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I just posted more photos of the dogs on my Flickr page, and a few pictures from our most recent hike, in Halton Hills. New photos here and here . Nothing too spectacular, but that doesn't matter to dog-lovers.

As the US "election" draws closer, I find it so frustrating to watch the mainstream Canadian media treat the US circus as if it's completely legitimate. Not a whisper about fraud, not a mention of disenfranchisement, no context even suggesting that the last two presidential elections were stolen. I don't scour the mainstream media, so perhaps I missed some twenty-word paragraph buried on page 23 somewhere, but as far as I can tell, Canadian media act as if the US election is everything it purports to be. The Democrats are liberal, the Republicans are conservative, and whoever gets more votes wins. To quote one of my favourite comedy bits : "Fake, fake, fake, fake." Alternative media isn't much better. Most progressive Canadians I know are expecting Obama to win, and - bizarrely - expecting the US to "turn around" after he does. These people generally know the US for what it is. They know that Bill Clinton would have been a great fit for the old...

Last night in London, Ontario, people who stand for peace, justice and democracy gathered in support of war resister Matt Lowell. Matt has lived in Canada since November 2005. His claim for refugee status has been denied, and the Harper Government - against the wishes of the Canadian people - has ordered him deported on October 28. You can read more about Matt's story here . I didn't attend last night's event, but campaigner (and wmtc commenter) David Heap sent me this report: Irene Matthyssen , London-Fanshawe MP, spoke of the Canadian tradition of helping those fleeing violence, and the need to respect the democratic will of Parliament. Imam Jamal Taleb, London Muslim Mosque , stressed the importance of standing with those who stand for peace. Victor Fast, social worker, spoke of his parents who came from Stalinist Ukraine to Canada - Caanan, the land of milk and honey. He pointed out that not only is Matt "on trial" just now, Canada is too. Will we rise to the ...

The War Resisters Support Campaign recently received a letter from Robin Long, our war resister who is in prison in San Diego, California. Robin said, in part: I read in the paper that Jeremy got a stay of deportation! That's awesome news. I take comfort in the fact that because of the "example" the US Army made of me that it probably influenced the Judge's decision in Jeremy's case. As long as me being locked up is helping others I'm happy. Actually I'm happy either way. I made the right decision! ... Things are good here.... I really miss Canada though. ... About a year ago I prayed that if anyone had to be sent back to the US first and locked up that it would be me because I thought I could handle it better than most people especially those with PTSD. I feel like it happened and I'm grateful. I'm a Soldier of Conscience and we are winning many small battles but sacrifice is needed for victory. I love Canada and I know its people aren't like ...

On Remembrance Day in Canada (Veterans' Day in the US), a special screening of the film "Body Of War" will be held at Bloor Cinema in Toronto. "Body Of War", a film by Ellen Spiro and Phil Donahue, with music by Eddie Vedder, will be shown in several cities on November 11, as well as a special broadcast on the Sundance Channel. Proceeds of screenings will go to Iraq Veterans Against the War , and the Toronto chapter of IVAW is donating its share to the War Resisters Support Campaign . From the film website: Body of War is an intimate and transformational feature documentary about the true face of war today. Meet Tomas Young, 25 years old, paralyzed from a bullet to his spine - wounded after serving in Iraq for less than a week. Body of War is Tomas' coming home story as he evolves into a new person, coming to terms with his disability and finding his own unique and passionate voice against the war. The film is produced and directed by Phil Donahue and Elle...

A peace and justice activist living on Vancouver Island sent me a link to her terrific website: Peace Is Patriotic . They have a great t-shirt in UN-peacekeeping-blue, with their message: Peace is patriotic - Support our troops: bring them home now . Proceeds from t-shirt sales go to the Canadian Peace Alliance .

Matt Lowell, a US war resister living in London, Ontario, is scheduled to be deported from Canada on October 28. The London War Resisters Support Group is holding an event on Thursday, October 23 to educate people about Matt's case and rally support for him. If you're anywhere near London, please attend. WHEN: Thursday, October 23, 4:00 p.m. WHERE: London Public Library, 251 Dundas Street between Wellington and Clarence, Tonda Room WHO: A broad range of Londoners, from religious leaders and trade unionists to business people and politicians, who all agree that war resisters like Matt Lowell should be allowed to stay in Canada. WHY: On October 9, the Canadian Border Services Agency denied US Iraq war resister Matt Lowell's request to stay in this country, deciding instead to deport him to the court martial and prison on Tuesday October 28. From London Topic : Lowell's story is a powerful one – dealing with issues of personal morality, and the subsequent abuse he ...