“It is illegal to make false claims in a TV or radio commercial unless you are running for political office.” – Jeffrey Zeldman

My friend Peter writes “Part of your freedom to believe is my freedom to make fun of you for believing it.”

What Happened to John McCain? I’ve been wondering this too. It’s more than politics, it’s just plain weird.

While applying online for the Canada Child Tax Benefit program, my application was stopped and I was presented with this message:

Unfortunately, you cannot use the Apply for child benefits online service because there is a female parent in the same home.

For Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB) purposes, there is a presumption that when both a male and female parent live in the same home as the child, the female parent is considered to be primarily responsible for the child and should apply. However, if the male parent is primarily responsible, he can apply if a signed note from the female parent is attached to the application which states that the male parent is primarily responsible for the child(ren).

My best guess as to why this might be required would be to ensure that the benefit makes it to the women and children in homes where evil men might withhold it. I hope I’m wrong about that, because it’s horrying to think that this might be necessary.

The Conservative Party of Canada (who still deserve credit for dropping the “Progressive” from their name) deserve a heaping dollop of shame for threatening to boycott the televised leadership debates if the Green Party was included. Shame on the other leaders and the media for letting it happen.