Chronological Index of Ensign Articles for March of 2003
March came in like a lion Saturday, March 1, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire A howling wind heralded the arrival of March with snow, blowing snow and then we awakened this morning to -32ºC temperatures.	By the week February 23 to March 1 March 2 to 8 March 9 to 15 March 15 to 22 March 23 to 29 March 30 to April 5
The epitome of the Rule of Law: Chris Axworthy and George W. Bush Saturday, March 1, 2003 by: Mario deSantis Former Saskatchewan minister of moves into his new office and Bush wants the US military to move into Iraq. We have to wonder what is becomng of law and appropriate behaviour.
Not Meeting Safety Standards Saturday, March 1, 2003 by: Derrall Bellaire Excuses have a limited time life and after ten years few Canadians are able to accept the ones given by the Government about the helicopters that will not be availlable for perhaps two more years.
Over to Saskatoon Monday, March 3, 2003 by: Kevin and Sandra McIntyre Riding along with Kevin and Sandra we take a look at the light snow cover to the West of Melfort.
More than helicopter motor stalled Monday, March 3, 2003 by: Jeff Harwood It is difficult enough trying to make sense out of this world but Jeff Harwood has the difficult task as a teacher in Brandon, of helping children gain to tools to reason. Today, Jeff points out to us the cruel foolishness of the Federal government when it comes to equipping those who volunteer to defend and serve their country.
Bush's crony capitalism is putting money before our lives: It is not the time for the U.S. to attack Iraq Monday, March 3, 2003 by: Mario deSantis The people of Turkey have spoken through their parliament to oppose the use of their country to launch an attack on Northern Iraq by the United States. But it should be clear to all this is not the time for a war.
The Greenwater Report Monday, March 3, 2003 by: Gerald Crawford Well the snow is building up and all the better as the park continues to host snow mobile derby one after another. Gerald straightens out a mistake on the Perigord rumage sale and celebrates the recognition of a local hockey hero.
Time to reshape priorities Monday, March 3, 2003 by: Greg Butler Greg Butler from Calgary makes his first contribution to this web site as he expresses his concern that the cancelling of the EH-101 order not only cost a penalty but continues to incur ever increasing costs to keep the 28 old Sea Kings in the air, even this crashed one will be rebuilt and returned to service.
The dogs of a cold day Tuesday, March 4, 2003 by: Ken Jones, story by TWS Ken Jones captured four amazing images of sun dogs yesterday and today. The special conditions that produce this phenomena is not always as pleasant as the images.
It’s never too early to start drafting Budget 2004 Tuesday, March 4, 2003 by: Walter Robinson Income tax can not only pay for the work of the country but can provide some fairness in the distribution of wealth. Walter Robinson is proposing the doubling of the personal income exemption so that the lowest income earners get to earn some money and contribute to the good of the society as a whole.
The Freedom of Expression of American Conventional Media: Narrow the Discourse and Focus on Misinformation, that is War against Iraq Tuesday, march 4, 2003 by: Mario deSantis Conflicting explanations sound like excuses while the United States Media covers for a man who seems to think everyone has a similar paultry grasp of the real world as himself.
The Universe inside our scull Thursday, March 6, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire Perhaps it was the glaring beauty of Ken Jone's pictures, maybe walking around wearing a snorkel hooded parka for months or maybe it is just the way it is. Yesterday's sunrise is a figment of our image-ation process.
Re-Learning how to read the lips and how to read between the lines: The Taxing Case of Mr. Robinson Thursday, March 6, 2003 by: Mario deSantis While Walter Robinson advocates tax cuts Mario deSantis points out that perhaps the rosy tax picture in the United States is actually a major nightmare as debts rise and the economy winds down.
Afghanistan - A Different Time, A Different Place Friday, March 7, 2003 by: Richard Phillips Last Sunday Tisdale native Richard Phillips presented slide presentations to church congregations in Melfort and Tisdale. We have this remarkable set of pictures and Richard's story for you today. The images alone tell the story of drought, war, land mines and relief efforts as the faces of the people tell us their struggle toward reclaiming peace and survival in their land. (don't miss the pictures they have a thumbnail page)
Bush's Rush to a Short War against Iraq: Selling 'democracy' by Brand America Friday, March 7, 2003 by: Mario deSantis For a country that segrigated Afro-Americans from "whites" up until only decades ago it is hard to swallow the claim to moral high ground as the United States claims its "just war" against Iraq.
Expansion of Human Rights Friday, March 7, 2003 by: Mike Reilly Canada though a small country actually has a larger population than Iraq, could truly play an important role in assisting the United Nations to find a workable equation that will bring the United States and the rest of the members together oveer the issue of human rights.
Pacifists Attack Saturday, March 8, 2003 by: Rebbeca Gingrich Four students arrested and released explains the Globe and Mail but fails to mention their physical action of overturning a Canadian Alliance table. Rebecca Gingrich is alarmed at the protesters disregard for freedom of speech while we all have to wonder about the Canadian Alliance's failure once again to sense the mood of the majority. In any event Rebecca's brings to our attention the height of emotions that seemed to have developed and the alarming size of the protest.
Bush's Press Conference on Iraqi War: A Just War or just a War for President Bush and his God? Saturday, March 8, 2003 by: Mario deSantis Some reflections on the carefully orchestrated and rehearsed press conference that essentially was a series of speeches presented by the American president on live television Thursday night. As with other stories by Mr. deSantis this one includes some really interesting references that need to be checked out.
Paul Martin's Ethics Saturday, March 8, 2003 by: Rudy Fernandes The issue of Paul Martin's personal business holdings has come up on this web site before but now the National Press have had a go at the topic with some editorial writers saying its no problem while others are concerned. Mr. Fernandes is definitely in the worried and concerned group as he gives us some insight into the situation. The references on this story give you a chance to look over what has been written about the topic lately.
March Storms Sunday, March 9, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire In Saskatchewan the worst storms of the year seem to occur in March. From early yesterday and throughout the night this part of the province was lashed with a viscious wind and blowing snow.
The Greenwater Report Monday, March 10, 2003 by: Gerald Crawford Its been cold at the park but there has been time to catch up on some hockey and take some great pictures of birds at the feeder.
Iraqi Drama a Hypocritical Tragedy Monday, March 10, 2003 by: Ron Thornton Were the intense drama we are watching a play or novel Ron Thornton figures it would need a rewrite. The story line and the characters say one thing while intent upon or hiding the dirty little hypocritical background plots. This story is well documented and the references worth some study.
We need a change of mind: Common Sense versus New-Speaks Monday, March 10, 2003 by: Mario deSantis Often we are given suggestions, this story gives that idea a whole new meaning as Mairo deSantis has a reading list of online stories and articles that will heighten your awareness and give you the edge on moving toward a much better understanding of the forces that are shaping this world at this time.
March 1974 Monday, March 10, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire Black and white pictures from March of 1974 and a story about a new camera and spring storms in rural Saskatchewan.
Matthew takes us across the prairies Tuesday, March 11, 2003 by: Matthew Shire Matthew left his office last Thursday afternoon and took us along on his trip to Regina then on Saturday a few pictures that take us down to Avonlea. This story is for those of you who have not travelled across Canada's Great Central plains in winter.
Why he can't wait Tuesday, March 11, 2003 by: Mark Weisbrot Devoting his full attention to the problems that the government of United States has been able to get itself into think-tank co-director Mark Weisbrot explains the forces that are coming to bear on the American President who has used his campaign on terrorism to distract the citizens of the country from another recession, rising unemployment and staggering debts.
Did you ever wonder about that? Tuesday, March 11, 2003 by: Edwin Wallace We all toss of words and phrases that we have picked up throughout our lives as we have adopted them from those we have met. But as time moves on where those words and phrases becomes more and more obscure. Edwin has been wondering about some of them and let's us in on where a few common phrases come from.
I wish now I'd had a better camera Wednesday, March 12, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire A trip down memory lane to 1957 - 58 and I discovered some old pictures but sadly as a twelve year old the box camera I used was pretty primative. Still Janet Wallace looks pretty good.
The Bush's war against Iraq: Trying to understand moral standing and patriots Wednesday, March 12, 2003 by: Mario deSantis Clearly the world is not buying the story that the United States is selling so instead of presenting an argument that makes sense they have turned to their self proclaimed moral standing and the ultimate weapon, "God is on their side."
Plymouth Fury III Wednesday, March 12, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire Walking down the street the other day I spotted this old Plymouth Fury III and when I looked it over I noticed what good shape it was in and its solid design seems to look still just fine today.
Buying your way out of power Thursday, March 13, 2003 by: Edwin Wallace What is a Saskatchewan Crown Corporation doing blowing money on a failed telecom project in Newcastle Australia. Edwin tells us what it costs him for his telephone in rural Saskatchewan and wonders and what sort of political death wise haunts the premier.
Bilingual Money Thursday, march 13, 2003 by: Edwin Wallace Three quarters of a billion dollars set asside to enhance bilingual education in Canada upsets drought stricken farmer Edwin Wallace. Perhaps he ought to consider planting crops with French names, heah its worth a try.
Libraries: Cornerstones of the learning community Friday, March 14, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire Saskatchewan's teacher librarins hold their annual conference in Saskatoon and here is a first hand account of the conference.
Advice for the "Willing" Friday, March 14, 2003 by: Dean Baker and Mark Weisbrot These two noted American economists and founders of a Washington ThinkTank warn the countries that the United States is pressuring to vote for the Iraq war that the United States president is not known for keeping his promises and with the economy heading downward things could get much worse.
Cultural icon and Medieval feast Saturday, March 15, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire Roch Carrier read his "Ahwkey Sweater" story to Saskatoon librarian's conference following a medieval feast.
Bush's NeoConservatism: Bushels of Bushit Saturday, March 15, 2003 by: Mario deSantis Peace and prosperity stem from a world where there are civilised rules of conduct for both individuals and countries. The United States and other countries who have chosen to ignore the International Court and are threatening to defy the United Nations are edging the world and its inhabitants toward disorder as they feel they have the right to ignore what has taken centuries to develop. This short article is the introduction to the topic spelled out in the extensive references that support the position.
Did I say Red? Sunday, March 16, 2003 by: Judy Shire Sunsets are the whole reason we have days. Each one is a gem even if hidden from our eyes as we know above the over cast sky the sun is working its way over the horizon. This one was not hidden and Judy Shire captured it in living colour.
The Devil is not in the Details, the Devil is Simply President Bush Sunday, March 16, 2003 by: Mario deSantis Two revelations today, one in USToday about the US president's membership in the secret society "Skull & Bones" and the NYTimes story about post conquered Iraq and war criminal proceedings. Mario deSantis gives us the background with excellent references on both stories.
The Greenwater report Monday, March 17, 2003 by: Gerald Crawford Snowmobilers had a heavenly weekend but Gerald is concerned about the fish in Round Lake and the demise of the hotel in Porcupine Plain. But on the sunny side he and Doreen have been married for fifty years.
President Bush is taking the law in his own hands: a personal war against Iraq Monday, march 17, 2003 by: Mario deSantis Digging through scores of sources today, Mario deSantis has come up with a mix of world opinion as he found the London Daily Mirror branding the Blair/Bush decision as "madness" and provides us with perspectives from CNN, BBC and the New York Times.
"We've been waiting for this!" Tuesday, March 18, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire We can only say this in a whisper because of the relief we feel and fear of a possible return but today it is spring in Tisdale.
The gamblers of the willing war against Iraq: President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair Tuesday, March 18, 2003 by: Mario deSantis The US president referred to France having shown their "hand" and this prompted several articles in the American press about this odd reference by their president. Mario deSantis has been doing his homework and shows in today's story the implausibility in each of the Bush arguments. As with other stories the whole story is told in the references.
There's no business like show business Wednesday, March 19, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire At 9:30 Eastern Standard time tonight the United States began its invasion of Iraq with preliminary bombing attacks on Baghdad in an attempt to kill the leader of the country. But the real story is the story itself.
A new year begins Wednesday, March 19, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire This picture essay of children making their way to and from school on a spring day was to be the lead today but alas their joy and good spirits are taking a second place position to the events in the Middle East. New reports indicate that Israeli schools will be open today and people in Iraq will be doing their best to live their lives as normally as possible. Good to see our kids only have to dodge snow balls as the cluster bombs and bunker busters are being delivered elsewhere.
Bush's pre-emptive war against Iraq: just a war for the benefit of the devilish Bush&Co Wednesday, March 19, 2003 by: Mario deSantis This story was written today before the invasion began but this writer was sickened by the show business attitude of the American television networks as he points out that the use of force to change the government of another country is the beginning and as our Canadian Prime Ministered stated that once begun no country is safe if it does not follow the line set by the United States or what it considers democracy.
Makes no sense Wednesday, March 19, 2003 by: Joe Hueglin If Canada is not involved in the war then Joe Hueglin maintains that it makes no sense for the Canadian ships to be in the area.
Reality TV Thursday, March 20, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire Its time to rethink the opinion process, listen to what we say and to what others say and you will hear over and over the phrase "I believe". We all need to question what believe because we are basing those beliefs on so many intangibles. This is a story about adult tooth fairies and cirrus clouds.
Let's Light Up Thursday, March 20, 2003 by: Edwin Wallace We who recognise the unfortunate turn of events that has begun in the Middle East are feeling increasingly frustrated by not being able to do anything that will make our voices and opinions heard. Edwin brings to us a couple of suggestions and then some.
Not to be counted on Thursday, March 20, 2003 by: Jeff Harwood Disturbed tha tthe Prime Minister was influenced by Canadian public opinion Jeff Harwood feels that Canada is letting down its allie the United States.by its failure to support them in their war effort against Iraq.
The Bush's administration is a disgrace and so is the propagandistic media Thursday, March 20, 2003 by: Mario deSantis Mario has discovered throughout the world that the opinions of people everywhere are decidedly against the "unprovoked attack" by the United States on Iraq. He summerises his findings in the story but the full details are in the references and many of these stories are archived on this web site for future reference.
New manhole for 7-11 Friday, March 20, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire The frost is very deep as town workers punch through to find the line and install a new manhole to deal with sewer back up at Saskatchewan's busiest 7-11.
Military Force Won't Restore Lost U.S. Power Friday, March 20, 2003 by: Mark Weisbrot Viewed from Washington the illegal unprovoked war with Iraq has some sad consequences as the United States only attacks the indefencible and the whole world knows it. This time the condemnation of its actions will have lasting affects to the country's prestige.
Loss of Service Friday, March 20, 2003 by: Mike Reilly The decision by the government of Canada to close down weather offices in almost all of Canada has truly made us all wonder what we are paying taxes for and receiving no services in return. Mike Reilly points out that the Winnipeg weather office was serving 60% of Canada's landmass and is to be closed.
Vote to be taken under election threat Friday, March 20, 2003 by: John Herron In December parliament voted not to provide more money to the gun registration programme but on March 25th they will be asked for $52 million and more after that. New Brunswick member of parliament, John Herron is not amused as the prime minister is threatening "pass it or else."
A consequence of Bush's pre-emptive doctrine to invade Iraq: Doesn't that now give the USA the right to militarily invade Venezuela? Friday, March 21, 2003 by: Mario deSantis A dangerous policy to invoke though some have suggested that we should not worry Mario deSantis is clearly concerned and his research shows in his references where that concern is coming from. When you consider the United States gets more oil from Canada than Saudi Arabia perhaps God will back Presdient Bush to launch a pre-emptive invasion of Canada to liberate its oppressed people.
Wading into spring Monday, March 24, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire It has been warm in the Southwest with no snow to be seen and dust blowing but the exuberance of the sun and the end of winter overwhelmed the fear of cold water Saturday afternoon in Tompkins.
The Greenwater report Monday, March 24, 2003 by: Gerald Crawford A wet fishing derby, slippery walking, benefit potluck supper and rummage sale all have occupied the interests of our intrepid reporter Gerald Crawford but he definitely shines best when letting us in one the conversations on coffee row.
Think the Liberals manage tax dollars wisely? Is the earth flat? Monday, March 24, 2003 by: Walter Robinson The Federal Liberal government likes to tell us how they have carefully worked the Canadian economy and the finances of the government into its current positive condition by good management. Walter Robinson brings a few important points to our attention that suggest otherwise.
Looking Beyond The Imperial Thinking of Uniter President Bush Monday, March 24, 2003 by: Mario deSantis The preculiar stance taken by the United States as some guardian of freedom and liberty told everyone that their invading forces would be welcomed by the Iraqi people as liberators. Apparently this prediction was a little optomistic. Mario deSantis shines the light of his research on some other troubling paradoxes that seem to be emerging from the bombastic rhetoric of the American leadership.
Long gun registry Monday, March 24, 2003 by: Rebecca Gingrich The vote on more money for the Gun Registry programme is planned for tomorrow but it matter's little as the Liberal Members of Parliament will as they have always done vote as they are told.
Bush's Might and Money impede his Impeachment: The Common People of the World will take care of Bush&Co. Monday, March 24, 2003 by: Mario deSantis The Republican lead attempt to unseat the last president was based on the man's sexual escapades but Mario deSantis has detected a movement in the United States that wants to impeach their current president for his breaches of the constitution and international law. But Mario believes that the war has strengthened the President's support in Congress and it is unlikely that such movement could progress. This prompts Mario to suggest an alternative solution to controlling the American warmonger.
Dry Southwest, as agriculture's wounds devastate business Tuesday, March 25, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire The worst crop ever has taken its toll as Swift Current is a mere shadow of itself with its malls and business store fronts littered with closed and empty premises.
Pioneer Co-op in Swift Current Tuesday, March 25, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire Here is a real look around the huge Co-op store in Swift Current using a QuickTime virtual reality image (download 660K). You need QuickTime loading in your computer to view this image.
Signs of spring Tuesday, March 25, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire Brown grass, leafless trees standing ready to move forward, the snow melts and its time to sell the snow machines.
War, What Are We Good For? Tuesday, March 25, 2003 by: Ron Thornton Bear in mind that Ron Thornton is from Edmonton today's story is a thoughtful and compassionate discussion about the worries that he has about the decision made by Canada's government. Perhaps the Iraq government does have weapons of mass destruction and we could feel pretty guilty if we did not stand up for a just cause.
Bush&Co's world of fiction: permanent wars to save the American (petro) dollar? Tuesday, March 25, 2003 by: Mario deSantis Taking the lead from documentary film maker Michael Moore, Mario deSantis characterises the reality TV show "Shock and Awe" as just more fiction as America's economic crisis is a propellant behind the need for a war.
Its a matter of being fair Wednesday, March 26, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire Brevity is not one of the editor's talents. Today's 3,500 word essay deals with the way this site has been dealing with the Iraq war issue and some of the core concerns that need to be recognised for us to have some perspective and awareness about what we think and why we think that way.
Long gun registry update Wednesday, March 26, 2003 by: Rebecca Gingrich Ontario Oxford Member of Parliament did his duty and voted with the government last night to approve more money to the billion dollar long gun registry bungle.
War in Iraq Wednesday, March 26, 2003 by: Mark Alan Whittle Equating the liberation of Holland by his father and his fellow Canadians Mr. Whittle expresses his regret that Canada is not assisting Americans in their invasion of Iraq.
More effective expenditure of $172 million Wednesday, March 26, 2003 by: Joe Hueglin With the federal government pouring almost half a million tax dollars into the long gun registery programme which has no prospect whatever of affording any improvement in public safety. Perhaps this money could be much better spent .
Make your call to the Canadian Foreign Affairs Department - Iraq Desk Wednesday, March 26, 2003 by: Edwin Wallace Its good to know that we in a democracy can make our opinions matter and here is your chance to have your say and let the folks in Ottawa know your colour.
Bush&Co. versus Common People Wednesday, March 26, 2003 by: Mario deSantis In this shocking article Mario deSantis explains how his own opinions have been shaped by elements of this time and the conditions that impinge on our private lives.
Parkland Photography Club report for March 2003 Thursday, March 27, 2003 by: Gerald Crawford This very active culture club is working on a number of excellent projects and at the same time continue to work on their craft with this month's remarkable night sky pictures.
$59 Million Thursday, March 27, 2003 by: Mike Reilly We are always told never to spend good money after bad and Mike certainly makes this old axiom come to life as we have seen the allocation of more millions to go to a programme that is failing and continues to be financial black hole.
Royal Winnipeg brings the Beauty to Saskatchewan Friday, March 28, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire Reports last night from Regina describe a sell out crowd at the Centre of the Arts as the audience was treated to Sleeping Beauty.
Visit To Tisdale Friday, March 28, 2003 by: Kevin McIntyre Kevin McIntyre came over from Carrot River this week to do some shopping and found that he was unable to leave his van as the downtown sidewalks are simply unaccessible to his wheel chair.
The Missing Link Friday, March 28, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire Several home business merchants got together to put on a trade show in a store fron in Tisdale for Friday only. We checked them out and have links to these folks.
Trade and moralty Friday, March 28, 2003 by: Edwin Wallace With demonstrations planned across the country to show support for America Edwin wonders about the way Canadian business is willing to sacrifice their principles for economic benefitis from the United States.
A stiff spring Saturday, March 29, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire A week long chill lets the thawing continue each day and stiffens up each night but the progress is being made as the crows return to the summer haunts and the geese stand around on the ice, pretty disgusted but patient.
Neo-con President Bush Jr.: lack of thinking and godly craziness for taking human lives Saturday, March 29, 2003 by: Mario deSantis High tech video game war has stumbled to a slowing grin after two weeks as United States forces bomb the Iraqi capital and wait to attack. But the world is almost unanomous in condemning the American aggressor as it is abundantly clear that he people in the country fear the American liberators more than their dictator. This story is accompanied by a comprehensive set of references archived on this site to explain the position taken in the story.
Say Goodnight Sleeping Beauty Sunday, March 30, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire The Royal Winnipeg Ballet presented Sleeping Beauty for the last time Saturday night in Saskatoon. Evelyn Hart gave a performance that left the audience stunted and amazed as her precision and grace seemed totally effortlessly as she moved from movement to freeze frame.
The Greenwater Report Monday, March 31, 2003 by: Gerald Crawford A reunion for the folks in the Nobleville communitym a trip to Saskatoon and Gerald makes his pitch in supporting the invasion of Iraq by the United States.
It all depends on how you look at it! Monday, March 31, 2003 by: Timothy W. Shire Time to think about a need for us all to lighten up a little. We can moan and groan or we can enjoy the moment, its all how you look at it.
Fun in small towns Monday, March 31, 2003 by: Kevin McIntyre After visiting Tisdale last week Kevin tells us about his visit to Melfort and this week we also will be hearing about a visit to Nipawin. But today Kevin tells us about parallel parking.
The bullish mentality of President Bush&Co.:The neo-uber-alles Project for the New American Century Monday, March 31, 2003 by: Mario deSantis The difficult the people of this planet are faced with is the complex problem of what is motivating the United States of American to pursue a policy of world domination. Here is a possible explanation and it isn't pretty. This is not an unsubstantiated accusation, check the references in this story.
Minister Collenette visits Stupid Investments R Us Monday, March 31, 2003 by: Walter Robinson The federal government through policy and misadventure created the problem and now the airline it gave away has gone broke and something has to be done. Walter Robinson warns the government not sink Canadian tax dollars into a blunder that together the government and airline created.
Return to Ensign - Return to Saskatchewan News   This page is a story posted on Ensign and/or Saskatchewan News, both of which are daily web sites offering a variety of material from scenic images, political commentary, information and news. These publications are the work of Faster Than Light Communications . If you would like to comment on this story or you wish to contact the editor of these sites please send us email.   Editor : Timothy W. Shire Faster Than Light Communication Box 1776, Tisdale, Saskatchewan, Canada, S0E 1T0 306 873 2004