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US declares vital interest in space President Bush has declared space to be essential to US defence in a new National Space Policy. Not only has the United States declared that it has rights in space, but, if necessary, it will deny its adversaries access to space. Thai Prime Minister to consider lifting martial law Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has indicated that he is considering lifting the martial law imposed in the country following the September 19 coup, during talks with Indonesian President Yudhoyono.

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US population reaches 300 million On Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 7:46 A.M. (EDT), the estimated population of the United States crossed the 300 million mark. The United States population reached the 100 million mark in 1915 and the 200 million mark 52 years later in 1967. Only 39 years later, it has touched 300 million.

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President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda meets rebels of the Lord's Resistance Army for the first time in an attempt to revive the Juba talks. Dariga Nazarbayeva, daughter of Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev, says it is time for Kazakhstan to "stop behaving like an obedient colony that bows to a foreign gentleman," referring to Lakshmi Mittal of Arcelor Mittal, "whose name appears on the 'Forbes' magazine list." 5.2 magnitude earthquake hits central Philippines. The quake struck at 10:30 p.m. with its epicenter some 35 kilometers south of Boac, Marinduque. The temblor was felt at intensity 4 in the capital Manila. Tropical Storm Paul forms off Mexico's west coast and forecasters predict it could strengthen into a hurricane and reach land within days. The storm is over the Pacific Ocean about 315 miles south of the coastal city of Cabo Corrientes. President of the United States George W. Bush confers with his top Iraq commanders over strategy as stepped-up operations by United States and Iraqi troops in Baghdad is met with a surge in sectarian violence. Mortar fire on a crowded outdoor market in Mahmoudiyah south of Baghdad kills at least 18 people and injures dozens, police say. Three U.S. Marines are killed in combat in Anbar province, making October the deadliest month for American forces in Iraq in 2006. A senior U.S. diplomat says on Al-Jazeera that the United States had shown "arrogance" and "stupidity" in Iraq but was ready to talk with any group except Al-Qaida in Iraq to facilitate national reconciliation. Fighting has broken out between Somalian troops and a local militia in alliance with the country's new Islamic movement.

Interview with Innocent Watat, City Council candidate for Wards 3 & 4 in Brampton, Canada
The upcoming 2006 Brampton municipal election, to be held November 13, features an array of candidates looking to represent their wards in city council or the council of the Peel Region.

Wikinews contributor Nick Moreau contacted many of the candidates, including Innocent Watat, asking them to answer common questions sent in an email. This ward's incumbent is Bob Callahan; Balbir Babra, Manny Bianchi-Morfino, Dolly Khokhar, Maria Peart, Tim Turcott, and Sheila White.

Q: List the three most important issues in your campaign.

A:

- Gap between council actions and concerns of Bramptonians.

- Community safety and security and relationship between Police and the community mostly the relationship between the Police and the visible minorities’ community

- Infrastructure and public transit concerns

Q: What one election issue do you feel is most relevant to your ward in this election?

A:My ward is overwhelmingly and increasingly populated by a multi-ethnic and multi cultural immigrants from around the world. Beside the infrequent public transit issues which are the main concern for these settlers, I think that the most relevant issue here is safety because of the stigma leading to discriminatory profile from Police.

Of course these newcomers in the city are not today part of the main discussions at the council chamber although they are significantly part of the future of the city.

Q: What qualities or experiences do you possess, that make you more desirable than the incumbent?

A:I am a young, dynamic, dedicated and passionate Bramptonian willing to push this great city to a deserved place as a Canadian model of multi-cultural and multi ethnicity integration. I would use my positive energy and the new vision to develop our community by making it safer, cleaner, lively, exotic and vibrant.

I am resolved to turn into my obligations all the concerns of the people of Brampton.

Q: Why do you want to represent your ward on council?

A:I strongly feel that I could bring something new to my wards and to the council chamber. I also think it is time for change; it is the time to see some new faces and to have a council that strictly reflects the reality of the population, a chamber that really works for the benefit of the population. I am an advocate of a maximum of three terms by councilor and I still cannot believe that we do have councilors who are there for more that 15 years now.

I am bringing with me a new way to undertake the development of Brampton; a new policy that would see the reduction of the gap between Bramptonians and the council actions; I have with me a new alternative that would make each person living in Brampton really feel at home. I would give to each inhabitant of my wards, the real feeling of being in a city that really fit his desire.

Q: How are you currently involved in the community?

A:I am in many aspects an example within my community and I strive to keep that as effective as possible. I am a leader in my community and I have presided or I am an active member of many non for profit organization working to ameliorate people life and/or to welcome newcomers in our city. I am a dedicate volunteer and always preach by example in an exceptional dedication with the purpose to always have the job well done.

Q: Much of Brampton's existing council is seasoned in the civic political process. What could you bring to the table as a "rookie", above and beyond the current roster of councilors?

A: The present council seems to be away of the reality in this fast growing city. They are veterans in urgent need of retirement. We’re grateful of their effort and commitment for all these years, but we must now realize that they are all running out of ideas. They've been cut off guard by the population growth and they seem to be trailing behind looking desperately for ways to catch up with a train speeding away. The best way to give a better future to our city is to give the chance to "rookies" to come in with fresh mind and fresh ideas that would help our city to cope with this sudden growth. We need to rejuvenate the council chamber and create some sort of positive actions that would consolidate the path of Brampton in this twenty first century. We all appreciate the hard work done by our predecessors, but it is the time to look beyond their path of actions and act accordingly to keep Brampton into the right direction.

Brampton has now a diverse culture and ethnicity that in reality should be our strength. The existing council, despite their talk, is not really walking the talk. There are no actions to really create a sense of belongings to these newcomers in our city. Without a doubt there is need of new energy, a need of rejuvenation.

There are obvious actions that a council should tackle which haven’t been done properly. Certainly they’ve been there so long that they don’t see any pressure or obligation. We must work to support our youth, seniors and people with special needs. We must improve on the present infrastructure and develop the public transit within Brampton and beyond. Of course, the safety measures are paramount and it is important to create a great atmosphere of respect and collaboration between Police and the community. We must not forget that the community is important in solving many crimes.

In collaboration with Bramptonians, we must ensure that the recreation aspects are well considered through parks, recreation centers, and cultural programs.

The city must remain safe, secure, clean, lively and vibrant at all time.

Q: The Rose Theatre recently launched. What are your thoughts on this facility? Have you had a chance to tour it yet?

A:The Rose Theatre is the sort of actions that I would encourage as city councilor. Of course beyond this sort of infrastructure, we must always seek and keep in mind the wellbeing of our population. The culture sense that the Rose brings is certainly part of the wellbeing of Bramptonians. However, we must ensure that each of us in the city can really have a stake of that well-being.

I have toured the facility and enjoyed with my daughter a kid show and was also in the crowd few days ago for a splendid comedy show. Rose Theatre is definitely the way to go. But we must notice how long it took to the previous council chamber to offer to this city what it really deserves. That must be said loudly.

We need to diversify actions that would ensure that each Bramptonian actually have something to cherish, make him comfortable to live and raise his children in Brampton. I do believe that the downtown core of Brampton is missing many other things. There is a clear urban development missing; as far as I am concerned, the Rose Theatre must be the beginning of a long development program of our downtown. I would make sure, as city councilor that we continue in this path with more depth.

Q: The province has strongly encouraged the development of high-density residences near the downtown. Do these buildings fit in with your vision of the downtown? How much say should other levels of government have in urban planning?

A: The good thing materializes by the new Rose Theatre must not be the only downtown development action. Our downtown must be revitalized and the high-density residences and precisely the high rise condominium buildings must be the next steps. Downtown Brampton must be the center of the city and the biggest center of attraction in many ways. Today we are really millions miles away of that vision.

As city councilor along with Bramptonians and all levels of government I would deeply work to revive our downtown core. High rise and high density residences are definitely part of my vision and Brampton must be before 2010 well into it in order to fully fit in this twenty first century.

Q: How do you feel about Brampton's rate of expansion? Council recently capped the annual amount of new development; do you agree completely with this decision, would you have slowed development even further, or not have imposed a cap at all?

A: I strongly believe that the Brampton’s rate of expansion is excessive, out of control and way beyond what is acceptable. I have the feeling that is essentially driven by financial gain and the wellbeing of the population is not placed at the center of this abusive development. No doubt the present council has capped the annual amount of new development although this restriction came a little too late.

Looking 10 to 20 years down the road, the development we’ve witnessed these last years would be a challenge if we do not anticipate and pro-actively prevent its negative effects.

I am a strong advocate of a slow and controlled development while ensuring the population safety and wellbeing.

The brutal development of the last years is the main culprit of the traffic congestions and the blatant need of the extension of 410 or even the construction of a new highway. The cap set at the moment is welcomed however it is not the solution but part of the solution. We must first and foremost control the development, slow it down if necessary or accelerate it if the conditions are ideals.

Q: What are your opinions on Brampton's congestion and the level of public transit funding?

A: I am shocked and ashamed to see a new development area dealing with traffic congestion. It shows that the present council has not done their homework properly and allowed an excessive development without ensure that there was the proper infrastructure around. Who are now paying the price? Bramptonians... They’ve never been at the center of the preoccupation of the council and financial interest took the power over the population wellbeing. This must be said and must be condemned.

In the same token, the public transit development has not followed the population growth and the new developments within the city. The present council has not push deep enough to secure and increase the necessary funding that would allow Bramptonians to properly move within the city or outside the city while avoiding long waiting hours, if the bus actually show up.

We must look for an immediate remediation of the issues and intensively work to restore the confidence of the population in terms of congestion, regularity and availability of the public transit. To do that, we must increase the funding level and set it at the level which would provide to Bramptonians what they actually need.

Q: Why should businesses be attracted to locating in Brampton?

A:We do have in Brampton an increasingly high number of skilled workforces ready to dynamically commit to work 24/7. Brampton is definitely a paradise for various businesses and there is enough place and land to satisfy their need.

As for the urban development of the city, the business attraction should be controlled and Bramptonians interests must dictate this policy.

Q: How could Brampton further itself in attracting corporate investment?

A: Of course, if the council shows and effective and efficient municipal management, it would be a strong showcase to attract corporate investment in Brampton. This attraction is definitely paramount to ensure the economic development of the city and also the wellbeing of Bramptonians who will be providing their expertise to these businesses.

To ensure the efficiency of such attraction, we much encourage corporate investment by providing to these investors a window of tax break for a define period of time; establish competitive municipal tax rate which by itself would lure many investors; organize showcase sessions, invite investors and publicize the millions reasons why their investments are worth being done in Brampton. We must definitely use the fast growth of the city and the strong base of skilled and professional workers present in Brampton as a huge incentive for investment.

Q: Why have you chosen to involve yourself in the political process?

A: I believe I have what it takes to bring hope and energy in Bramptonians life. I do believe I have the vision that would help Brampton to distinguish itself among other municipalities in this twenty first century. I strongly believe that I can turn our diversity into a huge strength and force that would propel Brampton into a respectable level. I think Brampton, as a multi-ethnic and multi cultural city has what it takes to be a Canada model. I do have what Brampton need to achieve it.

I am young, dynamic and resolute to bring the necessary change. Brampton needs change; Brampton council needs new faces. I am involved in this political process because I would be the incarnation of the change and I would bring the energy that Brampton need to solve all pending issues.

Q: What does Brampton mean to you?

A: My involvement in this political process is a proof of what Brampton means to me. I have called Brampton home for many years now. In front of the pending issues of our municipality, there is nothing else I could have done but to get involve, to instigate and to bring a new vision.

Instead of complaining or criticizing, there is a better way to make Brampton a better place to live in: it goes through my involvement in this political process, through what I bring to the table as ideas and it shows how much I love and adore this city. I never would have decided to stay aside and wait for the miracle to happen. I am bringing with me the miracle and I am sure that would serve the purpose and the interests of Bramptonians. I am working hard to achieve these goals because Brampton means a lot to me.

Before I go, I would like to make an address to my French speaking constituents.

Chers habitants, habitants de Brampton,

Comme Conseiller municipal, je travaillerai durement pour faire de Brampton, une ville vivante, propre, sécuritaire, exotique et une ville ou il fait bon vivre dans notre diversité linguistique, ethnique et culturelle. Les habitants de Brampton seront au centre de toutes mes préoccupations et décisions et je rechercherai toujours à satisfaire leur bien-être d’abord et avant tout. La ville de Brampton à certainement besoin de remplir ses caisses, mais je ne l’encouragerai jamais au détriment du bien-être des populations. J’œuvrerai pour assurer la sécurité des résidents de la ville, en encourageant la présence policière dans les rues et surtout il faudrait combattre les préjugées policiers qui favorisent certains arrestations arbitraires. Je travaillerai d’arrache-pied pour faire de Brampton une ville modèle dans le Canada. Un exemple d’intégration culturelle dans la diversité multi ethnique et multi culturelle, Un exemple dans l’intégration linguistique en rapprochant les populations des deux langues officielles du Canada (français et anglais) et aussi en incluant les autres minorités linguistiques, Un exemple de ville récréatif en développant les attractions récréatives pour enfants, jeunes et personnes âgées, Un exemple infrastructurel en améliorant l’infrastructure présente dans le but de diminuer les embouteillages et aussi d’améliorer le transport en commun dans la ville et vers Toronto.

Je compte sur votre support pour faire de Brampton une meilleure ville pour nous et nous enfants.

Notes

The entire original text can be read on the article's talk page.

Thai Prime Minister to consider lifting martial law
Whilst on a visit to Indonesia, the Thai Prime minister Surayud Chulanont indicated that martial law imposed following the bloodless September 19 coup may soon be lifted.

Surayud was appointed Prime Minister on October 1 by General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, the head of the military junta that overthrew the government of caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Currently touring the various ASEAN nations, Indonesia is the fourth stop for the new PM.

According to a report in the Bangkok Post the discussions between PM Surayud and his Indonesian counterpart President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono included calls for the state of martial law in Thailand to be lifted as well as discussions on the unrest in Thailand's muslim-majority south.

In a statement from Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda, the retired privy councilor turned PM was said to be prepared to "consider carefully" calls for the lifting of martial law and that he found Indonesia's approach to the problems they had with rebels in Aceh province "inspired".

Also on the agenda during the discussions were sharing of experience with avian flu. Indonesia has seen 55 people die from the disease.

US population reaches 300 million
On Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 7:46 A.M. (EDT), the estimated population of the United States crossed the 300 million mark.

The United States population reached the 100 million mark in 1915 and the 200 million mark 52 years later in 1967. Only 39 years later, it has touched 300 million.

In 1967, when the population reached 200 million, President Lyndon Johnson held a news conference at the Commerce Department to "hail America’s past and to talk about the challenges ahead".

While the current administration doesn't appear to have similar public celebrations for the 300 million mark as President Johnson had for the 200 million mark, Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez said to the Associated Press "I would hate to think that we are going to be low key about this...I would hope that we make a big deal about it."

During the year the population reached 200 million, David E. Lilienthal, the former chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, grimly predicted that 300 million people would cause the country to be impoverished and polluted with scarce national resources. "A population of at least 300 million by 2000 will, I now believe, threaten the very quality of life of individual Americans."

Sam Roberts of The New York Times notes that while the United States' population is growing by slightly less than 1 percent per year, the nation is the third largest in population behind China and India, each with populations over 1 billion. The United States continues to be gaining people while many other industrialized nations are not; Japan's population is actually decreasing.

In terms of regional distribution, there has also been major change. Between 1970 and 2000, the portion of population in the southern and western United States went from 48 percent to 58 percent. The Population Reference Bureau also notes a rise in suburbia in the 30 year gap. While the percentage of the population living in cities remained around 30 percent, the percentage of people living in the suburbs rose from 38 percent to 50 percent.

John McCormick discussed in Chicago Tribune how the make-up of the US population has certainly changed from 1967 to today. Then, Italy was the country where most foreign born people came from more than any other; in 2006 that nation is Mexico. And in the 39 year span, the percentage of foreign-born U.S. citizens has more than doubled from 5 percent to 12 percent today. According to the Population Reference Bureau, almost 50 percent of Americans under 5 years of age are members of a minority, be it racial or ethnic.

The U.S. Bureau of the Census maintains a current estimated U.S. population count on its website.

Earthquake measuring 4.5 shakes northern California
A 4.5 magnitude earthquake centered in the northern California city of Cobb struck around 10 a.m. Pacific Time (UTC-8) on Friday.

According to CalTech's professor Carlos Sicilia, the earthquake reportedly shook items off store shelves, causing many of them to crash against the floor. There was no immediate report of structural damage or injury.

Today in History
1383 - In Portugal, a period of civil war and anarchy began when King Ferdinand I died without a male heir to the Portuguese throne.

1844 - Millerites and members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church were greatly disappointed that Jesus did not return as predicted by preacher William Miller.

1924 - Toastmasters International was founded.

1962 - Cuban Missile Crisis: U.S. President John F. Kennedy announced on television that Soviet nuclear weapons had been discovered in Cuba and that he had ordered a naval "quarantine" of the island nation.

1999 - Vichy France official Maurice Papon was jailed for crimes against humanity committed during World War II.

October 22 is International Stuttering Awareness Day

Quote of the Day

doctored; adj

Altered or falsified.

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Word of the Day

We sometimes talk as if "original research" were a peculiar prerogative of scientists or at least of advanced students. But all thinking is research, and all research is native, original, with him who carries it on, even if everybody else in the world already is sure of what he is still looking for.
~ John Dewey

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