Justice Was Not Served In Vancouver Today

The jury moments ago has reached their verdict in the Robert Pickton murder trial. They convicted Mr. Pickton on all 6 counts but of the lesser charge of second degree murder. In essence, these jurors are stating that the evidence showed that Mr. Pickton did not deliberately plan to murder these 6 women. The body count alone should have put into the minds of jurors that these murders were thought out and well planned.

Even though, the trial took place in New Westminster - this is very much a "Vancouver" trial.

Currently, CBC Newsworld seems to be downplaying the fact that guilty is guilty (and it should not be a huge difference over the degree that he was found guilty on). However, this means that he could be be granted parole though I do believe that the Judge would not grant it in this case.

The verdict outcome goes a long way in my opinion to proving that the general public simply do not understand the facts presented to them on both sides effectively. I believe that juries fail the justice system as a whole because they do not have the knowledge and understanding to process the information presented to them in trials.

As I am writing this, my thoughts cannot help but form around the fact that these workers were sex-trade workers. If these were simply 6 woman with jobs that society feels comfortable with, would the outcome of the verdict be first degree murder? I believe that it would have made a difference. However, I am not in the minds of the jury and unaware of what they were thinking.

I am still dismayed with the Vancouver Police, and their lack of concern over those missing who society decrees beneath worthiness. Women have been disappearing in the same area of Vancouver for a number of years, and the Police chose to ignore the families and friends of these victims. How many lives could perhaps have been saved, if the Vancouver Police chose to do their job? We will never know the answer to this.

There has already been comments on the media of how perhaps the number of friends who commented on the side of Robert Pickton that they knew (the nice and caring side), could have influenced the jury. How many times have we heard the friends and families of Serial Killers, talk about how "nice" they were? I can immediately think of 6 names of men who have been convicted of multiple murders, and their families and friends stated how they were so nice and friendly.
It is almost as if people cannot fathom that a nice person could do horrible things. People tend to see what they want to see, and these people are experts at manipulating others. It would be only too easy for them to fool those around them into seeing what they only want others to see, and not their true selves.

My heart goes out to the families and friends of these victims. For the murdered women were not the only victims of these crimes; but so were the families and friends who have had to fought and sacrifice so much to get the names of their loved ones accepted as missing persons.

Now is the time to finally accept the number of missing women in Canada, and perhaps we can save the suffering of others by taking action. This will prove that we have learned the lessons from the horrible mistakes that were made in the Robert Pickton Case.

Stephen Harper Needs To Step Down as PM of Canada

Mr. Harper,

Your behaviour in Parliament during the Throne Speech Debate is irresponsible, and appalling for a man in your position. I cannot even bring myself to call you my Prime Minster.

I have watched you in office from day one, and you have shown to me on a continuous basis that you are not fighting for the people of Canada, but for your own selfish reasons. Now, you ridicule and laugh at your peers, like a child would on an Elementary School ground. This is conduct unbecoming of a Prime Minister of Canada, and you need to apologise if not to Mr. Dion, then to the people of this Country.

I have watched you turn our Parliamentary System into a joke, and your alliance to the President of the United States shows your preference for their Country.

I have watched you reign your iron fist over the Members of your Party, and how quickly you put a curtail to those with courage to voice their opinion (which goes against yours). Sir, you perhaps need to be reminded that what makes this Country the great is the freedom to think one owns thoughts and have the conviction to stand up for their beliefs.

Sir, you are not in the office of Prime Minister because you are a strong leader, but because you have under minded others to reach that office. You remain in office, because of passive politics and not because you deserve to be.

I Used To Believe

I used to believe in the good of the world but now I have become mis-trustful of it.
I used to believe in the good of the UN but now I know that the UN is all about publicity and cost-cutting - not about action.
I used to believe in News Journalism until the day September 11, 2001 happened. Now the News is all about ratings.
I used to believe that politicians work for the better good of the people, now I know that the system is corrupt.
I used to believe that Freedom of Speech was a given right, now I have seen it crumble under the leadership of President Bush in America.
I used to believe that people would take a stand against that which is wrong, yet the World has stood by and let Rwanda happened. Now, we are allowing the Genocide in the Sudan to continue.
I used to believe in the Government of Canada until Stephen Harper happened.

My heart breaks every time I see a homeless person.
My heart breaks every time I see a child who is hungry.
My heart breaks every time I see people killing people for something that they have been mis-lead to believe is right.
My heart breaks every time I see someone on the street who requires mental health care, and knowing that our Government has set them free to roam under the care of no one.

I have turned cynical and I never used to be.

Save Darfur - Take a Stand!

Green Day Working Class Hero Lyrics

Stephen Harper - His Cabinet Ministers Continue to Show Their True Colours

Just this past week, on the radio, was a mention that once again, someone in Harper's Cabinet has failed to live up to their responsibility of being for the people instead of for themselves. The Minister of Energy actually said that there was a gas shortage, and that is why he has chosen not to act upon the gas companies that are so blatantly displaying their true character of greed. Not only does this prove in a public forum that this man is not qualified for this position, it also displays yet another example of Harper's failure to do good for the people of this Country.
Stephen Harper has proved that he is not concerned about the Environment, by appointing John Baird as Minister. John Baird has just used ideas from the Australian Gov't as his department's own by ordering an elimination of regular light bulbs without reviewing the facts. Then, John Baird claims indignity when this copycat idea of his is released early than the official planned released. I have news for you Baird, we all knew what you were planning before the early release came about.

Stephen Harper yet again you have failed to prove yourself to the people of this country, and have only managed to once again show your arrogance of thinking that you deceived Canadians (and gotten away with it). I say to you, Sir, you are sorely mistaken.

All Is Not Right In The World Today

What kind of world do we live in today?

What kind of world do we live in when those who witnessed the last few moments on earth of a bright young life, do not go forth and assist?

What kind of world do we live in when the head of our Country forgets that he is there to serve the better good of those who live in this Country?

What kind of world do we live in when the Mayor of our City mismanages funds, raises taxes, cuts services, walks by those who are homeless and hungry on our streets, then has the arrogance to try to justify keeping his free perks?

What kind of world do we live in when the President of our closest neighbour, cheats the system, steals the election not once but twice and yet is not punished for it?

What kind of world do we live in when we can stand by and watch the suffering of those around us, both here at home and in countries around the world?

What kind of world do we live in when we pay millions of dollars to “celebrities” and treat them as if they are important in our lives?

What kind of world do we live in when those who risk their lives everyday barely make ends meet?

What kind of world do we live in today?

Happy Birthday Gwen!

I want to thank you Gwen for such a wicked party. I know that a great time was had by all. Also, I want to thank "my coaches" who were patient enough to teach me the basic pool fundamentals. You guys are the best, and I am afraid that I might now be hooked!

I have photos from last night, and though I am still kicking myself for bringing out my cam so late, I will post the photos on my flickr site.

Gwen, I hope that you have a wicked B-Day and I know that you have many celebrations!

Happy Birthdays

I am once again behind in my posts but want to wish some people a Wonderful Happy Birthday...

Happy Birthday goes out (In order of their B-Days) to Taras/Chris/Gwen.

I Joined Facebook!