Iraqi TV.

Saw this documentary about programming by Iraqi based independant TV Producers on CBC Newsworld last night and it was the most heartening thing I've seen about Iraq in a long while. A key thing I learned is that because of the curfew induced by the security situation their is, literally, locked in viewers. It seems that Iraqi actors, composers etc. etc. are busier than ever. It is, certainly, a hazardous trip to set, but at least they are working. They are producing, among others, a political satire, home rebuilding shows, soap operas and 'Iraqi Star' an American Idol clone. I can't believe American 'Intelligence' organizations arn't using this form to fight the insurgents by showing Iraqi's to themselves--laughs, warts and all.

Stephane Dion.

I (much like you) dismissed Mr. Dion as a real contender for the Liberal Party leadership. He seemed too cozy with that ol' crook Chretien for me. Someone needed to run from Quebec and he seemed the only honest Quebec MP left after the Sponsorship debacle. I thought Ignatieff or Rae had it, though personally I was for Ken Dryden, outsiders via academia and provincial NDP. I also thought we should take a break from party leaders from Quebec and all the baggage that brings. Anytime there is a real surprise at a leadership convention I feel thats probably a good thing. He also brought in the Clarity Act. But he now sits in the chair inhabited by Laurier, King, Pearson and Trudeau and those are some big glasses to fill. If or when he becomes Prime Minister he has to renounce his French citizenship. The Prime Minister of Canada can only be a Canadian citizen.