There is one thing that Republicans are very good at is taking something and making an issue out of it. They don’t wait for the polls to tell them when something is important. They go out there and make a fuss. They hit the weekend political show, send off press releases, and do whatever is needed to make their concerns public. They basically shape the way people should think about certain issues and subsequent polling usually reflect this. It is about time for the Democratic Party to be proactive and be shapers of public opinion instead of being its victim.

The likely hood that Canada will stay with Martin is extremely slim. It looks like a Conservative win from where I am sitting. That said I wouldn’t despair since its not a question of Canadians suddenly embracing Conservative values but of disgust towards the Liberal Party who felt entitled to use government funds like their personal piggy bank. The good news is that the Conservative will probably have to form a minority government facing an opposition which is solidly center left. Meaning these guys won’t have chance to pull the same kind of stunts that the Republicans have in the US.

Looks like the fat lady sung for the Oilers. They seemed to have losed all interest in the game after the second Carolina goal. They are also getting out coached as you mentioned thier power play has been abysmal due to the fact that Carolina has been anticipating the Oilers passes to the point and jumping those passes. Edmonton have been slow to adapt to this.

Has been interesting world cup one slight upset so far which seems to cement the Czech Republic dark horse status for the title. Lucky for us in, Bermuda, we get the English feeds for the World Cup so the commentary is actually quite good.

Well I don't have a huge problem with Italy being the World Champs. I would of preferred the French to win but that's the way the cookie crumbles. Starting in the second half France had clear advantage. The Italian team looked like they had leaden legs and their play was a lot less crisp than in the first half. As usual their solid defense kept them in the game. At the later stages it was apparent that Italy was playing for the PK. Interesting considering that against the Germans they went all out not to go to PK. I know that the Germans have a reputation but unless you're England once its down to PK then its a coin toss. That said they won using the current rules of the game to thier advantage and they obtained results. They did what needed to be done in all circumstances. Unlike France who in this game were unable to capitalize on their opportunities. So congratulations Italy.

As to the Italy Australia game I think the Aussies as newbie's got suckered easily into a penalty. I don't think it would of happen to a team that had more experience internationally. Like I mentioned already I don't have much of a problem with Italy being champs. All I can say is I am very glad its not the Portuguese diving team that won it. The Italian celebrations were a bit surreal though.

Count me in as a supporter of the Golden Goal to end tie games. The game should be decided on the field of play in the way the game is played.

Manthrax won't argue with you about Barthez but the fact is France lost because it missed a PK and not because of the perfomance of Buffon during the PK. You have a point I was a bit to glib it isn't exactly a coin toss since nerves and the perfomance of both the PK takers and the keepers enter into it but from the keepers perspective luck seems to be as big a factor as talent.

Somehow as a card carrying Bush hater I can't get work up about his use of the word shit. I am much more concerned with the fact that he doesn't seem to know the names of the major players in the middle east.

for that dignity to arrive in the White House as promised by the GOP.

You can tell that Bush has never inhabited in the world most of us live in since his manners are ones you expect from a teenage boy. Not surprising since he always had everything handed to him and never had to work with out a safety net. He never had incentives in learning any manners. He always was the boss and as such never had to take into account weather any behaviour was inappropriate or not.

The statement the world supports Israel the conflict is misleading. Most of the world supports Israel right to defend itself they just don't approved the extrem measures they are currently using to do so.

As a side note 7 Canadian citizens, including 4 children, were killed in Lebanon by Israel. The current Canadian goverment stance towards this conflict may be its downfall. I can't believe how furious people are towards thier various pronoucment in this conflict.