[We now have a NEW POST taking us up to February 1, 2015. This post will be retired from service.]
THE AUTUMN 2014 UPDATE
Dear Donors,
Together, we reached our goal of $100,000 to pay the November 1 legal bill 11 days ahead of schedule!
Thank you Canadian donors from coast to coast and our friends from around the world for your generosity, support and determination — and especially for not being afraid.
The name of our non-profit corporation is the “Alliance for the Defence of Canadian Sovereignty.”
We were very deliberate in including in our name the word “sovereignty”, which forms a cornerstone of our Claims against the Government of Canada.
Canada and dozens of other countries throughout the world gave into a bully because their “leaders” were afraid of harm caused by a trading “partner” — and they gave their sovereignties away.
Help us convince by example the Leaders and Governments of all countries worldwide that they should return their sovereignties back to their Peoples.
Please continue to support our lawsuit.
“Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.” (Helen Keller)
— Plaintiffs Ginny and Gwen, and the ADCS-ADSC team
Chers donateurs,
Ensemble, nous avons atteint notre but d’amasser 100 000 $ pour payer notre facture légale du 1er novembre 11 jours d’avance !
Un gros merci à vous, donateurs canadiens, et à nos amis de tous les coins du monde pour votre grande générosité, soutien et détermination. Et surtout pour votre courage.
Le nom de notre organisme sans but lucratif est « l’Alliance pour la défense de la souveraineté canadienne ».
Nous avons choisi délibérément le mot « souveraineté » puisqu’il constitue la base fondamentale de nos revendications envers le gouvernement du Canada.
Le Canada et des dizaines d’autres pays se sont pliés devant l’intimidation des États-Unis parce que leurs « leaders » ont eu peur des menaces de notre « partenaire » commercial. Ils ont donc vendu leur souveraineté à rabais.
Aidez-nous à convaincre les dirigeants et les gouvernements de tous ces pays qu’ils se doivent de remettre leur souveraineté à leurs peuples.
S’il vous plaît, continuez à soutenir notre cause.
« Seuls, nous pouvons faire si peu. Ensemble, nous pouvons faire beaucoup. » (Helen Keller)
— Ginny, Gwen et toute l’équipe de l’ADCS-ADSC
DONATE to www.adcs-adsc.ca (ADSC en français).
We haven’t heard much from Jim Jatras lately (he did offer a brief comment about Don Whiteley’s passing though) and since he often works beneath the surface that’s not too surprising. Wouldn’t it be terrific if he teamed up or at least collaborated with Jim Bopp in the campaign to battle FATCA? Meanwhile Nigel Green has certainly indicated his support for Jim Bopp. He has written (note the Jim Jatras quote within):
“With Washington intending to implement FATCA on July 1, I will be fully supporting Jim Bopp’s campaign to fight this law, as he prepares to launch his legal battle against ‘one of the worst laws most Americans have never heard of.’”
http://www.nigel-green.com/2014/06/12/u-s-superlawyer-launches-campaign-against-fatca/
@calgary411
Shocking to hear the rude way in which the Conservatives responded to the discussion of you, your family, and your son’s–and by extension other families in a similar situation. Hopefully the shameful behavior of the individual MP’s involved can be exposed and they will be justly shamed for their behavior. The coverage I saw clearly indicated the disrespectful behavior but it was sound in the background so it was hard to be sure which individual MP’s were involved.
I did want to comment on the following point:
“I can’t quite understand the Conservative talking point that — Conservative MP Allen seems to indicate that Canada might condone and encourage tax evasion by saying that the registered accounts are exempt from reporting – true for the banks. They are not exempt for the individual’s US responsibility. ”
This is a point on which I’ve always been confused with the stance of many (perhaps not all) people involved with IBS. It is as though–while denying US sovereignty in Canada–Brockers still want to be individually compliant with US law. It is as though Brockers want US and Canadian law to be separate things–but they still see US law as having some influence on them.
That’s not what it means for the US to have no sovereignty in Canada. If the US has no sovereignty in Canada, then US law may be completely ignored in Canada. If the US has no sovereignty in Canada, one doesn’t even mention the subject of a Canadian’s individual US responsibility.
I mention this because a very possible outcome of this litigation is that the Canadian courts fully respect the privacy of Canadians (without regard to “dual” status) and their right to be treated as Canadians and only Canadians in Canada. But the US–which the Canadian courts have no control over–may well consider them to be individual tax evaders.
In the specific case of your son–and others in a similar situation–calgary411, a very possible outcome of successful litigation is that his situation and status as a Canadian becomes absolutely, 100%, safe and recognized in Canada. Successful litigation will ensure that his privacy is 100% respected by all Canadian institutions. But he will never be able to safely travel to the US. I hope that you are comfortable with–or can at least live with–such an outcome, because I believe that would be the likely outcome of the successful conclusion of the litigation I’ve just donated to.
A few hours ago we were facebooked on the CCLA (Canadian Civil Liberties Association) site. So, now we are on Republicans Overseas and CCLA FBs.
Can some of you please go to the CCLA site, make a few comments, and express a liking?
https://www.facebook.com/cancivlib
Could you also figure out ways to FB ADCS on other sites?
Thanks
We really need to keep a running file of the Conservative’s non support and rude behavior for the next election. Canada soon forgets all the past gaffes and disgusting behavior that goes on in Parliament. It could be brought out to either give to the opposition party or blasted throughout Canada to show how the Harper Government is so willing to throw Canadians to the wolves. Does anyone have an idea where we could store our information that we could use in the future?. Otherwise it gets lost in the archives. I think it might be another ploy to get rid of the Harper and his bullies when the time comes.
Absolute power corrupts absolutely – Macbeth (or rots the mind, as attested by the comments about calgary411’s situation).
Ann, perhaps it can be added to this YouTube collection, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIW37BX83ZGfc0filSfbvvw
…Deckard, what do you think — could you do an abbreviated version of this long session?
Thanks very much for weighing in, Dash1729. Yes, I am (and have been for some time) comfortable with never again travelling to the US. It’s wrong, but the best alternative. I appreciate your and everyone’s support.
tell anyone that asks that you are jewish or muslim or native or something and ask if they still want to ask about your nationality origin.
I intend to do so, and if they keep asking I will show them proof of circumcision.
@calgary411
“It’s wrong, but the best alternative.”
I completely agree with you. It’s wrong. I hope at some point in the future that a better alternative–one that respects basic human rights in BOTH countries–will be available. In the immediate future, I think the better chance for sanity is in Canada. Not–it is true–in the Conservative party. But there seem to still be some sane political parties in Canada whereas the pickings seem pretty slim indeed these days in the USA.
I’m proud to be supporting you and everyone involved with the Brockers and the Maple Sandbox.
I know it’s not much (every bit helps, right?), but I managed to raise $250 in a fundraiser at work this week. I made packages of homemade decorated sugar cookies and gave them out with a minimum donation to ADCS. Gave me a chance to talk to people about FATCA and the legal challenge that will be happening. Guess I don’t need to tell you that nobody knew anything about it.
So at least I can say I provided some awareness with my “Crazy about Canada” moose and maple leaf cookies! And a bit more cash for ADCS. Will send out the payment in the morning.
Third donation on the way
How creative, Kathy! Break the ice with something everyone loves – cookies!
Just received confirmation from offices of three different MPs that Bill C-31 containing the bad FATCA GA enabling legislation was passed by Canada’s House of Commons yesterday. Now the bill is at the Senate. I can’t find any media attention given to this.
This morning ADCS-ADSC will be sending out a press release to selected press on the vote. Shortly afterwards GwEvil will be posting the press release on Brock and Sandbox.
—Once this post is up, BEFORE you spend time making any other comment on Brock, could you please take a few minutes as GwEvil asks and send out the press release widely, nationally AND internationally, to large and small (especially small) newspapers, radio and tv stations, potential donors, Face Book etc.?
Thanks
Bravo, Kathy — can I buy some of your “Crazy About Canada” moose and maple leaf cookies? You have definitely spread the word. Thanks for your advocacy for the importance of the sovereignty of Canada!
How close is it for the lawsuit to begin? Is it required to wait till July 1st? Does it depending on the amount raised?
@calgary411
Sorry, they’re all sold out. Decorated sugar cookies are a labour of love for me. I took some vacation time to get these done. You can see them at my smugmug site: http://thatswhatshesaid.smugmug.com/Crazy-about-Canada-cookies/Cookies/
I must say the range of reactions from people was a bit surprising. Most were shocked and horribly upset by it, others said they weren’t surprised as we’re all losing privacy rights these days and some even insisted the government and banks send that information already. It’s funny that the more techie the person was the more they fell into the “well, the NSA will have all our information anyway, but I’ll make a donation anyway” group.
I’m so glad you did this, Kathy. It sounds like it might be a good idea in combination with a bit of protesting on July 1st, Black Canada Day. Again, bravo for your ingenuity.
You’re Crazy About Canada Cookies really are a work of art, Kathy!!!
@ Kathy
Loved your cookie initiative and those are the best looking Canadian treats I’ve ever seen. Good luck with your CLN — hope it comes sooner than the predicted.
@ Calgary
I’ve been referring to this up-coming Canada Day as “Black Day in July” because Gordon Lightfoot’s famous song about the Detroit race riots keeps going through my head. Unfortunately I haven’t felt like doing poems, prose or parodies for quite awhile now (just can’t seem to make them happen) so I substitute la-la-las for the lyrics until it gets to the refrain, “Black day in July”. Then I want to weep for what the USA and Canada have done.
On a brighter note, my husband just set off to cast his first ever vote in Canada (by-election advance poll) and we all know it will NOT be for a CON. Actually we both settled on the NDP candidate this time around — all choices other than Conservative would have been okay with us but we had to choose one so NDP is it, even though she has no chance of winning in this part of Canada. I sent an e-mail to Thomas Mulcair yesterday to let him know our decision and why.
@ the ADCS board
Twig #2 will be on its way on July 1st. (My CPP/OAS cheque arrives at the end of the month.)
To confirm:
A twig just arrived this afternoon from a person many of us suspect is the inspiration for Ms. Em.
@ Stephen Kish
Thanks for the message. Mr. Em says he’s more likely the exasperation for Mrs. Em though. 😉
@ brockers- well canada is having its own section 202 moment (uk brockers may well remember this is the section 202 of the UK FA 2013 that made FATCA uk law)
I am waiting for june paycheck where I will donate my bonus (net of tax) to the ADCS campaign-2nd donation, made my first donation couple of weeks agao $500 CAD from savings.
shame the donations are not tax deductible in UK :)… it is an honour and privielege to support ADCS work.
I am already planning fundraising ideas-book sales in the street , sponsored diets, etc
@Kathy
Good work on the cookies Kathy!
‘It’s funny that the more techie the person was the more they fell into the “well, the NSA will have all our information anyway, but I’ll make a donation anyway” group.’
Well I’m a techie and I’m not sure I agree w/this line of thinking. Yes it is true that the NSA no doubt has access to a vast array of data–and that is disturbing in and of itself and certainly a battle that should be fought on another front.
However IMHO there is a big difference between the NSA having access to a large amount of raw data versus specifically sending particular data to the IRS flagging particular individuals–incorrectly in most cases–as potential tax evaders. Yes both are scary Big Brother-ish developments but the latter moves a specific individual much closer to a specific–and unjust–criminal prosecution. With FATCA it isn’t just a case of the government knowing everything about everyone–it is a case of specific individuals being singled out, unjustly, for particular attention to be paid to their data for absolutely no reason other than a potential unfair criminal prosecution.
So I think there is very good reason to oppose FATCA even if the NSA likely has access to the data in some form already. But if there are ways of resisting NSA access to data too of course that should be done on another front.
@crystal london – thanks for your earlier donation and your upcoming one. We appreciate our international friends’ support of the Legal Challenge in Canada. And don’t worry, the donations aren’t tax deductable in Canada either! (only charities can issue tax deductable receipts).
@ALL – Please get the word out to as many people as you can in as many ways as you can…We need donations from the rest of Canada (and internationally). And a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who has generously donated so far (and we hope will continue to as this progresses)!