'I forbore to suggest to Lynda that the Hollywood blacklist was not what most societies would recognize as “persecution.”'

The Canadian Human Rights Commission isn't what most societies would recognize as "persecution" either, just an occasionally-unjustifiable imposition. But that hasn't stopped Steyn from penning his unceasing sob story, nor portraying himself as the hunted hero of a guerilla war. Self-aggrandizement and disproportionality look the same on the Left and Right, I'm afraid.

Nepotism be damned - I think Andrew should give Deborah a permanent forum. Canadians simply aren't apprised of the true danger in our decentralization. They aren't going to hear it from our risk-averse federal politicians, who are content to bow into irrelevance rather than offend a Premier. Hers is a voice crying in the wilderness, and it ought to be heard.

Although there is unquestionably a point regarding the HRCs, Steyn, in typical form, slaughters his own credibility by massively overstating his case. Why lead with Iris Evans? She said something stupid, people were upset, there was public pressure to apologize, she caved to pressure. Where enter the thought police? She wasn't thrown in jail. She was ridiculed. Appropriately. If a Liberal politician in power made disparaging remarks about (say) Christians, conservatives would complain loudly, and that politician would eventually apologize. We have a right to offend, but we also have a right to be offended.

Unfortunately, Steyn has fallen in love with the idea that he is the hero of an underground war with a fascist state, resigned to eventually ending up in the dreaded Room 101. Fascinating to me that the participants in this movement which emerged as a reaction against 'White Liberal Guilt' have turned into the most pathetic professional victims around.

A rare voice for truth and freedom, cutting through the oppressive orthodoxy. Too bad I have to read him in this illegal underground E-zine. If only the PC thought police weren't as pervasive and all-powerful as they are. Then maybe this Steyn guy would get a lead columnist gig with a major national news magazine. But that's a pipe dream. We're living in Soviet Canuckistan, where the Right is kept out. At least, that's what I keep reading.

Steyn: I can only imagine you in some basement in Ottawa, getting waterboarded by human rights-oriented public servants. To you I say: strength! One day, somehow, likely years after your death, your words will find publishment.

Sorry - is level of "religious activity" measured as an indicator of learning? What's the explanation for that?

Emulating the British system in the way Wells suggests would torpedo the last feeble accountability mechanism which QP offers. It certainly wouldn't prevent politicians from covering for one another. Exactly the contrary.

Under the British system, mid-level to minor cabinet ministers are likely to face questions only about once every four weeks. This very often provides cover for culpable ministers when mini scandals break.

In practice, it could mean that opposition MPs would this week be forced to ask, say, Jim Prentice why Lisa Raitt lost her secret binder. Or it could mean that the issue was simply left dormant for weeks. Given the short attention span of the press gallery and the shorter attention span of the public, this is more than enough to time to evade the issue entirely. Or at least, to control the message in a way that Question Period does not allow.

In this way, the status quo is preferable. If you screw up today, you face the firing squad tomorrow.