Krishni Loganathan, B.A (Hons) Quotes: Michael Jackson: In late 2007, Jackson said the following of his work and future influence, “Music has been my outlet, my gift to all of the lovers in this world. Through it, my music, I know I will live forever.” Quincy Jones: “For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don’t have the words,” said Quincy Jones, who produced “Thriller.”"He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I’ve lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him.” Lisa Marie Presley “I am so very sad and confused with every emotion possible,” Lisa Marie Presley said in a statement. “I am heartbroken for his children who I know were everything to him and for his family. This is such a massive loss on so many levels, words fail me.” Arnold Schwarzenegger: We lost a great entertainer and a pop icon. My thoughts and prayers go out to Michael Jackson’s family, friends and fans. P. Diddy: Michael Jackson showed me that you can actually see the beat. He made the music come to life!! He made me believe in magic. I will miss him!
July 8, 2009
Rights Coalition urges Obama to initiate Sri Lanka War Crime investigations
A Coalition of six US-based Human Rights Organizations in a letter to U.S. President Obama wrote: “to address abuses associated with the recent fighting [in Sri Lanka's north], there is an urgent need for an independent, international commission of inquiry into many credible allegations of laws of war violations, including possible war crimes, by both sides, as well as illegitimate detentions. Mr. President, we urge you to publicly call for an international commission of inquiry and to take necessary steps to achieve it. We also urge you to take steps for the full protection of internally displaced persons, including independent access to camps, former areas of conflict and to conflictaffected civilians by humanitarian and human rights organizations and the media.” The Coalition included the Carter Center, American Jewish Council through its Jacob Blaustein Institute for the Advancement of Human Rights, Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), International League for Human Rights (ILHR), Freedom House (FH), and Amnesty International (AI) representatives signed the letter.
Notice to patients and visitors of The Scarborough Hospital:
On the morning of July 8, 2009, The Scarborough Hospital’s brand new Emergency Department will open in our newly constructed West Wing. Walk-in patients will no longer access the department from McCowan Road. Access to the new, larger Emergency Department will be from the west entrance, opposite the parking garage. Vehicles may access the Emergency Department drop-o or the parking
Anglican Archbishop bishop urges Canadian government action on Sri Lanka
The head of the Anglican Church of Canada has urged the Canadian prime minister to lead international efforts to protect the civil liberties of Sri Lankans following a government victory over the rebel Tamil Tigers. In a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper dated June 23, Archbishop Fred Hiltz called on the Canadian government to respond generously to the humanitarian needs of Tamils in the island nation’s Vanni district. Full text of a letter by Archbishop Fred Hiltz, the Anglican Primate, to Prime Minister Stephen Harper: 23 June 2009 The Right Honourable Stephen Harper Prime Minister’s Office Langevin Block 80 Wellington Street Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A3 Canada Dear Prime Minister Harper, We, the House of Bishops of the Anglican Church of Canada, write to urge the Government of Canada to assume leadership roles in international efforts to guarantee and protect the civil liberties of Sri Lankans at this critical time. Specifically: We call upon the Government of Canada to respond generously to the continuing humanitarian needs of Vanni Tamils, long deprived of basic commodities and securities, and more recently, exposed daily to the dangerous crossfire of Government and rebel forces. Thousands of families have been affected. They need immediate relief and sustained support towards social and economic stability in local communities, and in the north and east regions of the country. We also call upon the Government of Canada, in responding to the humanitarian needs of Vanni Tamils to seek assurance from the Government of Sri Lanka that they will take the necessary measures to guarantee and protect the civil rights, safety and wellbeing of Tamils throughout the country, especially in Jaffna, the Jaffna Peninsula and north east. Sri Lankan church partners have provided this analysis to share with you: An impartial political culture will restore civilian administration, rule of law, and trust. Freedom of movement, and a demonstration of national confidence in the nonviolent and peace loving majority within the Tamil community are essential, and long overdue. Tamil culture must be reflected in national events and as part of common Sri Lankan identity. Tamil leaders realistically acknowledge the reciprocation Tamils offer this process. Jaffna has a distinct role in dismantling its ethnic isolation and encouraging interaction with Sinhala and Muslim communities, especially amongst children and youth. The A Nine Road must be cleared and opened to the public as soon as possible. A ray of hope already lies in the fine rapport between Major General Mendaka Samarasinghe and Jaffna’s Council for Peace and Goodwill. It is through such relationships that initial steps towards the integration of all Sri Lankans will come. Everything depends on our [Sri Lanka's] ability to create a climate of political and cultural trust and socio-economic opportunity that will visibly include and recognise the skills of Tamils. We further call upon the Government of Canada to seek positions of influence in international structures and processes of reconciliation, aimed at addressing and dismantling the root causes of historic tensions between Sri Lanka’s Sinhala and Tamil peoples. These tensions will resurface and flare and result in much more suffering without clear and continuing pressure by international leaders and states. Last but not least, we call upon the Government of Canada to urge the Government of Sri Lanka to take all necessary steps to safeguard the democratic rights of journalists. The rights of all Sri Lankans to information must be protected so that Sri Lanka may strive towards a new era of freedom, development and long-term peace. The assault, detainment, torture and murder of members of Sri Lanka’s press are deeply disturbing, especially when Sri Lankan leaders are determined to liberate the people from all types of oppression. It is regrettable that Liberal Foreign Affairs Critic, Bob Rae was denied entry to Sri Lanka in May 2009, for supposedly supporting the defeated rebels. Thank you for formally registering the Canadian Government’s dismay and displeasure at Mr. Rae’s deportation. As distressing as this incident was, it clearly reveals the rigour and resilience required of the international community in dialogue for peace, justice and rule of law with President Rajapakse and his government. Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister, for your attention to my requests. Be assured of our prayers for wisdom and guidance in all your work on behalf of the people of Canada, and our commitments to peace within and among all of the nations. Archbishop Fred Hiltz, Primate and Chair of The House of Bishops
Improving Access To Hospital Care In York Region
Markham Stouffville Hospital Expansion Will Create Construction Jobs Ontario is providing $35.5 million to support the expansion of the Markham Stouffville Hospital to improve access to care for people in York Region. The funding will be used for the design and planning of the redevelopment project, which includes both renovations and new construction. During the construction phase, this project is expected to create hundreds of jobs. The expanded hospital will include more than 300 beds, allow for more than 100,000 clinic visits and accommodate more than 67,000 emergency room visits per year. It’s estimated that construction on the redeveloped hospital will begin in late 2010. QUOTES “This hospital expansion means a boost to job creation in the short term, and a new foundation for economic growth with quality public services in the long term.” - Dalton McGuinty Premier of Ontario “Markham Stouffville Hospital touches lives throughout our community, and the expansion will help the hospital deliver faster care, closer to home. I want to thank everyone, especially the dedicated staff of MSH, who have helped move this very important project forward.” - Helena Jaczek Oak Ridges-Markham MPP QUICK FACTS Ontario is the national leader in reducing wait times. There are 168 emergency rooms in the province, with 2.76 million people making 5 million visits each year. Almost 3,000 babies are born each year at the Markham Stouffville Hospital.
Tim Hudak elected leader of Ontario’s Progressive Conservatives
Though it took three ballots, Tim Hudak won the leadership of Ontario’s Progressive Conservatives at the party convention in Markham on Saturday, beating Frank Klees, Randy Hillier and Christine Elliott, the wife of Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty. Hudak, who has the backing of some high-profile federal Tories (John Baird, Tony Clement), will succeed John Tory, who resigned as leader in March after losing a key by-election. Though the party has moved to the political centre in recent years, many expect Hudak, a 41-year-old Niagaraarea MPP, to swing the PCs firmly to the right. Hudak will get his first shot at the Premier’s office during the provincial election scheduled for 2011.
Karygiannis celebrates Canada’s diversity on Canada Day
The Honourable Jim Karygiannis, Member of Parliament for Scarborough- Agincourt, celebrated Canada Day with several multi-cultural communities in the Great Toronto Area. “I began my Canada Day by helping GlobalMedic’s Rapid Response Team volunteers prepare water purification units and medical supplies for shipment to Sri Lanka.” said Mr. Karygiannis. “It was moving to see Canadians load supplies made in Russia , Indonesia and Pakistan to be sent to help hundreds of thousands of internally displaced Tamils in Sri Lanka .” Mr. Karygiannis joined hundreds of constituents at the Milliken Chinese Community Church and then at the Glendower/Steeles L’Amoreaux Parents’ Group BBQ as they celebrated Canada’s 142nd Birthday with games, music and family activities. “Scarborough-Agincourt’s strength is found in the rich cultural diversity of its many communities.” Mr. Karygiannis commented. “On Canada Day, we joined together, as a proud Canadian family, to celebrate our great country and what it means to be Canadian.” Canada ’s many voices are found in the pages and on the airwaves of its ethnic press. Mr. Karygiannis attended a special Canada Day dinner with members of the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada. “Whether you were born in this country or chose to make Canada your home - one thing is very clear - on July 1st, Canadians from every corner of the world and in every corner of the world, proudly celebrate Canada , the greatest country in the world.” Mr. Karygiannis further commented.
Premier’s Statement On
“I would like to offer my congratulations to Tim Hudak, the new leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party, on his victory today. In our parliamentary democracy, the role of Leader of the Opposition is an especially important one. The leader helps set the tone of debate in the Legislature, and the quality of decisions that affect all Ontarians. On behalf of all Ontarians, I want to wish Tim Hudak well in his new role as Leader of the Opposition. Tim won a hardfought campaign and I have no doubt he will bring that same dedication and enthusiasm to his new role. Ontarians expect their leaders to work together to strengthen Ontario during this global recession. I am confident that, if we each do our part, we can overcome the challenges we face and build a stronger Ontario for the future, together.”
Sanctions on tyrants necessary for the betterment of humanity
Tyrants are dangerous. They show no respect for humanity. For several days in June it appeared that Iran might become a democracy and one that respects human rights and humanitarian norms. And when hundreds of thousands of Iranians protested, the tyrants sent their thugs to beat and shoot them. The rigged outcome of Iran’s June 12th 2009 Presidential election aftermath caught the world by ’surprise.’ But the crisis in Iran was one unexpected ‘bonanza’ for one state though that wanted to see the plight of people recedes from international headlines - Sri Lanka. Again there was no coordinated support from pro democracy advocates outside of Iran, many them in the midst of in countries with economic downturn are unable to employ a coherent strategy to checkmate expanding sphere of the China - Russia axis; an influence that propels disregard for humanitarian norms and democracy. Many supporters around the world for democracy in Iran are already asking why did Europe, the U. K., the United States and Canada, Australia and New Zealand not do more to “support” the protesters in Tehran? And they say U. S. President Barack Obama will bear the brunt of the finger pointing. The latest uprising in Iran is described as the most significant challenge to its repressive rule since the 1979 revolution. The hardliners in the inner circle of the religious elite now seek to rule without and against its people. Media reports say that even before the elections, Iranians - likely the majority - were fed up with President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The people wanted improved economy with its fullest potential and less quarrel with the outside world. Many independent organizations point to rampant corruption and incompetence of the Iranian government. People are asking for more say in how they are governed. The regime’s refusal to change course has now exposed deep fault lines in Iranian society. It is reported even some members of the clerical elite seemed to question the thuggery. Many supporters of democracy in Iran around the world favour sanctions to bring about desired changes and openness in Iran. But there is concern that Russia and China and even some European nations would not follow through with tougher sanctions if Iran made the wrong choice. But they point out economic and diplomatic warfare works. The Soviet Union collapsed as it couldn’t cope up with the military build up of NATO, Apartheid ended in South Africa due to economic and diplomatic pressure from the rest of the world and Cuba today sees better relationship with United States is essential for improved economy for its people are few examples of this. The Monsoon Journal urges organizations and nations that uphold humanitarian norms, freedom and democracy for active engagement and place sanctions on tyrannical powers for the betterment of the suffering people.
‘Catastrophy for Sri Lanka to take triumphant position’
A noted historian has warned that it would be catastrophic for Sri Lanka to take a triumphant position on its victory over LTTE and it is time the country gave democracy and pluralism a chance. “In the aftermath of defeat of Tamil Tigers, it would be catastrophic if the Sri Lankan Government were to take a triumphant position. I am told there is a proposal to build statues of a Sri Lankan King who died 2,000 years ago to commemorate the victory,” Ramachandra Guha, the Bangalore-based historian and biographer said while delivering the fifth Nehru memorial Lecture 2009 on “Democracy and Violence in South Asia and Beyond” at the Nehru Centre in London, England on July 3, 2009. Patrick French, a noted writer presided over the function, which was attended by the Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Shiv Shankar Mukherjee. Drawing a parallel between the violence in Jammu and Kashmir and Northern Sri Lanka, Mr. Guha who has previously taught at the Universities of Yale and Stanford, said: “Just as Kashmir is a big blot on India’s democracy, the treatment of Tamils is a signal failure of Sri Lankan democracy. “As in Kashmir, the problem arose because of denial of democracy’s software and hardware - elections were rigged both in Kashmir and Northern Sri Lanka,” he said, adding “cultural pluralism in terms of language, in terms of dress, in terms of faith is a serious part of democracy.” The historian said “in northern Sri Lanka, apart from rigging the elections, there was discrimination on the basis of language and religion”. Mr. Guha said in 1956 Sinhala was made the sole official language of the island placing it on a position of superiority. This act of injustice was compounded in 1972 when Buddhism was made official religion of Sri Lanka - meaning Buddhists were superior to Tamils, Muslims, Christians and Hindus. “Discrimination on the basis of religion and language was further intensified by the burning of the great Jaffna Library in 1981 when the Sri Lankan army in an act of petty and vicious vindictiveness put to flame the great repository of Tamil culture and two years later, there was a progrom against Tamils in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo, orchestrated and directed by ruling politicians,” he stressed. Mr. Guha also noted that the LTTE supremo V Prabhakaran had assassinated every rival Tamil politician. Emphasising that the Tamils in Sri Lanka had also made “terrible mistakes”, he said “Prabhakaran led the Tamil people down the road to disaster.” Answering a question, Mr. Guha said he wanted India to be a “more contented and less violent place.” He said “the greatness of modern Indian democracy is that every citizen is equal, regardless of language and religion. That is what Sri Lanka can learn from India.”