Thanks to all who signed #TO #librairies http://t.co/JIiwfeA #cdnpoli @torontolibrary to stop closure & etc.: seems you crashed the site! MargaretAtwood July 22, 2011 at 10:46

Reply retweet – Here is direct link to the @torontolibrary petition http://t.co/hPNMV8P to stop closure & privatization. Thanks to all, pass it around.. MargaretAtwood July 22, 2011 at 10:56

Reply retweet – Twin Fordmayor seems to think those who eat Timbits (like me) don’t read, can’t count, & are stupid eh? http://t.co/dSHlawH @torontolibrary MargaretAtwood July 22, 2011 at 15:06

Reply retweet – Twin Fordmayors thinks libraries + nursing homes are a waste. Out of touch? http://t.co/gLuvccf MargaretAtwood July 24, 2011 at 20:32

Reply retweet – Tims+library club? 1)pick book & read 2 )meet at Tims 3)enter club in draw 4) winners get visit by writer &/or Timbit @torontolibrary Eh? MargaretAtwood July 22, 2011 at 21:22

Reply retweet – @MargaretAtwood Would be awesome if someone could get Timmy’s behind a Save Libraries campaign. Johannabee July 22, 2011 at 21:52

Reply retweet – T-pals, you sure made waves! @torontolibrary www.ourlibrary.ca All Toronto library users & those who do research there like me :) say THNKS MargaretAtwood July 22, 2011 at 14:50

Reply retweet – Book loving #1book140 Torontonians & Ontarians help fight library closure. Online petition http://t.co/o63TKEa @MargaretAtwood CharltteWolters July 25, 2011 at 9:19

Reply retweet – Thanks for all Tweets in support of libraries-too many to RT! Very heartening. To read all, go to @MargaretAtwood and scroll down... MargaretAtwood July 25, 2011 at 16:14


Margaret For Mayor

Posted by Sylvia

For the article please see the link above

I believe that when there are no options left people will, and do, choose peace. Psychologically, we are wired to be altruistic and this is what has saved the race of the two leggeds time and time again. I believe Gershon (see below) is right on each point with, what I perceive to be, a wisdom gained of life experience to back it up. One thing that may be missing in all of this is, the Palestinians as a nation are now the underdog, the balance of power is held by the Israeli's and in order for the trust building of which he speaks so briefly, to flourish, the Israeli nation must concede this point AND take practical steps to regain that elusive equilibrium. Like thank the US and say goodbye. Likewise, to any other enablers in this epically dragged out conflict who may have just been following the misshapen ideological position of the West in order to appear helpful and gain favour.
  
posted by Sylvia

         "...In all my encounters, my Arabs friends and colleagues know me as a proud Israeli patriot, a Jew and a Zionist. This has never prevented me from listening to them, empathizing with their pain and recognizing that we can live together in peace through mutual respect, recognition, compromise and understanding.
It has also never prevented them from, in turn, from hearing my story.
That’s why I didn’t experience fear living in Kafr Qara with no lock on my door, or when I travel in Ramallah, Nablus or even Gaza. I am not so naïve as to believe I have no mortal enemies, but I don’t allow myself to be constrained by fear, or allow fear to sour into blind hatred.

I believe in the power of people to be good...." Gershon Baskin for Jerusalem Post

Why did the participants on the Tahrir go? Here is Lyn's answer

Dear Mayor and councillors,
I have just returned to the city and have learned you are voting this week
on revoking bike lanes and I am writing you to say - no!!  don't go backward
in history.  We have several problems in this city that bike lanes help to
address and we need them:
1) cycling is active transportation - it provides exercise in an economical
and multipurpose way, by combining  with commuting and shopping trips, as
well as for recreation - and bringing health benefits as a result
2) cycling can be multi-generational -  for this to work well, for families
to cycle together, bike lanes are beneficial for increased safety
3) cycling reduces smog - getting out of cars and walking or cycling has
environmental and health benefits to the city
4) cycling contributes to greenhouse gas reduction - a very important local
and international goal

Every bike takes much less space on the street than a car - and every
cyclist is a taxpayer in this city too.  We deserve space on the road.

Please assure me of your support for bike lanes in the city.

Lyn Adamson
671A Vaughan Rd.
Toronto
M6E 2Y4

http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/features/empathy-toward-the-palestinian-side-invokes-hatred-and-distrust-1.371874

24 Hrs Toronto page 10
http://eedition.toronto.24hrs.ca/epaper/viewer.aspx
24 Hrs Calgary page 8
http://eedition.calgary.24hrs.ca/epaper/viewer.aspx
Metro Toronto
http://www.metronews.ca/toronto/canada/article/907621--greeks-disable-canadian-ship-bound-for-gaza

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/1016421--gaza-flotilla-makes-waves-for-israel-and-its-foes
(I'm holding the banner on the right hand side, you can just see part of my face)

http://photogallery.thestar.com/1018416 (I'm in the first photo, at the airport)

plus more links.

Dear friends,
Here's an update written July 2nd from the Tahrir:

Here's a link to footage of the blocking of the Tahrir and our Canada Day march to the port authorities (harbour master is a woman in scenes with Sandra Ruch)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofkvVidE2Js

And here is footage of the inside of the Tahrir, of the delegates, and of the medical aid we are carrying:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFMOBkoW6LA&feature=related

Jim Rankin covers daily events in his blog. http://mobile.scribblelive.com/Event/Aboard_the_Gaza_flotilla  Today the excitement was a canoe initiative with Bob Lovelace and Nick from
Australia attempting to head out to sea.  And another march to the port authorities.  Last year port authorities were very helpful to a flotilla ship that left from this port, the Challenger.  But this year they are ordered not to.  Perhaps the most significant part of the day was a visit from Opposition MPs in the Greek parliament who will ask a question on our behalf on Monday.

I spent much of the day sleeping.  It was extremely hot and that march took it out of me.  I feel much more rested now and my toothache (abscess) seems to be responding well to treatment with antibiotics so that is good.

It's very satisfying to actually be staying on the boat now rather than having to be in the hotel. We had a nice lunch of chickpeas, greek salad, and for dinner the addition of humus and toast with tomatoes and feta thanks to our cook, Miles Howe, of Halifax.  Miles has also launched a trade initiative for linking with Palestine.

 I am feeling quite attached to this boat of ours, and hopeful that we might find a way, still, to move forward with our mission.  We have a full meeting tomorrow am on the boat.  Thanks for your support from home - your letters, phone calls, and demonstrations are equally important to what we are doing here.

all the best,

Lyn

And here's a video link you may want to circulate about the US boat - 'The Audacity of Love'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9s7JuEceNI
The Audacity of Hope boat remains stuck in a naval shipyard after attempting to leave without approval.  After 25 minutes the coast guard cut them off and then after a long standoff, dragged them in.