrorism. This man deserves to be locked up for the rest of his life.

Girl sexually assaulted during school trip to park

The police are searching for a suspect after a seven year old girl was sexually assaulted during a school outing in Scarborough. The girl was with a school group at around 1:30 pm last Friday when she was approached by a man and was sexually assaulted. The suspect is described as a white male aged 40-50. He was around six foot to six foot four. He was a medium build with short grey hair and had brown eyes. The police say that the assault has happened despite the presence of an adult. They assume that the adult who was with the group did not realize the assault has taken place. The police are currently on search for this man.
This is a very sad event and is why I believe schools should have smaller classrooms. A teacher looking after 30 plus kids may not be able to handle them all. It is very easy for one to wander off or to get taken away. Schools should definitely lower the amount of students in per class or make more teachers go on field trips to avoid accidents like this. This could have easily been avoided and unfortunately a young girl is stuck with a terrifying memory. I hope this man is found and goes to jail for this sick crime

Congress makes job creation top 2010 priority

Members of the United States congress begin 2010 trying to reduce the number of jobless people. One in every ten Americans are out of work which is the highest unemployment rate in around 25 years of America. The democrats who control the Senate and house of commons are making job creation one of their top priorities for the 2010 year. The senate is making relief for Haiti number one however, fixing the employment rate is defiantly on the agenda. Last month the house passed on a $155 billion bill that aims to stimulate the job market.

Right know the unemployment rate is really high in America and I think that they should be doing all they can so they can lift the Americans back on their feet. If Americans can get more jobs the economy will be better and there will be more hope for the future.

At least 10 dead after religious violence in northern Nigeria

Witnesses have stated that at least ten people have died in fighting between Christians and Muslims in the northern Nigerian city of Jos. The violence erupted early Sunday morning and there were churches and buildings burnt to the ground. Witnesses state that they saw at least 10 dead bodies laying on the streets all killed from bloodshot wounds. The police refuse to say how many were killed and injured. Previously in 2008 there was an incident leaving over 300 people killed on a religious issue.



In both the Bible and the Qur'an it says you should not kill and I guess the people fighting didn't really get this message. I think it's dumb that people are dying because they have different religious views that someone else. This is plain sad and it’s a good thing that the police got there when they did or there could have been a lot more deaths.

War deserter released from U.S. prison

An American soldier named Cliff Cornell is currently in jail for desertion. He has been granted an early release and he still refuses to fight in the Iraq war. Cliff Cornell stated, "If I had to do it again, I would because I'm not killing innocent people." He then went on to say he stood by his decision one hundred percent. When he gets out of jail he plans to spend some time with his family then immigrate to Canada. Cornell fled to Canada one month before he was suppose to leave to Iraq. He feared his life and didn't have the stomach to kill anyone. Cornell lived in British Columbia for four years until the Canadian Government forced him to leave. It is now a debate if they will let 28 year old Cliff Cornell back into Canada
Personally I wouldn’t let this man back into Canada. He signed up for the military than just left them, deserted them. He signed a contract basically devoting his life to them and then he ran away. If he didn't want to do the military he didn't have to sign up but, because he did than fled he's a criminal and I don’t think he should be allowed back into Canada

Canada may fast-track Haitian immigration

The Canadian government says they are looking for a way to fast track immigration into Canada. Prime Minister Stephen Harper stated that he is trying to find ways to ease immigration and refugee rules to allow Haitians to live in Canada quicker. The first three air transports arrive in Montreal from Haiti Friday morning carrying over 220 passengers. As the situation in Haiti continually falls downhill the government is looking at a plan to allow Haitians with Canadian relatives to come to Canada as well. Is this the right move?

I don't think that this is not fair. I think that immigration rules should apply to all and that you can’t just "fast track" the rules and make exceptions. Immigration is suppose to strengthen Canada and how does allowing all these people into our country do that? We have to get information about these people and find out will they be able to benefit Canada? Also if we lower the immigration rules now for Haiti then others might expect the same thing in the future.

Disease 'outbreak' feared in Haiti

The 7.0 magnitude earthquake left tens of thousands in need for food, water and health supplies. The top concerns right now are to supply relief to the Haitians. Many believe that the Haitians are very vulnerable to getting diseases. Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere and has already suffered from malnutrition and less than half the population has access to fresh clean drinking water. Over 200,000 Haitians have HIV or AIDS and around half the population isn’t even vaccinated. “If there’s a widespread outbreak of disease, the first line of defense is your own immune system,” Mr. Brown said. Canada's disaster response team has a job to ensure that the water is clean, filtered and safe to drink. The AID organizations are also ensuring that the victims have safe water to drink to lower the risk of diarrhea and hepatitis. Avril Bennot stated, "Despite Haiti's fragile state the spread of disease was not an immediate threat.
What happened in Haiti is a tragedy and the victims will never forget it. I believe that the diseases could be very harmful epically to those who have weak immune systems. Without food or water or treatment the Haitian's won’t be able to survive. Disease outbreak is definitely a threat however; I think that providing food, water, and first aid should be first priority. They should keep an eye on this disease threat but ensure that the essentials for living are provided first.

Airlines organizing Haiti Earthquake Aid

People stuck under peices of rubble, people with homes that have been torn down, people with no food or water what so ever. The Airlines are trying to make a difference after the magnitude 7.0 earthquake in Haiti. They are currently organizing and planning for relief planes to be sent. They are sending three more both releif planes Thursday and Friday. The Haitian government is currently not accepting any incoming flights due to the lack of fuel and ramp space. Yesterday there were 3 planes carrying over 30,000 pounds of relief supplies, including food, water and other non perishable goods. The airlines are currently not letting any flights come into Haiti. 

I think this is great that the Airlines are sending help to Haiti. Right now, Haiti needs all the help they can possibly get. Haitis death tolls are increasing by the minute and we need to get there as fast as we can to provide food and water for those who need it. With a predicted over 100,000 deaths we cant wait and we have to send relief to Haiti as soon as possible.

Canadian Airlines fear violiating privacy under new U.S. Rules

Over the last couple of years the security in the airports has tightened and it has gotten to the point where Canadians fear that their privacy is at risk. To fly to the over the United States your personal information is now required. Even if you don't set foot on American ground your personal information is needed. The program would collect information such as your name, gender and birthdates. Around five million Canadians would have to fill in this information to fly through American airspace to get to destinations such as the Caribbean, South America, Mexico. Once your name and information is in the program the TSA ( transportation security administration) would check your name with names against security watch lists. If your name turns up on this security watch list you can receive anything from a extra security check to loosing your spot on the plane. The council stated that if this was to occur it would breach the personal protection and electric document act which is a federal privacy law that applies to Canadian companies. There is also a fear that your personal information will be used for purposes unrelated to aviation safety.

I think it is ridiculous that you have to give up your personal information when you’re not even sure where it could be going. You could be flying to Mexico and have to risk yourself, your information. I think the Airlines are getting too strict and they have to find a better way than taking getting the information of every single Canadian. The shoulders of Americans have lifted and I believe after bombing threats and 911 there watching every move however, they are making traveling a huge pain. They need to find a better way to make traveling safer without risking ourselves.

Bombs shake Iraq before Muslim holiday

In Baghdad, Iraq there was a series of bombings right before a major Muslim holiday. The bombing killed at least six people and left fourty-eight others injured. The first series of bombings was located Iskandariya where two bombs detonated at around 11:00 am at a fairly busy marketplace. At least two people died and twenty-eight others were wounded. The second attack took place at a taxi and bus station. The bomb was located inside a parked car and when it detonated two more people died along with another ten injured. The Muslim holiday is known as Eid al-Adha and is a very popular day. Many people were on the streets, at market places celebrating this event. The last bombing took place in Baghdad and the bombs were attached to civilian vechicals. The first bomb blew up as the car was traveling on the highway. This explosion killed the person driving and left a couple a couple others injured.

What was suppose to be a fun evented turned into massive bombings. I dont think its fair that six innocent people had to loose their lives. I think this is a terrible and I don't know why someone would plant these bombs.

Charities hit hard by recent recession

Charities over the last couple of years have been hit hard due to the recent recession. Are people just less willing to give? Or is there just not enought money out there? The federal agency is going to send out a report showing the money donated to Canadian charities. It is excpected that there will be a huge decline and is said to be one of the biggest declines in the last 40 years! Canadian health care charaties have decreased around 10 percent. Several universities have dropped 40 percent in gift giving. The recession is really hitting charities hard, a survey was done in British Columbia and around 53% of charities revenue dropped by a huge 20%. Twenty seven percent said their revenue increased however, many said it was just from huge one time grants.

Personally, I dont believe that people are less giving in these times however, I believe that the families just cant afford to give there money away. With Christmas coming up I think families will be saving every penny they can to provide gifts and food for their families. I hope that we can get out of this reccession and start thinking about others!

First 2 million swine flu vaccine shipped

The world is going nuts over the H1N1, or better known as "Swine Flu". The first 2 million H1N1 vaccine has been shipped throughout different provinces and territories so that health officials can be given shots. The release of these shots are sent so late because they feared that it would actually spread the disease instead of cure it. This article explains how pregnant woman are more likely to get a more serious case of the H1N1 flu. They are trying to find a specialized vaccine for pregnant woman. After the shipping doctors will be mainly giving the first batch to pregnant woman and very young children it is more serious if they get it. So far British Columbia has been hit the hardest with the second wave of Swine Flu with 8 deaths. Canada is criticized for not getting the vaccine out quick enough as it is already available in the states and in countries in Europe. We are trying to get the Vaccine out to as many people as possible but, after having the vaccine your body needs up to two weeks to create the proper anti bodies. H1N1 is a huge fear that the world is all stressing about. It is more serious for pregnant and young children and I hope that more vaccine is shipped as it is said that there will soon be 3 million vaccine shipped at a weekly pace.

Personally I think Canada has sent the Swine Flu vaccine to late. The vaccine started coming out while there were already serious outbreaks. I think the medication should have been prepared and organized so that when the second wave of the Swine flu came around we would have had the vaccine and in our bodies there would be the correct anti bodies for the virus. Since there wasn't the supply we needed there is a urgency for this vaccine.

Ontario files 50 billion dollar tobacco suit

Ontario is suing 50 billion dollars to recover costs of treating citizens with smoking related illnesses. The Ontario governments describes how smoking is the number one killer and not smoking is the number one preventable cause of death in the province. Smoking kills on average 36 people a day! Smoking costs tax payers on average 1.6 billion dollars a year. These smoking companys are earning billions of dollars through our taxes and now we are suing these companies. We believe that the amount of money spent on trying to cure smoking related diseases is so high and its only right to try and get some of the money back through suing the tobbaco companies. The article uses statistics and discusses how many people are killed or hurt through smoking. It think it's time we take a stand and sue the tabbacco companies.
Personally, I think its absolute ridiculous that we have to pay for other peoples nasty habits. I think our money should be going to a better cause and that we shouldn’t have to pay these tobacco companies. I think that the money we put into taxes our taxes should be used for the roads, schools, and healthcare appose to Tobacco companies I hope Ontario wins because of how much I despise smoking in general.

Obama tells troops he will not rush Afghan decision

Obama, the current president of the United states is not going to rush the decision of sending more troops to Afghanistan. Obama is wondering if it is wise to listen to the commander in Afghanistan, Genthe neural Stanley Mc Chrystal who wants to send at least 40,000 more troop! Obama is very pressured at the moment and explains how he will not rush this decision. Every life is important and he will not risk yours unless is absolutely necessary. At the current moment the United states has approximately 65,000 troops in Afghanistan. Obama then goes on to talk about the 14 soldiers who were recently killed in a helicopter crash. In the last couple of months there has been a major increase in the number of soldiers killed. This article explains how Obama is worried that if he sends more troops down to Afghanistan he will be risking lives that were not needed to be risked. The American military says they need more troops but, Obama is not quick to make a decision.
Personally I think Obama needs to make a decision. Obama seems to be staling waiting while the entire military is waiting for a command. I think he has to make his decision quick and either say, "Yes send more troops or no don’t send more troops. I think the time he has wasted thinking about it makes many people think is this the right man for the job?



 

Increase in the Canadian dollar.

On September 17, 2009 the Canadian dollar has reached the highest level in 11 months! The Canadian dollar is now equal to 94 cents in American. One reason for this increase is because of the increasing prices of oil. On Wednesday morning the Canadian dollar made a huge jump! It was at 93.91 cents but, early Thursday morning the Canadian dollar went to an astonishing 94.42 cents American. The main reason for Canada’s dollar value increasing so much is because were comparing it to the American dollar. Compared to countries all around the world the Canadian dollar hasn’t increased very much at all. The reason for this is because were comparing the Canadian dollar value to the United States of America and there dollar value has been decreasing like a rock.

The American dollar has been going down very quickly and so has Canada’s. Americans dollar value is just dropping at a much quicker speed than Canada’s that’s why it looks like Canada’s dollar is going up. I think this article doesn’t show a lot about Canada’s dollar increasing and I think it just shows that Americas dollar is decreasing very quickly. I think that Canada should compare its dollar value to another country.

3 teens charged with 1st degree murder.

Three teenagers were charged for first degree murder for killing a 16 year old boy. The three teenagers Silvanus Shannon, 19; Eric Carson, 16 and Eugene Riley, 18 were all caught on tape beating this young honors student to death. These three men were all charged for 1st degree murder of Derrion Albert. The video shows the attackers punching, kicking and even using wooden planks to hit the young man. At one point in the video there were about 5 people attacking Derrion until he fell to the ground. The attackers ran away and the man with the camera picked up the victim and brought him to the closest hospital. Derrion’s grandfather explains how his son was a ongoing member of his church he was a honors student and how his grandson did not deserve what happened to him and it is a shame that someone would have such anger that they would kill someone because of it. The video was found in a local television station where the footage was turned into the police.

I think that these three teenagers deserved there punishment for 1st degree murder. It’s devastating that someone would do this. Derrion Albert seemed like a great guy and it is very unfortunate that he has been killed. I hope the murderers realize the mistake they made as their life is forever changed. There new life will include a long time behind bars.

police release missing girl footage

On Wednesdays, September 23 the Toronto police released a video from a security camera located somewhere in Toronto. The video showed the where abouts of the missing teen the day before she was reported missing. Mariam Makhniashvili was last seen outside her school on September 14th. The security cameras showed this girl and her brother in a subway station on their way to volunteer at a school event. Mariam and her brother George were apart of a leadership development program with their school. Mariam did not show up to this event because that was the day she vanished, Mariam’s dad had to take her shift. Mariam just arrived in Canada last June from their native republic of Georgia. Their family can’t believe what happened. The police hoped that by releasing this video someone would recognize Mariam and they could find some hints or clues to where she might be. They have been using sites such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube in hopes that the public might be able to assist them with their search. Mariam was last seen September 14, 2009 at 8:30 am. Till this day Mariam remains missing and the search continues.

Mariam seems like a great person and I can’t imagine what their parents are going through right now. They have been in Canada for around 3 months and her daughter is kidnapped. I think it’s a great idea using You Tube, Facebook and twitter, the most popular sites in the world right now because millions and millions of people are on these sights and they might just recognize her face. Being kidnapped is a very scary thing and I hope Mariam is found.

Atempt of Murder on Airlines.

September 14th 2009 three British Muslims were imprisoned for at least 30 years for attempt of murder on airlines. These Three Muslims planned to blow up transatlantic airliners with liquid explosives hidden inside pop bottles. This was said to be the most serious case ever handled by the British court. Abdulla Ahmed Ali was the mastermind behind this plan and was sentenced to over 40 years in prison which is the longest sentence ever given out by the British court. This man put dye and oasis soda inside to make the appearance of a regular soda pop. If the plan was successful than approximately 2000 people would have died and if the plane flew over a Canadian or American city around 100 more would have died. However; the plan didn’t work out and they were caught going through security. The intention was that this would be another September 11 incident. This incident led to major chaos as 100s of people were grounded across Europe. This was describing as a case of suicide bombing.
I think that these men deserved their punishments. If he was successful many people would have been killed and that wouldn’t have been good. These men are being charged for attempt of murder and they will have to think about what they did for at least 30 years locked behind bars. Personally I don’t think there was any chance of these men being able to get across security because of how tight it is there. I always thought not being able to bring a certain beverage on an airplane was stupid but, now I understand why this rule is in place.

Man murdered 5 children and wife

On September 21st 2009 the Florida authorities are on search for a man by the name of Mescas Damas. Mescas Damas murdered his wife and his 5 children. The bodies of Guerline Damas, 32; Michzach, 9; Marven, 6; Maven, 5; Megan, 3; and Morgan, 11 months, were discovered on Saturday afternoon at around 6:30 pm. Unfortunately the Authorities’ can't find Mr. Damas it was that Mr. Damas left the country early Friday morning to Haiti. While the authorities were doing a check on the Damases history they discovered that there have been several calls to 911 related to this Damas couple. The most recent call to 911 was concerning domestic violence. Mescas was arrested but did not receive any jail time. The police are starting to search the neighborhood asking friends, neighbors and relatives for any clues on where Mescas could be. It is truly horrible what happened to this family and for now the search for Mescas Damas continues.

Mescas Damas is a murderer and I hope they find this man so he can spend the rest of his life behind bars. He will be charged of first degree murder if caught. It is a devastating story and may the Guerline and her 5 children rest in peace.