A Little Light, Please

David Mulroney has testified only that there was no direct and specific evidence of torture.

He could not answer that he was certain that none were tortured.

In fact, all that he and others trying to repute the testimony last week of Richard Colvin could offer was that this was an honorable war and that times and conditions were tough and we love our soldiers.

O.K.

All agreed.

But what's that got to do with the issue.

Do we or do we not hand over detainees knowing full well that they will be tortured?

Do we agree to and or condone torture under certain circumstances?

And if we do, what are those conditions and when do we give the green light and how?

I agree with the succinct Globe editorial of this morning.

"The Conservatives' preference for attacking the whistleblowers and deferring to military heroism rather than dealing with the actual charges is deplorable but not surprising.

Beyond what was known, and sat on, in 2006 and 2007, the core question remains: Were people detained by Canadians subsequently tortured by Afghan authorities? Canadians need to know."

We Mispoke

Somebody has to speak to the Boys at 12th & Cambie.

We can forgive them, as we know they are on a steep learning curve.

Even their moms didn't tell them that we can only understand what you say, not what arcane intentions you may secretly harbour.

In re-wording that nutty offensive bylaw that would allow Stasi/Gestapo tactics, including the invasion of your home if you burped during an Olympic moment, Pretty Boy Floyd, a.k.a. Hizz Honor, said, ""Our commitment has always been the protection of people's Charter Rights and Freedoms."

Always? Really?

Geoff Meggs is one of the few Vision councillors who is allowed by the Puppet Masters to speak in public.

His take on this about face was cute.

"Staff have tried to reflect long-standing concerns in the community over rights to expression and free speech during the Olympics," said Councillor Geoff Meggs, who previously charged that worries over the July bylaw were overblown. "I never had any qualms this council would tolerate any violations of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms."

Good, Geoff.

Now, let's get to the brass tacks.

Ellen Woodsworth, one of only two council members to vote against the controversial bylaw in July, also welcomed the shift. "I am glad to see we have these changes, although they only came about because of public outcry. All the questions we had have been validated."

And Woodsworth is right.

This wording of this bylaw was amended because of the B.C. Civil Liberties Association and the media and nut bars like me who like to keep tabs on these little constant gnawing threats to democracy by The Smiling Clowns Class.

Appointments

My favorite politician in the whole world is Silvio Berlusconi, the Prime Minister of Italy.

Three times over.

In spite of being indicted at least six times on various charges of corruption.

Never, of course, convicted.

He is the second richest man in Italy, with an estimated net worth of $6.8 Billion.

He controls all the media in Italy.

His current and second wife is now suing and asking for a modest settlement - $68 Million a year.

All of that is interesting in the same way that any celebdrek can be called interesting.

But here's the grabber.

I love this.

I didn't know it until today, and, as I often say in this space, you cannot write material this good.

Berlusconi is famously infatuated with young women,

Here is the bit:

Mara Carfagna, one of Silvio's faves, was once a topless model.

He appointed her to the government as...wait for it...

Minister of Equal Opportunities.