I am remiss!

I can't believe I forgot to mention this!

I blame it being 4:20am...

Okay, my Mom (the person from whom the proudly Canadian blood coursing through my veins originated) belongs to a newsletter that sends her nifty updates and such from the Canadian Ambassador to the U.S.

And look what she just forwarded to me;

Connect2Canada members,
You may have seen news reports indicating that the RCMP and Toronto-area police today arrested 17 individuals for terrorism offences under the Criminal Code. I am writing to you today to bring to your attention remarks made today by RCMP officials in Toronto, and by the Prime Minister in Ottawa. I encourage you to forward this information to your friends, colleagues and others who you think may be interested in this information.
Regards,
Ambassador Michael Wilson
**************

Information regarding the arrest of terrorist suspects in TorontoRemarks by RCMP Assistant Commissioner Mike McDonell
3 June, 2006
Toronto
"After a lengthy investigation, the RCMP in cooperation with our partners, through our Integrated National Security Enforcement Team or INSET in Toronto, have arrested individuals who were planning to commit a series of terrorist attacks against solely Canadian targets in southern Ontario.
This group posed a real and serious threat. It had the capacity and intent to carry out these attacks. Our investigation and arrests prevented the assembly of any bombs and the attacks from being carried out. At all times, the primary focus of the investigation was the safety and protection of the public.
This has been and continues to be a complex and intensive investigation in which many partners have been involved. Over 400 highly- skilled resources have dedicated thousands of hours to diligently conduct this investigation, using legislative and investigative tools available to the law enforcement and intelligence community.
We must remain vigilant. Canada is susceptible to criminal terrorist activity as much as any other country. Reducing the threat of terrorism is one of the RCMP’s top priorities and as Canada’s National Police, we are collecting, sharing and analysing criminal intelligence with respect to entities and individuals that may pose a threat to national security, consistent with the laws of Canada and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
We are working closely with partners at all levels - municipal, provincial, federal and international - to ensure the safety and security of everyone. These arrests demonstrate the dedication and commitment of Canada’s resolve to root out terrorist threats and maintain the safety and security of our communities."

Address by Prime Minister Harper:
3 June, 2006
Ottawa
"Today, Canadians have learned that the RCMP and Toronto area police, with the help of CSIS and our intelligence community have arrested 17 individuals for terrorism offences under the Criminal Code. Their alleged target was Canada. Canadian institutions. The Canadian economy. The Canadian people. As at other times in our history, we are a target because of who we are. And how we live. Our society, our diversity, and our values. Values such as freedom, democracy and the rule of law. Values that make Canada great. Values that Canadians cherish. Values that citizens like you are willing to defend. I would like to commend the work of the RCMP, CSIS and local police authorities in conducting this operation. We will continue to support them by strengthening our laws, our policies and the resources dedicated to the fight against terrorism here and around the world. Today, Canada’s security and intelligence measures worked. Canada’s new Government will continue its efforts to
ensure the national security of all Canadians."

I had seen some blurb about this on the subway citypulse news ticker... but seventeen people? Good work CSIS, I hope you stop being hte but end of quite so many Canadians jokes... At least everyone respects the RCMP (especially those who've had them show up at their door).

If you enjoy a good story, I heartily recommend clicking that 'A Taste of Evil' link over to the right there. If you want to get involved in a discussion about Chivalry, click on 'Alicia'. To read one of the best webcomics about a gal-chick, starwars fan, and one of the coolest girls on the planet, click 'Mundane Nirvana'. Loserz is also hilarious, but not written by one of the coolest girls on the planet. Mundane Nirvana is. This exchange is proof enough. If it isn't, you are dead to me. Sorta. Maybe not. But maybe.

Two good bits of news. It's looking like I'll be able to go to Arizona this summer to see family, and I might also be able to afford to upgrade Wedge. w00t.

Goodnight then.

20 Going On... - Tsunami Bomb


EDIT 6/4/06 1:47pm: Look what popped into my inbox this morning!


This picture was taken from the NY Times Article that clicking here will take you. I set it up in plain text for those of you who don't subscribe to the FREE (read: sign up now) NY Times email. Depressing stuff.