Tamils on that boat/Geogrphaic profiling

Read a story in media suggesting most of those Tamil from that boat last year are being released. While no one wants known terrorist groups organizing in our country it says something about the 'paranoia' which has gripped the western world since the horrible events of 911

There was much made since that dreadful day of having to be vigilant against possible terrorist connections. Yet so many innocent (predominantly Arab or Muslim) men have been mistreated by our justice and immigration system.

And it doesn't help that in some quarters (read talk show radio) calls continue for even more stringent restrictions.

The December 25 scare in the US (a frightful experience for all those involved) has now resulted in 'geographic' profiling.

Profiling is stereotyping. It is an illogical jump to conclude that all must be like the few.

Controversy Over Conservatives Ten Percenters

Gee how low can a political party go...apparently lower than anything done so far.

I am appalled at latest federal Conservative party portrayal of folks who criticize Israel as being anti-semitic. Since when does criticism of any country make one a "anti" towards the religion or people of the predominant ethnic or religious group in that country.

One can criticize Canada's policies and not be labelled anti-Canadian; one can criticize policies of the Vatican and not be anti-Catholic. One can criticize policies of Iran or Sudan and not be anti-Muslim. BUt if one express an iota of concern about Israel, some of its 'defenders' hurl the anti-semitism charge at the those expressing concern.

I saw all the furore in the media on this yesterday. The furore is justified in my view. No Canadian of any ethnic background should support a party that demonizes opposition. This current governing party appears determined to divide Canadians - it thinks it can gain politically by pitting groups of Canadians against each other.

Canadians we have to stop this at election time whenever that comes.