MERRY CHRISTMAS

.

JOYEUX NOEL.

.

.

Normally, this would be my most favourite time of the year. Sadly, I can no longer say that. Oh sure, we still live in the greatest country on earth, but in my opinion, we have done a terrible job of looking after it. As a matter of fact, it can be argued that we are victims of our own stupidity.

.

Canada is a special land. Let us project it as a giant book shelf of some eight thousand kilometres, claiming British Columbia and Newfoundland as the book-ends. We are so huge that it takes three oceans to wrap around three of our boundaries.

.

The make-up of the people of Canada are as diverse as the terrain itself. Canada is made up of big cities and little cities, big towns and little towns, with a generous sampling of every flavour of rural community imaginable. These are all elements that make us uniquely Canadian.

.

I have travelled to a few places in this old world and I can tell you, we may not be perfect, no place ever is, but the bottom line is simply that on our very worst day, we are still miles ahead of most other places on their best day. Why do you think that the United Nations have voted us the number one place to live on the planet? They have given us that distinction twice in the past few years. Little wonder that we are attractive when deciding a country to emigrate to. Before you jump to conclusions, no I am not against immigration. We need immigration, but we also need to respect our own traditions and fundamentals.

.

Canada is fast falling prey to special interest groups. You don't believe me? Then I suggest that you take a look around. Since the year is now winding down, let us focus on Christmas. Be careful though because we have allowed that to become a bad word at this time of year in many circles.

.

Let us look at a few examples. A couple of weeks back I entered a large store in Vancouver to purchase some greeting cards. Specifically, I wanted Christmas cards. I was emphatic, it is Christmas so I wanted my cards to say "Merry Christmas." The selection was deplorable. I spoke to the sales manager of the department. His statement was that "with the exception of a few, their cards reflect "Seasons Greetings." I asked him why. He stated "that was now the trend, something to do with political correctness" he said.

.

Purchasing a tree is another matter. You do not purchase a "Christmas Tree." You now purchase a "Gifting Tree." If you are in the mall at lunch time, you may want to listen to one of the choirs that travel around this time of year. Don't expect to hear any old time favourite Christmas Carols, because simply, you won't. I am told that many new comers to our shores could be offended, so the selections offered no longer reflect Christmas as we have known it for so many years.

.

The manger scenes have all but disappeared from public areas. Again, perish the thought, but we might get someones knickers in a knot. School concerts are totally watered down to rid us of traditional values. The agenda is obvious. All reference to Christianity is slowly being removed from this season of the year. I do not like that. I am within my rights to not like it, and I shall voice my opinion accordingly.

.

I suspect there may be many here who would be quick to jump up and down and tell me that I am biased in favour of Christianity. Well guess what, I am. Again, I am justified in my thoughts and opinions. I am entitled to them, and I have a right to express mine, just the same as you have yours. I do not though have the right to toss out your ideas and opinions, just because I may not approve of them. At the same time, you do not have the right to tamper with and force me to alter my thoughts and beliefs. We share the right to co-exist within our boundaries, as long as we are carrying on in a legalized fashion.

.

Occasionally over the years when I discuss this topic, I get branded a variety of things. I get asked often if I would admit to a belief in God. Quick answer, yes I do. Am I trying to ram my belief down your throat? Not at all. In simple terms, I couldn't care less if you choose to worship the south goal post in B C Place Stadium. Just don't try to shovel it in my direction. The bottom line here is simple. As my fundamental and traditional beliefs and customs are allowed to erode by special interest groups, it is being shoved down my throat and I do not approve of it, nor will I sit back on my butt and keep my mouth shut.

.

As a Canadian citizen, you should be aware of the date April 17, 1982. Not that many years ago huh? You see it was on this date in Canadian history that the rights and freedoms of Canadian citizens from coast to coast were enshrined into our "Canadian Charter Of Rights And Freedoms." True, our confederation was formed in 1867, but it was this late date in April, 1982 that we truly gained our independence from Great Britain. It granted us, as an independent nation, the right to adopt and enact our own laws, and as well, preserve our fundemental and traditional customs and beliefs as we see fit.

.

If you have never had the opportunity to read the Canadian Charter Of Rights And Freedoms, I would encourage you to do so. You can obtain a free copy by sending your federal member of parliament a note requesting it. You can find the members e-mail address by clicking on the link on the "Stoddard Online" web site.

.

With reference to what I say about Christianity, God, and our country, you may find the first line in the preamble of our Charter quite interesting. It says, and I quote "Whereas Canada is founded upon principles that recognizes the supremacy of God, and the rule of law."

.

In fairness to all concerned, the time has arrived when we must learn what is happening. I do not believe for a moment that the erosion of Christmas was created by the new immigrants on a personal basis. It goes much deeper. On a daily basis I am in contact with new Canadians, and I have yet to hear one utter words speaking out against Christmas. As a matter of fact, as recently as yesterday I had the opportunity to speak at length to a middle aged taxi driver as he transported me across the city. This gentleman was from Durban, South Africa. Within two minutes of entering his taxi, he was expressing to me his disappointment at the diminishing sights of Christmas in downtown Vancouver.

.

In summation, who are these special interest groups? Are they the politicians themselves? Are they our new immigrants? I suggest that our merchants, especially the large ones, are a chief factor in the equation. After all, the two weeks preceeding Christmas Day is the period that spells success or failure for the rest of the year. Perhaps we need to put some pressure on. Perhaps a boycott of shopping at these stores on the last shopping day before Christmas just might encourage some of these "Big Box" operations to get back to basics.

.

In closing, I want to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a very "Merry Christmas" and I encourage each and everyone to take a moment over the holiday time and pick up the telephone and call someone and tell them the same thing. It is also fitting at this time of year to let the members of our armed forces, police, and other emergency agencies know that we are behind them and thinking of them as they perform duties that most of us, thankfully will never get to see first hand.

.

As usual, feel free to leave your comments on the web site, and as well, feel free to send a short Christmas greeting to others who read the site. I will be back immediately after Christmas with a further update on the Wilbert Coffin case.

.

.

Lew Stoddard

THE WILBERT COFFIN STORY

.

"BEHIND THE SCENES"

.

.

.

Sometimes before moving forward it is necessary to stop and bring certain things into perspective. The time has now arrived to do just that here on "Stoddard Online."

.

You may recall a couple of weeks back a certain Clement Fortin commenced leaving comments on my web site. You may further recall that this Mr. Fortin was touting some new publication that he had recently launched into the market place. This particular publication apparently dealt with the Wilbert Coffin affair, and was produced from trial transcripts.

.

Those who know of me would very quickly recognize the fact that I do not get too excited when someone claiming to be an authority suddenly looms, waving another sheaf of papers. Usually, the emergence of these people provide some humour on an otherwise gloomy day. As the old saying goes,"they came, they saw, and suddenly, they are now going to conquer." A few months down the road, their ream of excellence will claim it's rightful resting place, "stashed amid the dust collectors between the book-ends of time."

.

My mission statement is simple. It states in part that I will argue until the end of time for one to present their opinion, even though it does not parallel mine. My position has not changed. Though I may be committed to accept diverse opinion in general, there is no obligation on my part to supply the vehicle to express that opinion. Such is the case with Mr. Clement Fortin.

.

Mr. Fortin has side-stepped the rules. This is totally unacceptable. I shall go into detail, so that you may form your own opinion with respect to this matter.

.

Clement Fortin has set up a blog site to tout his recent publication. He maintains that he is the modern voice of "French Canada" on the Wilbert Coffin affair, and he makes reference to me as the voice of "English Canada" on the Wilbert Coffin affair. Let me set something straight here and now Mr. Fortin. Never, and nor would I, ever refer to this case as being language based. I get lots of support from French speaking Canadians on my site and I always have. I couldn't care less if your native tongue is Pig Latin, if I can assist in bringing this case to conclusion. That is my mandate. You Sir on the otherhand, are free to do whatever you see fit to achieve your goals as long as it doesn't involve me. I shall now elaborate.

.

Mr. Fortin's original posting to my comment board came complete with his photograph and a description of this publication that he apparently has. I have made it clear in the past, I do not allow book sellers to promote their products on my site. Folks who have attempted this in the past had the decency to ask permission, which of course is always turned down. Clement Fortin apparently sees himself in a different perspective than others. He simply walks in unannounced and attempts to set up shop.

.

From this point on, Clement Fortin gets bolder and bolder. This is also the point Mr. Fortin that I ask you to pay special attention to what I am going to say. Take a deep breath Mr. Fortin because you may not like it. I do not enjoy reporting on it either, but you have forced my hand and involved me in actions, that in my view are fraudelent and deceitful, and as well emit the appearance of gaining under false pretenses.

.

Clement Fortin, you have a web site and that is no secret. As near as I can determine, you have created this site to create a potential reading audience for your material. That is your business, however, when I see how you have personally involved myself in the gathering of material for your site, it then becomes my business. I encourage you to read on with everyone else, and Mr. Fortin, I ask that you pay particular attention because in my view, many examples of false pretenses are about to be exposed.

.

Until late last evening, December 04, 2007, Mr. Fortin, I counted a total of 12 comments on your complete site. Of those 12 comments, a total of 9 of them were copies of comments on my site, "Stoddard Online" and then pasted on your site. On each of these comments, you state that you received these comments from the senders by e-mail, and you quote your e-mail address, making it look very straight forward. There is one small hitch though. Read on.

.

For you to state that these comments were sent directly to you by way of the e-mail address provided by you is a falsehood. I am going to copy an example of what I am saying and post it here. This comment was sent to the "Stoddard Online" web site on November 25, 2007. The author of this comment was Geri Ironside from British Columbia. I am reproducing it here today with her permission. Here is her comment as it appeared on my site on the day of submission.

.

Geri Ironside said...

.
I must admit that I havn't read Mr. Fortin's book which he says was written based on the trial transcripts. I would pose the question---would't we read the same information that has been around the block several times? What of the documents, police reports, and affidavits, etc. that were disallowed at the trial? If these facts had been given to the jury to ponder and weigh, the scales of justice would have tipped in a different direction.

.

Geri Ironside

Pt. Coquotlam, B.C.
25 November, 2007

Here is the same comment extracted from your site stating that it was sent to you, to the address provided, on November 25, 2007.

.

Clément Fortin said...
----- Original Message -----

From: Geri Ironside

.

To: clementf@sympatico.ca

.

Sent: Sunday, November 25, 2007 3:04 AM

.

Subject: [Stoddard Online] New comment on THE WILBERT COFFIN CASE.THE END OF THE JOURNEY.. T....Geri Ironside has left a new comment on the post "THE WILBERT COFFIN CASE.THE END OF THE JOURNEY.. T...":

.

I must admit that I havn't read Mr. Fortin's book which he says was written based on the trial transcripts. I would pose the question---would't we read the same information that has been around the block several times? What of the documents, police reports, and affidavits, etc. that were disallowed at the trial? If these facts had been given to the jury to ponder and weigh, the scales of justice would have tipped in a different direction.

.

Geri Ironside

Pt. Coquotlam, B.C.

.

It is interesting to note Mr. Fortin, that Ms. Ironside made the exact same typographical errors in the comment that you post on your site, that she did when she posted it to my site. Clearly, it is a case of copying the material. One final thing as well Mr. Fortin, and you would not have been aware of this . Ms. Ironside resides in the same home that I do. It was very easy to confirm all this with her.

.

My suspicions were confirmed at this point. Messages were appearing on your site at an accelerated rate. You copied and pasted my comments to you that I had made on my own web site. You pasted my same comments twice. I did notice though, that for some strange reason you did not state that my comments had arrived to you via your e-mail address.

.

The next one that I shall highlight is from Reg Mersereau of Fredericton, New Brunswick. The following is an exact reprint of Reg's letter to my comment board, and then later appearing on your site as your received material .

.

Clément Fortin said...
----- Original Message -----

.

From: Reg Mersereau To: clementf@sympatico.ca

.

Sent: Monday, November 26, 2007 4:20 AM

.

Subject: [Stoddard Online] New comment on THE WILBERT COFFIN CASE.THE END OF THE JOURNEY.. T....Reg Mersereau has left a new comment on the post "THE WILBERT COFFIN CASE.THE END OF THE JOURNEY.. T...":

.

I agree 100% it was the evidence that "wasn't" put before the jury that caused Wilbert Coffin to be executed. If it has taken this Fortin guy 53 years to understand that, then his head has been in the sand. I am not a lawyer but I have no trouble seeing that.

.

Reg Mersereau

.

Fredericton, N B

.

Again, this is a clear example of the copying of material from my site to yours. I can personally guarantee 100% accuracy in what I am going to tell you next regarding the letter from Reg.

.

You see Clement, by this time it was evident that you were feasting on your new found store house of popularity. There are many examples of comments being stolen from my comment board and appearing on your site.

.

During this period, not once did I complain to you. I merely observed on a day by day basis as to what was taking place. I made the decision to go on a fishing trip. A fishing trip that I hoped would supply the necessary confirmation as to what was going on with my web site. I thought that it might take some time. Little did I know, I used the right bait the first time around. I say that because instantly my bait was grabbed and devoured on the first cast.

.

You see Clement I set up a sting operation. I created a fictitious character. I gave him a name. His name became Reg Mercereau. "Reg" sent a baited comment to my message board that contained comments that might incite someone to grab hold. It worked miraculously well. According to you Mr. Fortin, "fictitious Reg" was apparently able to send an e-mail to you. Without doubt, that was an incredible feat.

.

I could go on and on and cite many other examples, but what would it prove at this point. I am certain that I have made it abundantly clear to my readers. The mandate of my page has been, is, and always will be the maintaining of integrity. That is why I expose this junk when it surfaces from time to time.

.

I have noticed Mr. Fortin that as of yesterday's date you placed another message on my comment board stating that you have installed a permanent link to my site from yours. According to yourself, you did this so that your viewers would have a quick link to what I am saying about the Wilbert Coffin case. Mr. Fortin, as I see it, you have no viewers or readers, because as I peruse your site, it is made up almost completely of readers that you have stolen from my site.

.

You state Clement that you are a lawyer. I really do not know if you are or not, and down deep I don't really care. You do state that you have been in private practise, precisely where I do not know, and that you taught law at The University Of Sherbrooke. I am curious Mr. Fortin, if the actions that I have described above are becoming for those of a professional entrusted with the guiding of students in a faculty of law. I will not attempt to answer that question. I will leave it to those more qualified. That is my reason for making the decision to provide a copy of this posting to the law faculty at the university. It would be interesting as well, to learn the opinion of The Quebec Bar Association, should they be approached.

.

In congruous fashion Clement, I am curious as well if it is becoming of a publishing house to resort to the acceptance of this sort of behaviour from it's authors. Again, as above I will not attempt to answer that question. That is my reason for making the decision to provide a copy of this posting to your publishers, Wilson & Lafleur. In my view, the behaviour as I have described here of an author representing a publishing house, appears extreme in the quest to sell a few books.

.
I wish also to point out something to readers of these sites. On the main opening page there is a link that states "View My Complete Profile." When this link opens up, one of the items displayed is a little box indicating the number of profile views since each individual site came into existence. That number cannot be relied upon to provide an accurate number of hits to any of the blog pages. The reason is simple. The number is too easily influenced. You could sit there from any computer on the internet and click in and out of the link and it would record a new visit each time. There are other ways as well. When the profile page is open, it is only necessary to click the "F5" key. As fast as you can click, it will record you another profile visit. I thought that I would point that out to you Mr. Fortin, because I notice that for the very short time that you have been on your site, you appear to have an inordinate amount of profile visits recorded, and there is always the chance that someone may be playing with your numbers. In your case though, based on your popularity, the figures are probably quite accurate. Personally, I have no faith in any system that can be so easily skewed.

.

A short way back in this posting I alluded to the message that you posted yourself on my site informing everyone that you had installed a direct link to my page. That could suggest to some that we have an accord between us. We haven't in the past, we do not now, and we will not have in the future. In other words, we have absolutely nothing in common. The situation involving the "borrowing" of commenters from my site to yours, and the establishment of the link between the sites is a product that has been concocted entirely in your own mind.

.

Clement, I am not certain as to why you have chosen to go the route that you have displayed through all of this. One can only speculate the motives. It is you Clement, who harbours the true motive in this particular instance. It has been demonstrated that some get caught up in the associated fifteen minutes of fame that many seek throughout a lifetime. Whatever the true reason, it is unfortunate that individuals will get caught up in such shenanigans, especially at the expense of others. When insufferable rudeness occurs, as is displayed by your actions in this matter, it became time for me to bring the matter to conclusion.

.

In closing, I want my readers of my site to be fully aware of the fact that I implore you, Clement Fortin, to cease/desist these practises immediately, and that within the next 24 hours you will go into the settings for your site and immediately take down the link that you installed to the "Stoddard Online" site and immediately inform me that it has been carried out. As the saying goes in legal jargon, "Govern Yourself Accordingly."

.

.

Lew Stoddard

STODDARD ONLINE

"The New Tomorrow"

.

A few weeks back I indicated to you that a few changes were forthcoming on the "Stoddard Online" web site. I am pleased to tell you that many of those changes have already been implemented, or are in the midst of change.

.

You may recall that one of the changes that I alluded to was the fact that I would be returning the page to reflect a more general audience, covering a wider range of topics, and in doing so, reflecting a broader audience base. You will also recall that I informed everyone, that in no way should this decision be construed as an indication that I was abandoning the Wilbert Coffin case.

.

When I originally set up the "Stoddard Online" web blog exactly two years ago, my plans were to incorporate news stories and editorial opinion, combined with the views of my readers. I was stepping out in faith, simply because I did not know if I could build an audience base, and without an audience, my page would be nothing beyond a name. Thanks to all you good folks, there was a growing audience out there that took care of all those fears and details. For that reason, I want you to know that you are appreciated beyond words, and as always, I welcome and encourage your thoughts and opinions on any topic that is under study.

.

You will notice that the page has been given a complete face lift, comprising a new style, new fonts, and new coloring. Additionally, something you may not have yet noticed is the fact that some new links have been added on the page. This was done for one reason only, so that continuity would be maintained for coverage on the Wilbert Coffin case.

.

The page has been partitioned. If you care to click on the link that invites you to "download letters to your member of parliament", you will see a whole new page open up on the Wilbert Coffin case. The new page is titled "A Plea For Justice" with a sub-title of "The Wilbert Coffin Story." On this page you will see links to "AIDWYC" (Association In Defense Of The Wrongly Convicted). This link will provide you with up to date information from the association, cases currently under review and consideration, and links to other interesting sites. I invite you to take a look at their link, and am sure you will find it informative.

.

There is ample opportunity provided for you to contact your member of parliament and as well, to Prime Minster Harper, and to Justice Minister Rob Nicholson. If you are not certain as to who your member of parliament is in Ottawa, simply click on the "Search Here" link near the bottom of the page, and you will see a complete listing of all three hundred plus members, their regular mailing address, and their e-mail addresses. If you click on a particular name, the member's web site will open up, complete with picture and biography.

.

You will also see a link provided that will direct you to some sample letters that I have written to the members. Feel free to download and use these letters for your e-mails and letters. As well, should you choose to do so, you may prefer to draft your own letters, which of course is certainly your choice, but either way, the names and addresses are provided for you. If you use the sample letters provided, just add your member of parliaments name at the beginning, and your name at the end.

.

At the very bottom of the page you will notice a counter. This counter provides a wealth of information so that I can track where our support for the cause lies. In no way, does this identify you personally to me, or to anyone else. It merely points out the province and the area from where folks have viewed the page, and written letters to the members of parliament. It is interesting to note that at the present time as I prepare this for publication to the site, the counter is now reading 70, and I think that is fantastic, considering the fact that it has been up and running only since Friday with no advertizing yet of this new site. Included in these figures are two from the United States, and one from New Zealand. The main thing that this tells us all is the fact that there are many folks out there who are concerned about the Wilbert Coffin case, and that is the reason why I shall keep it going.

.

I wish that I could take the credit for the setting up of the new site. In truth, I cannot. I have to convey a mountain of thanks to Gus Mitchell of Vancouver, who as usual performed his computer magic. When I need help with a computer issue, Gus is always there to answer the call. In case you do not know, Gus is the husband of Lani Mitchell, who has donated the past year and a half to all the issues surrounding the Wilbert Coffin case.

.

In closing, I invite you to take a look at all the new features of my web site. I also ask that you take a look in the next few days of some of my new writings, and most of all, I ask for your comments as usual. Some of you have been with me almost since day one. It is here that I want to thank Bent in Ontario. Bent has been a supporter of this site since I was writing on the Steven Truscott story nearly two years ago.

.

I will be doing a follow-up posting in just a few days to clear up some questions that have been posed regarding the Wilbert Coffin affair. I haven't forgotten you, it is just that I have been incredibly busy stick handling around writing, assisting the setting up of the new site, and taking care of some severe medical issues. Thankfully, everything is now falling into place. Thank you, and God bless all.

.

Lew Stoddard