Our Place in Canada - The Newfoundland Experiment

The Rumors of my Death have been Greatly Exaggerated

2011-09-08T10:58:00.000-02:30

Alive and Kicking

Gail Shea is a Paper Tiger

2010-07-05T14:28:00.000-02:30

DFO gives up on Newfoundland and Labrador, they abandon fisheries research and waits for us to die.

When we take the reigns and decide to do it ourselves DFO minister Gail Shea says she welcomes Newfoundland and Labrador doing it's own Fisheries research providing we get her permission. What is it called when a person does none of the work but demands to have final say? I am not sure if DFO imagines itself to be our masters or our pimps.

It's like hiring a painter to paint your house, they prime the walls and leave, 61 years later they come back to demand a say in the colour.

All Gail Shea has to offer is a rubber stamp.

No Shrimp Worries for the Big Apple

2010-05-04T12:17:00.000-02:30

After the ordeal with Crab everyone is saying - "Wait until we talk shrimp!" but The New York Times says there are lots of Shrimp and good pricing?! Why are we sitting with clenched butt cheeks over the upcoming season?

Bay Roberts Worse Place to Live in Canada?

2010-05-04T12:14:00.000-02:30

According to MoneySense - Bay Roberts is the worse place to live in Canada?! Anyone who has overlooked the bay from their marvelous pavilion would likely differ!
http://ca.finance.yahoo.com/personal-finance/article/moneysense/1558/canadas-10-worst-places-to-live

Bishop's Falls makes top 5! Hockeyville 2010

2010-03-29T12:20:00.000-02:30

Thanks to the overwhelming support of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians everywhere Bishop's Falls has made it to the top five of Hockeyville 2010. That comes with a nice little monetary prize which the arena in Bishop's can certainly use.

Don't give up yet! We have a chance to make hockeyville history and finally bring the show to Newfoundland and Labrador!

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/hockeyville/community/1019/en/
1-866-533-8066 01 (plus a two digit confirmation code when prompted)

Bishop's Falls IS Hockeyville

2010-03-17T10:16:00.002-02:30

Please give us a few votes to bring Hockeyville to the home of the mighty Exploits and some of the most passionate hockey fans on the planet Bishop's Falls.

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/hockeyville/community/1019/en/

1-866-533-8066 02 (plus a two digit confirmation code when prompted)

Miss Newfoundland and Labrador - Courage

2010-02-03T13:26:00.000-03:30

There are two sides to the seal hunt issue, sure, but the faceless cowards that use hateful actions and language; attacking this spirited girl, need to look inside themselves.

Through it all Miss NL has been tremendously couragous, realistic and steadfast.

A clip from The National:
http://www.cbc.ca/thenational/indepthanalysis/story/2010/02/02/national-saragreen.html

UFO! No You F.O.!

2010-01-29T17:19:00.000-03:30

Ed Hollett who calls himself a humble e-scribber appears on the NTV Pre-news as Newfoundland and Labrador's UFO expert. Wow! I would not have guessed that UFO researcher was on his CV. Maybe he is right, maybe the south coast UFO is just a plane. I ran it by my own staff of experts here at NewfoundlandinCanada. Here is what they discovered. First off an enhancement of the original image shows three distinct lines of light and dark (a fusilage and two wings) as well as two distinct vapour trails (from the wings). My expert Dr. Shagov concludes Mr. Hollett may be correct that this is indeed simply a commerical plane.

I had to dig further, as is my nature. I had Dr. Shagov enhance the photo to the greatest possible enhancement (CSI would envy the talent I have here). What she found was even more surprising than Mr. Hollett's epiphany...

Why the secrecy? This is in fact a PeTA plane! Sent from New York for the PM's visit to St. John's. PeTA was reluctant to give details as to the cargo but an insider informs NewfoundlandinCanada it is in fact a load of Tofu Pies and Wingnuts from New York. The delivery obviously had to be expedited because tofu pies that are past their freshness starts to smell like puffin farts, and like the delicate orchid, wingnuts do not keep well in captivity.

So there is is, nuff said about the Harbour Mille Missle.

Nuff Said

2010-01-27T10:33:00.000-03:30

"Never increase, beyond what is necessary, the number of words required to explain anything"
William of Ockham (1285-1349)

"Be brief"
BornNBred 2010

Just Like the Good Old Days

2010-01-23T17:05:00.000-03:30

Protests at the Colonial Building in St. John's Newfoundland and Labrador. Harper has the great luxury of deciding if and when he wants to work. Who is his boss anyway?

Prorogue-ie Anyone?

2010-01-22T13:12:00.004-03:30

The will be a protest Jan 23 in front of the Colonial Building to protest the fact that the prime minister of the country we find ourselves a part of decides if and when he wants to go to work

Colonial Building
St. John's, NL
1pm Jan 23, 2010

Speakers, Mary Walsh, Pete Soucy, Lana Payne

Help Haiti - Quick and Easy

2010-01-14T15:56:00.002-03:30

Texting the word HAITI to 45678 from any Rogers Wireless or Bell Mobility phone donates $5.

See the Salvation Army site here for this initiative

http://www.salvationarmy.ca/2010/01/14/salvation-army-to-accept-haiti-relief-donations-via-text-message/

Newfoundland's Wizard Promoted from this Realm

2009-12-30T22:36:00.009-03:30

Look into the lighthouse, the lens flares back into your eyes. It is a lens built with all the craftsmanship and thought of an engineer but yet never truly tangible. This was the world of The Wizard, Ron Pelley. Art that at once showed you how a fraction of light could pull detail from the most mundane surface of wave beaten cliff; yet brought you to see the finest detail of the silvery scaled salmon, or the translucency of a dragonfly wing casting its fragile shadow firmly on the rippling surface of blue water.

When the Wizard was stricken with crippling arthritis he transformed. The man that was reborn had traded tradition for innovation, paint for pixels and a brush for a mouse. But a wizard with a new wand is nonetheless still a wizard. I had the great pleasure of visiting this artist's study as he showed me the method of digital art. I saw the 3D wire images and textures. What could not be seen though was the magic that placed all of that mathematical form and function into our minds such that it evoked such familiarity. The scenes were real, the characters have personalities, the food has taste, and the canvas emotion. This is the magic that Ron Pelley could conger.

On the 27th of December he ascended from this realm taking his secrets with him, but leaving us with a renewed wonder in the world around us.

There is a place where the berries are fresh and the flowers bright. A lonely soul waits for the evening train, as the locals play pool across from the station. On the coast a lighthouse keeper fries some brook trout and sets an eloquent table of colourful dishes and flowers for one. Outside his window the sun sets; before dropping into the gray evening cloud it floods the sea with one last moment of brilliance.

Thank you for letting me into that world Ron. Thank you for making me believe again in magic. I will look curiously into the Fresnel lens whenever I see a lighthouse, hoping to see that which is beyond, to perhaps catch a fleeting glimpse of the Wizard.

Soul of the artist, and biker bud,
Darren

http://ronpelley.mosaicglobe.com

The Cod are Back! (But it's not ours anymore)

2009-12-19T13:21:00.002-03:30

Portuguese Minister Antonio Serrano announced the renewal of fleet access to Canadian waters. (Photo: MARM)

Some 13 vessels of the Portugal fleet will once again operate in Canadian waters and fish 1,070 tonnes of cod as of next year, thanks to the re-opening of an area administered by the North West Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (NAFO).

“After 11 years [of the zone being closed], we recovered the quota of NAFO cod,” said Portuguese Fisheries Minister Antonio Serrano.

The Portuguese boats set to work in NAFO waters have an average capacity of 900 tonnes of fish.

Apparently the Cod are back - and anyone but the Newfoundlander and Labradorian can have it. Gail Shaea was quick to dispute that. Apparently Canada's Fishery Minister and the Portuguese Fishery Minister have a different take on things. They both seem happy enough though.

When Portuguese Cod fillets show up in Sobeys Gail Shea will be the first to get her fee and chee. So we may not be able to fish for our own cod, but maybe the white fleet will come ashore and buy a bottle of bakeapple jam or a wooden outhouse ornament - so at least we have that.

R.I.P The Fighting Newfoundlander

WWF NAFO and Newfies (unabashed)

2009-12-16T15:31:00.003-03:30

I hate the word Newfie and refused to use it on my original piece on the Community Linkages blog. This version though is presented straight up

In the world of fisheries there is a widely accepted belief that the best to manage the resource are those closest to it. This is the simple concept behind what is commonly referred to as "Custodial Management."

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) stated: "Since 2005, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) had advised Canada to drop the NAFO agreement, because it does not protect the fish at risk, such as cod and flounder, and instead to adopt "... a new Regional Fisheries Management Organization." Canada's response was to officially adopt NAFO. The WWF stated last year that NAFO undermines the recovery of the cod fishery."

Indeed our current Prime Minister Steven Harper promised it.

Why then do we now find ourselves with a NAFO convention that not only does not give us custodial management but in fact does the opposite - deferring management away from Newfoundland and Labrador and even away from Canada. Instead marine management in the Northwest Atlantic now will be handled by NAFO - primarily European Nations who just last year banned our seal products and as the WWF eludes to above, consistently overfish their own quotas.

Why would Harper defer management of the 200 mile limit to European Nations and take it out of Ottawa's jurisdiction?!

Here my friends is the frank and honest truth. Someone has to keep an eye on the Newfies and Ottawa doesn't want that kind of expense. Even if that means having the panty-hose Spanish trawlers like the Estai policing Newfoundland and Labrador.

That's the mindset. Ottawa is not going to stand up for the Newfie and the EU believe us to be barbarians who savage baby seals.

If you are certain of only one thing be certain of this: If we as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians want to rise about the image of the Newfie we need to stand on our feet and be heard. No one is going to stand up for a Newf but Newf.

Prime Minister Opens the Waters to Foreign Vessels

2009-12-13T21:03:00.004-03:30

Join the growing coalition against Harper's dicatorial stance on NAFO.

Harper stands against the majority of MPs, all seven Newfoundland and Labrador MPs, fisheries experts, municipalities and Newfoundlanders and Labradorians of all strips. Our outrage falls on Harper's deaf ears.

We have to be louder, we need your voice: email info@clccnl.ca

The New Border Breach - The 200 Mile Limit

2009-11-26T09:43:00.003-03:30

Canadians should know their government is pushing through changes to Fisheries policy that will allow Foreign nations a say inside out fisheries zone off the East Coast.

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians need to stand together to get this message out before it is too late.

www.fisheriesforum.ca
newfoundland-labrador.net
email: custodian@newfoundland-labrador.net

Paradise Recycles

2009-10-02T10:35:00.004-02:30

What do you do if an election comes up dead even? If you are the town of Paradise you dump the Pepsi bottles out of your recycle bin, throw both gents in there and see who pops up. The result may be Paradise's first truly recycled mayor.

Feds on the Rails

2009-09-28T11:38:00.007-02:30

Every spring Home Hardware produces a flyer selling a very nice well priced hummingbird feeder. Only problem is that the island of Newfoundland has no hummingbirds. Sure there may be a scattered vagrant Ruby-Throated around Pasadena but that poor little creature is only visiting, and if one were to appear in Torbay he might likely be accompanied by a lion, tinman, and scarecrow. None-the-less they ship those humming bird feeders. That's the sort of head-scratcher that happens when Newfoundland and Labrador is perceived from a distance.

Not to pick on Home Hardware, it's the same thing with Walmart for example. On a particularly humid day this summer I remarked to a Walmart greeter "Bloody hot in here isn't it" (actually it was "Friggin' 'ot id-nit", but accent aside...) The blue vested lady replied, "we called the mainland - they won't let us turn down the heat." True! Local Walmart's don't have their own thermostat! But that's the way it goes isn't it: Can't trust a Newfoundlander to know what a comfortable body temperature is.

Someone, somewhere else calling the shots. That brings me to mother Ottawa. I get a flyer in my mail touting how great the federal government is for investing in rail transportation. Remember trains? They have them everywhere else in Canada except for Newfoundland. We did have trains, railway stretched from coast to coast, routes used for shipping paper to Botwood, a turnabout in Bishop's Falls. We put pennies on the track during recess, and when we heard the whistle we ran like hell to the nearest butman (that's what we called the piers on the tressle - Googling the word is a bad idea).

What happened to the trains? We traded the federal government's financial input into the rail system for some infrastructure money to upgrade highways. So it is difficult to applaud the fact that the rest of Canada is getting money pumped into its railway. It is even more difficult when the Conservatives send me a nice picture of a train to rub it in.

The investment in the railway is one that by default we cannot take advantage of in Newfoundland and Labrador. Given that Ottawa's has nar a clue when it comes to NL may I suggest we use our portion of investment into the TransLabrador Railway. It's a little different than VIA, it uses transport trucks instead of trains - but if a name change is what it takes then long live the TLR.

I think a great promotion would be to offer a free hummingbird feeder with every VIA Rail ticket. We can use the new TransLabrador Railway to ship all of those hummingbird feeders back west. It's a win win.

The Prime Minister Makes a Stand

2009-09-11T13:25:00.001-02:30

Lanier Phillips: Discovery in St. Lawrence

2009-09-02T12:52:00.004-02:30

From Community Linkages Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Lanier Phillips: Discovery in St. Lawrence

There are Newfoundlanders and Labradorians born and bred, and then there are those who have found meaning here entirely by accident.

Lanier Phillips was one of 46 men who survived the Truxtun disaster. His story is not a simple story of survival but a story of the power of humanity. In a world of segregation and racism Mr. Phillips credits the simple generousity of the people of St. Lawrence, NL, not only with saving his life, but with their compassion - changing it forever. As a black man in the segregated south of the 50's he has said: "To experience instantly love and humanity that I didn't think existed between the races — it just changed everything for me."

This is a story that begs to be told and has had some great interest in the Newfoundland and Labrador film industry. Now the story has caught the attention of the American film industry. It has even caught the attention of Bill Cosby who invited Mr. Phillips on stage and told his story. A full length feature film is finally in the works.

The story is remniscent of a film called "Amazing Grace" that Ray Johnson likes to quote when we meet with Community Linkages. Mr. Phillips story, like Amazing Grace tells of the power of the individual, when love and compassion are the motivating factors for change. The upcoming film will perhaps offer a rare glimpse of the true virtue of rural Newfoundland and Labrador and why we so passionately love this place.

Listening to Lanier Phillips on CBC:

http://www.cbc.ca/...st_lawrence.html

The Puffins and the Wolf

2009-08-19T11:47:00.003-02:30

A long time ago when the earth was blue and green there was an island in the North Atlantic Sea, the prettiest you've ever seen. On this rocky coast of crag and scarp lived a colony of puffins. They made a meager but sustained life living off the sea, diving for fish off the shores. Some years were lean and their young grew weak, but in the good years they feasted on fish and danced through the evening.

One fateful March, they were cold and hungry and grew weary in wait for the capelin that would wash in with the waves of June. The sea would offer the bounty that had sustained them for generations, but the nights were long and the wait was proofing unbearable. Other fish had been scarcer than previous years and their young were disappearing in great numbers. The elder puffins assembled, unbeknownst to them the tiny island had been visited that year by a cunning wolf.

Our young are hungry, the puffins cried, and we are cold and fear we will not survive to see the warmth of summer. Just then as the puffins were assembled came a low rumbling that filled the air like thunder. The puffins shook and all at once swung their coloured beaks to the direction of the rumble. It was a voice, the voice of the wolf:

I know your problem, rumbled the wolf with wet fangs flashing in the low evening sun, and it is I alone who can help you. You can have all the comforts of the modern world, treasures and comforts that a bird with such poor useless wings could never dream of. You will be warm and your bellies full. For my generous philanthropy I would only ask for fresh eggs and a gift of fish. The puffins, anxious to see a better live for their children agreed to the terms of partnership with the wolf.

Daily the puffins brought their eggs and a share of their fish. Dear wolf, they would say as they knelt at the feet of the dog, dear wolf these gifts I bring to thee so that we may live in harmony with you. The arrangement between the wolf and puffins lasted many years, until at last the fish became hard to find. With the Wolf’s substantial share of fish the waters off the shores were being harvested heavily. The puffins caught as much fish as they could but the bounty at the feet of the wolf became less and less. At long last the poor puffins could not sustain themselves and the wolf. Their children were again dwindling in numbers and many were hungry.

The elders again went to the wolf who was not at all pleased. Why is it that your gifts have become so few? he asked, his snout thrust toward the puffins and his teeth bared. Dear Wolf, spoke the elders, our children are again cold and hungry the fish are harder to find, we must fly further and dive deeper to fish. Our eggs are left unguarded. Too often we are returning with no fish to find our nests empty. And... one puffin stepped forward, and dear wolf, if I may, some puffins have seen the sea gulls bringing you fish.

The wolf stood to his full eight towering over the leaders of the puffin colony. “You are puffins” he snarled, “you fish, that is what you do, if you cannot provide for me I will find someone who will.”

So the Puffins fished even harder. They flew longer and dove even deeper. But try as they might they could not provide for their young and also provide a modest gift to the Wolf.

All of the puffins this time assembled. Many cried out that they were better off in the years before the wolf. But the elders were divided, many could still remember March in the years before the wolf when they were hungry and cold. All agreed that they would return to the wolf to renegotiate the terms of their union. But just then their bodies shook and they swung their coloured beaks to the back of the crowd to the low familiar rumbling of the Wolf’s voice.

I told you he barked that if you could not provide for me I would find someone that would. He licked his salivating lips and in that instant he leapt into the assembled colony of puffins and devoured them one by one.

Looking around the tiny island the greedy wolf realized how desolate it had become. There was nothing now to sustain neither a puffin nor a wolf. He ran to the shore leaping into the water and swam to the big northern land where it was said the caribou traveled in great numbers like living rivers.

Something Else

2009-08-10T11:18:00.003-02:30

This sign on the road to the Irish Loop warns against juggling while riding a unicycle on open water. Point well taken.

Shrimp and Potatos (Halibut on the Side)

2009-06-25T11:16:00.006-02:30

Had to update this post. Ms. Shea shows all the qualities of being a true politician. Blatantly self serving.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2009/06/19/shea-halibut-criticism-619.html

Nan: A Confession

2009-05-29T11:00:00.001-02:30

Nan, I really should finally tell you - I absolutely hated that milk pudding you made.

On Wednesday I carried you, your head resting just a foot from my hands. We carried you to lie next to Pop and we sung your favourite hymns. It was a service you would have enjoyed.

It was surreal to walk into your house afterwards and not be greeted by a bear hug. Entering you house was always the same. The kettle was put on to boil before I could even realize you had filled it. Then the food would start to appear and it never seemed to stop. A cup of tea, bread and pickles, date squares, and tea buns, jam and molasses cookies, jam-jams, sweet raisin bread. It was useless to tell you I was not hungry as you fluttered about like a butterfly pulling jars and containers from the cupboards and fridge.

And no lunch was worthy unless something hot was made on the stove. That’s when you would whip up that milk pudding. A little bowl and a steaming hot spoonful of this gelled white mass. It reminded me of Cod liver, I know so many of your daughters and grandchildren lapped that down but I just couldn't take to it. I shoveled it down fast in an effort to pass it through my gums before I could really concentrate on the taste and texture.

Of course you saw the empty bowl and thought: "he's starving" so you would flop an even larger spoonful of this mock cod liver into my bowl. I ate that too, slower.

As I left you would pull a loaf of homemade bread from the freezer and smack the round buns like a baby's bottom. Your hands testing it to make sure it was a good enough loaf for your grandson.

The bread, the squares, homemade pickles and jam it was gold to me. The pudding not so much. I thought I should tell you that. I thought I should also tell you how much I love you, more than you would ever know. Your influence is alive.

The Governor General has a Heart

2009-05-26T10:57:00.002-02:30

The Queen's representative in Canada asks for a piece of Seal Heart, she is handed a freshly cut slice and swallows it raw, commenting that is is delicious.

In that gesture she has done what very few Canadian politicians have ever done in the history of Canada. She has shown an appreciation for the regional differences that ideally define this Canada. She has sat in solidarity with the people who have lived off the resources of Canada's North long before "Canada".

When there was brief talk of adding seal fur to Canadian athletes in 2010 Vancouver there was a spark of a true coast to coast Canada, as is the national dream. It was quickly dismissed of course; few could honestly say that being Canadian is trully identiable by all of the people of this federation.

So for this one single powerful act by the governor general I congratulate her. By reaching out to this Northern culture that is so far removed from her own experience, by emercing herself into the virtue of their lives she has shown what Canada trully lacks as a country: An empathy and understanding of all of the cultural identities of this dominion.

If the dream of Canada is to be successful more of our leaders have to reach beyond their comfort level. Reach beyond being a country that is like the awkward cousin of the U.S. and look to our history and culture, the very definition of what this country could be. If only it had the heart.

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/gov_gen_arctic

NewfoundlandinCanada is Blog of the Week

2009-04-27T10:13:00.003-02:30

Thanks to the NLblogroll for making Newfoundlandincanada the blog of the week. Thanks also for your kind words in describing this humble site. The NLblogroll has been a tremendous site in promoting Newfoundland and Labrador blogs as well as creating a kindship among the bloggers of this little piece of the globe.

Thanks again,
BornNBred

Ed Byrne Rally 1999 and 2009

2009-04-16T19:36:00.003-02:30

Gail Shea: Shrimp and Potatoes - PEI Expands Menu

2009-04-08T17:41:00.003-02:30

DFO minister Gail Shea gives Labrador's shrimp to PEI:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2009/04/03/pei-northern-shrimp.html

Diamonds and Perils - 60 years Canadian

2009-03-31T19:56:00.002-02:30

From Newfoundland-Labrador.net:

60th Anniversary of Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada Newfoundland and Labrador signed away our independence on March 31, 1949, so as not to wear the badge of the April Fool. There are many of course who feel that the signing could have been done on any day of the year, the very terms of confederation mark us as fools regardless.

In speaking with Newfoundlanders and Labradorians it is interesting to hear the varied opinion on becoming Canada’s last adopted child. “The best thing we ever did was join Canada” a young professional has said. Another political gentleman says “[he] doesn’t want to get Newfoundland and Labrador out of Canada, [he] wants to get Canada the #$%& out of Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Newfoundlandincanada posted a graphic labeled “Almost Canadian” two years ago. Today the phrase seems a little too optimistic. The updated graphic reads “Not Quite Canadian”, the colours of the pink white and green showing through a faded Canadian Maple Leaf. It is easy to lament the loss of a nation, but to embrace a new nation that has never truly embraced us, this is a different quintal of fish.

The royal commission report on Our Place in Canada, from which Newfoundlandincanada draws its name, speaks of Newfoundland and Labrador’s expectation upon joining Canada. It is certain that in that time we had amassed a tremendous debt, largely from our war efforts. It is also a point of history that we were beginning to come into our own. Investment into the Newfoundland and Labrador dominion by Canadian and especially the American war effort was creating a new wealth and employment throughout. It was expected that in joining Canada we could have our debt load reduced, without a burden of excess taxes and a standard of living mirroring that of the Maritime Provinces and in keeping with our sister provinces throughout Canada. Ferry services to be an extension of the highway system whereby taking the ferry across the gulf would be no more expense or burden than if by land. That was the clear intent.

Reflecting back with sixty years of vision it is all questionable. Marine Atlantic has been a great cost to travelers, with delayed shipping of goods and services, tourism greatly restricted because the hassle of these ships makes coming to the island or coastal Labrador just not worth the effort. We have for most of those sixty years the highest taxation, highest debt load and highest unemployment in the nation.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s debt load has meant that it must make decisions based on short term sustainability over long-term growth. The hill of gravel, which snakes across the island that once was a railway, is a testament to this shortsightedness. Our debt was one of the largest factors in our determination as a nation, and the expectation that Canada would untie that albatross was very real in the heads of the 1949 voters. Today though that debt remains. The battle to hold Canada to the commitment of Term 29 was lost. It would have allowed us some relief from that debt - some assemblage of equality with our fellow Canadians. Term 29 grew to become a convoluted system of Robin Hood ethics where all provinces were included in the stew and an allowance made based on an abstract and confusing system that few can understand or qualify. Term 29 became Equalization. Equalization morphed into the Atlantic Accord/Equalization scheme. We continue to this day to negotiate our terms of union with Canada. From our brotherhood and sisterhood in the rest of this dominion they only know that from Term 29 to equalization to the Atlantic Accord, we have been the bastard adopted child of confederation, always going to mother Ottawa with our hand extended.

On this diamond anniversary of Newfoundland and Labrador’s place in Canada do we mark the birth of a province? The true vision of Canada from Pacific to Atlantic? Do we instead morn the loss of a nation? A loss of a cultural identity, a vibrant heritage blended into the gray of Canadian culture? Are we a province within a nation/ a nation within a nation/ or a nation without a nation? Time will tell the true story of this Newfoundland and Labrador, the Dorset Eskimo, Maritime Archaic, the Vikings, Beothuck, and Mi'kmaq, the European settlers, Canadians and new Immigrants. They are thrown into the experiment that is Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada. Sixty years in the house of Canada and still we are not quite Canadian. Will we ever be?

Not Quite Canadian

2009-03-26T20:34:00.004-02:30

Newfoundland and Labrador, 60 years in Canada. This year marks the diamond anniversary of Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada. 60 years in and still... not quite Canadian.

Newfoundland Labrador Budget 2009

2009-03-26T20:32:00.000-02:30

http://www.budget.gov.nl.ca/budget2009/

For Those Who Go to Sea

2009-03-18T13:10:00.002-02:30

A prayer for those who go to sea
God speed your journey and keep your soul
your vessel strong and true we plea
return the lamb into our fold

for those who fish on the banks
may your holds be full, your vessel fast
and with your return we give our thanks
for your safe return to us at last

on the icy flows off The Front
tread safely as you copy the ice for seal
your hull be strong as you leave to hunt
your save return our hearts will heal

For those in punts, in boats and skiffs
a vessel of your father's hand
may it hold true, this is our wish
your heavenly father see you to land

for those who fly to the rigs offshore
keep our prayer within your heart
may your flight be swift and your stay secure
until never again our lives will part

for the souls we've lost to the brine and waves
may his mercy to you give
may the Holy ghost your soul to save
while forever within us you live

bless the soul that goes to sea
your craft be swift your path be true
a souls comfort we ask of thee
a simple prayer his mercy and peace for you

Quebec's Line in the Sand

2009-02-11T14:08:00.015-03:30

We used to play this game when I was but a Tom Cod. Pretty simple really, you draw a big circle in the sand, then divide it evenly among each player. The object of the game is to gradually take over the whole world by beating your opponents in successive leg races.

Now some of the Sleevens amongst us would wait until someone was off running and then redraw their territorial line to steal a little piece for themselves; being careful of course to scuff out the original line with your shoe. Lucky that the real world doesn't operate like that isn't it? Otherwise a province like say... Quebec, which has a lot of political clout would be redefining the lines of a lesser power - like say... Labrador. Ya lucky it isn't really like that. I mean there is a set of rules we follow as a civilized "nation" and that is that.

But then I read the Globe and Mail this morning: "Resources Rift Pits Nfld. against Quebec". What's this?! Blah Blah... "The natural-resources fight pits Danny WIlliams's province against Quebec's plans to build the Romaine river hydroelectric project". Whoa - hold on - let's stop right there. Danny Williams's province?! The Globe and Mail refers to Newfoundland and Labrador as Danny Williams's province?! I guess Quebec is not the only Canadian entity that needs to refer to a proper map. Danny Williams's province in fact had a name before Danny Williams was premier and will have the same name long after.

I have to shake my head and shrug - too much to say too little time:

Does it need reminding that Newfoundland and Labrador is proposing to run a line from Labrador to the Island to by-pass the racket we have with Quebec over the Upper Churchill?

Do we need to remind our federal government that Newfoundland and Labrador has been trying for years to foster co-operation between provinces that will allow the Lower Churchill development to proceed?

Do we need to restate the fact that the Privy Council decision of 1927 defines the Labrador border. A judgment made over twenty years before Newfoundland and Labrador entered into confederation. A judgment that Quebec's own analysis has declared to be indisputable. A boundary that is further defined in the constitution upon Newfoundland and Labrador's confederation with Canada?

Do we need to remind the dominion that anytime we have attempted to work a hydro plan for Labrador or reevaluate the existing atrocity of the Upper Churchill contract that the federal government has cowered in the corner saying it does not want to enter into a dispute between provinces?

Now Ottawa is participating in the joint Quebec Ottawa environmental assessment panel that by it's very nature is "giving tacit approval to Quebec's claim."

(pause for a breath)

Harper's eyes are on Ontario and West, with his eyes perpetually averted, what better time for Quebec to redraw that border.

Here's a thought. Given that the very constitution of Canada would have to be rewritten to allow Quebec's ownership of the Romaine watershed headwaters... given that we are rewriting it anyway - let's ripe it in two and start fresh. Let's revisit the Terms of Union.

Better still lets write our Terms of Severance.

Todd Stocks

2009-02-03T10:13:00.002-03:30

Send in the Clown

2009-01-30T09:32:00.004-03:30

On October 11 2007 newfoundlandincanada made comment of Nova Scotia's Ronald MacDonald making side deals with Canada's Ring Master Steve Harper. Seems some things never change.

Reposted from 09/07

George Orwell and Budget 2009

2009-01-29T11:48:00.004-03:30

George Orwell in "Animal Farm" wrote "All Animals are created Equal, but some are more equal than others." The latter part of the phrase of course was added to a constitution wrote with originally good intentions.

It has a whiff of Newfoundland and Labrador's place in Canada doesn't it. Does anyone else smell a pig?

http://www.budget.gc.ca/2009/plan/bpc3f-eng.asp

Harbour Grace for Hockeyville

2009-01-16T10:17:00.002-03:30

Vote for Harbour Grace for this year's CBC Hockeyville.

Confessions of a Woodchuck - Remembering "The Mill"

2008-12-08T10:47:00.011-03:30

In central Newfoundland the pulp and paper mill is part of the culture. "The Mill" can only mean the pulp and paper mill. A "sample" is a folded rectangle of paper often used to cover a floor when painting or given to a child to scribble on. "The Bark" was the area in Bishop's Falls with the best view of The Falls before the flood. It is as intrinsic to Central as the Fish Plant in Marystown.

Now they will be pulling up their grapnel and drifting into time. It brings to mind a song by "Green Day":

"Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road, Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go... It's something unpredictable, but in the end it's right."

The song is subtitled "Time of Your Life" but more appropriately it's title is "Good Riddance".

A century of bark and wood debris that has paved the floor of the bay in Norris Arm a foot deep with de-oxygenated lifeless sludge. Good Riddance.

The industry has been given the great liberty of exclusive timber rights for the richest forests of the island and Labrador. Good Riddance.

Effluent pipes dumping into the river dyes, bleaches, and chemicals of various questionable origin. The other effluent pipe is hidden below the surface of the river. Good Riddance.

The once pine clad hills of Central Newfoundland are laid bare, from the air you can see a vast expanse of clearcut forest which inadequate silviculture has mostly failed to rebuild. Good Riddance.

Helicopters spray herbicides in areas to defoliate leaf-bearing trees to give an advantage to young evergreen growth. The very ecology of our boreal forest at battle with the mainland pulp and paper industry. Good Riddance.

Poor management and maintenance of infrastructure at the Bishop's Falls mill contributed to the flood of 1983 with the loss of homes and the subsequent loss of a life in the aftermath. Good Riddance.

The Exploits River is one of the premier rivers for the Altantic Salmon in the world. Salmon enhancement projects have always had to work with the facilities of the pulp and paper mill, controlling water levels and maintaining salmon ladders, often taking a back seat to the concerns of ABITIBI. Good Riddance.

Electrical power produced by Bishop's Falls and other hydro damns have provided a good reliable source of cheap/free power to the Pulp and Paper industry for decades. Time to use it for better developments. To ABITIBI: Good Riddance.

My grandfather worked for pennys in that mill. Woods workers slept on lice infested boughes in the freezing cold to build that industry for the next generations. Only since the union has a reasonable life for workers existed. Good Riddance.

The Mill has long given up it's upper echelon to executives from Quebec who have skimmed the cream off the top. Good Riddance.

For a century it has been essential to the very definition of being a Central Newfoundlander. The story of building The Mill is a story of taming a vast rich Central Newfoundland wilderness, of a strong and resilient people. Faced with uncertainty there is a confidence among the communities that the very strength of the land, the rivers, the ponds and forests that have sustained them since before the Beothuck, will continue to sustain. Bravely they defied the final attempts of "The Company" to suck the last bit of blood from them. Their strength remains.

My Grandfather, my uncles, my father made a good life off The Mill. It was likely if things remained the same I too would have made my living there. So I am apologetic to them in being critical of our bread and butter for so many years. It is with this same perspective though that I say to the greedy CEOs that have sucked the life from us and the land for so long: Good Riddance, you came here with nothing, you can leave with the same.

GG Calls a TIME OUT

2008-12-05T16:12:00.004-03:30

Prorogue: The prefix Pro means "in favour of" and the root word "Rogue" means a thief or crook.

So the Governor General is "in favour of thieves and crooks" Am I interpreting that correctly?! Sounds about right.

The Claim Game: Russia, Canada, US, Norway and Denmark seek Santa's Oil

2008-12-02T14:32:00.008-03:30

Yesterday's Globe and Mail (I get it free and wouldn't pay a red copper otherwise) has a supplement in the Report on Business about Northern Countries staking their claims for the treasure of the Arctic. Interesting.

Of course Canada has always made claim to the North Pole, happily assuming the rest of the world was on board with their maps. Only in recent years has our government decided they might send some survey crews up there to at least make a presence.

So who owns The North Pole? Santa of course being the international man of mystery that he is refuses to claim citizenship to any country, so no help there. Russia has ice breakers that could put our Coast Guard breakers in their hold. They have nuclear subs sniffing around up there dropping Soviet flags all over the seabed. They have long made a reasonable claim to The Pole. Our own DFO survey ships are a little underwhelming compared to Russian effort. Canada's survey ships in the arctic would be like sending me to Manhatten island with a Pink White and Green and claiming it for old Newfoundland and Labrador.

It was this little clip from "Canada's National Newspaper" though that really caught my attention. It says "Russia has claimed much of the Arctic because it claims an underwater ridge links Siberia to the seabed that runs underneath the North Pole". So Russia is making claims in the UN to the arctic based on underwater land masses, a "continental shelf" if you will. In other words Russia is claiming "custodial management" to their "continental shelf". I can't help but think I've heard that before?

If I can offer a suggestion to our ships up there surveying the Arctic and drawing our maps: Perhaps when you are drawing your lines along our coast don't be afraid to let the pen stray to encompass the "Nose" and "Tail". As long as we are staking our territory to the UN, lets not forget where Newfoundland and Labrador trully extends.

Greg Byrne of NL Outside the Box and active member of NLFirst has proposed that we include the Nose and Tail of the Grand Banks on our own maps as a show of custodial management. Recent discussions with him came to mind when I read the Globe articles. I tend to agree that we should be making the claim to the continential shelf. As a start.

Parking Meters in Hospitals?!

2008-11-28T09:59:00.004-03:30

The thought of visiting a loved one dying in the hospital and being greeted by a parking ticket on your way home is something that no one in Newfoundland and Labrador should face. But is happens, repeatedly ever single day. This is a St. John's issue that largely affects all other communities because for the serious stuff we all end up in the Health Sciences.

St. John's Councilor Debbie Hanlon is finally calling attention to this. Please sign the petition.

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/ban-hospital-parking-meters-the-stjohns-facilities.html

We Could Have a Bed of Goose Down but We Sent the Egg to Ottawa

2008-10-21T15:08:00.003-02:30

Should we have a cabinet representative from Newfoundland or Labrador? Too many people are saying we've made our bed, now we must lie in it. But I didn't make the bed, if I did it would be a lot more comfortable.

I e-mailed Mayor Doc O'Keefe with support for his campaign to e-mail the PM and insist on having a representative in cabinet for Newfoundland and Labrador:

Good Afternoon Mayor O'Keefe,

I'd like to add my voice of support for your campaign to have a Newfoundlander or Labradorian represent NL in the federal cabinet. With only 7 of 309 federal seats the odds are great that we will occasionally not vote in a member of the governing party. That should not negate us have adequate representation. Newfoundland and Labradorians think it is acceptable to have representation from elsewhere are colonialist in their view. We should be greatly offended with having a federally appointed person to represent us. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians should remember the days of governors - we should never return to anything resembling that quasi-nationhood.

The distinction needs to be made between the government of Canada and the governing Conservatives. We did not ask for no representation in Ottawa with the last election, we voted for no Conservative representation. We would hope that our place in Canada is independent of who governs the country. Perhaps it points to some of the faults in our political system with a first past the post elections and ineffective senate.

CHUM apologizes for "Newfie" joke

2008-10-01T22:18:00.003-02:30

Darren B. Lamb of CHUM joins the likes of Wente and Lankhof in the league of the ignorant. At least Lamb apologized though. This sort of BS is no longer acceptable.

Divided We Fall

2008-09-19T10:55:00.018-02:30

I am election weary, that's the truth of it. I'm finding it hard to give a shit this time around. I've dived into the murky waters before. I helped Siobhan Coady with her website (new year's eve working on that damn thing). I consulted with the NL First on the website (now has my logo concept and photos). I've e-mailed back and forth with Loyola Hearn (even when his DFO attempted to destroy my income - a blog for another time). I've set up a blog for Peg Norman and offered her advice and help (it was turned down). I wear the grey shirt of non-partisanship, because I believed in the political process. I've stretched my resources across all colours because I believe as Barack Obama has said "Patriotism knows no party". Nice thought but for Newfoundland and Labrador it has no merit. This time around I am coming up for air.

In this and every federal election we must choose our colours. The spectrum makes the political landscape look like a candy store. Conservative, Progressive Canadians, Liberals, NL First, NDP, Greens, Labour, Communists, Bloc, Rhino... for the indecisive Vanilla is not an option. It's not surprising that in my Newfoundland and Labrador we fly the Pratt Flag, the Union Jack, The Maple Leaf, The Labrador Tricolour, the Pink White and Green, Red Ensign, and various other incarnations to represent what it is to be Newfoundlander or Labradorian. (How do I wear my heart on my sleeve when it has been removed.) One thing for certain with 7 of 303 MPs - can Newfoundland and Labrador afford the luxury of division?

In 2009 Newfoundland and Labrador will have 7 MPs of various stripes in Ottawa, the Big Land of Labrador only 1. Each towing their own party line. Every one of them proud and patriotic. None of them with any capacity to bring this Newfoundland and Labrador any closer to being truly Canadian.

Sometimes I long for the simplicity of America. The simple, figurative and literal choice of black or white.

For a colourblind voter like myself the best argument for my vote comes from the NL First, in that a vote for them will at least see $3 from elections Canada returned to Newfoundland and Labrador. Our future for some pocket change, may as well follow the precedent of history.

"Anybody But Cat"

2008-09-15T11:27:00.004-02:30

Capelin, Shrimp and Pooping Puffins

2008-09-09T15:37:00.008-02:30

Pooping puffin election ads;

talk of who has, or doesn't have the guts of a capelin

Scott Simms 'shrimp' references...

Finally Newfoundland and Labrador Fisheries is on the federal radar.

Note to Voters - keep an eye out for the Conners.

A First for NL First - First Ever Federal Candidate

2008-09-08T09:56:00.002-02:30

From October Reign

NL First Party .... It's Time

News Release

Bennett Declares for Humber-St. Barbe-Baie Verte

Pasadena NL - Wayne Bennett, recently retired from Canada's Navy, will be the NL First Party's candidate in Humber-St.Barbe-Baie Verte for the October 14th federal election. Bennett, the son of Ivy (Perry) and Ernest (the Pepsi Man) Bennett, served for some 32 years in the Navy and with the Royal Nfld Regiment.

He is the founder and CEO of WRB Enterprises Limited. WRB Enterprises Limited is in the early stages of two developments in the Howley area. The first is the consturction of a 40 bed Personal Care Home for Seniors and the second project is the development of a multi-million dollar resort and spa in the Conwical Hill area that is locally know as 'Granny's Nipple'.

When elected, Wayne will be donating his $45,000 military pension to the Royal Newfoundland Regiment for the purpose of, in concert with Senator Bill Romphey, for the erection of a caribou in Gallipoli for the 100th Anniversary in 2015.

Wayne is single and lives in Pasadena, the crown of the Humber Valley. Is actively involved in both the Pasadena community and the town of Howley, where he spent many of his early years. He is the Grand Knight of the local Knights of Columbus Archbishop McNeil Council 8555 and is actively pursing the formation of an Historical Society in Howley.

-30-
Bennett Campaign HQ
5 Broadway
Corner Brook NL
709.639.5350 (c)
wayne_bennett@nf.sympatico.ca
www.nlfirst.ca

Speak for Ourselves - CLCC launches campaign

2008-08-30T17:57:00.004-02:30

Ray Johnson of Buddy Wasisname fame and chair of the Community Linkages Concept committee recently announced the "Speak for Ourselves" campaign. Saturday August 30 The Telegram, has an article by DAVE BARTLETT speaking of the project.

The Campaign is asking for feedback from people in communities all over the province. What is the good, the bad and the ugly about your community? What untapped potential is there? What is its future?

The CLCC is asking that you email tellus@clccnl.ca. The website is www.clccnl.ca/tellus.

UPDATE: The CLCC has posted these seven questions that might spark some of your feedback:

1) What are the problems facing your community?

2) What potential do you see in your community?

3) How can the province’s new found oil wealth be used to benefit rural areas?

4) How important is culture and heritage to you?

5) How can our culture and heritage be protected or enhanced?

6) What business opportunities exist in your area and how can government help to make breathe life into these opportunities?

7) What is the state of youth in rural communities?

People can contact the CLCC the following ways:
It’s website: www.clccnl.ca/tellus
Via e-mail at tellus@clccnl.ca
Or by mail:
P.O. Box 122
Lower Island Cove, NL
A0A 2W0

Light Sweet Crude

2008-08-19T15:42:00.005-02:30

Nothing's sexier these days.

Joey LOOKOUT!

2008-08-18T09:41:00.003-02:30

I have often heard the prayer that St. John's be separated from the rest of the province, from Townies and Baymen alike. Unfortunately I think the prayers have been answered but the almighty has missed the mark a bit separating the province at Gambo. There is perhaps a lesson here, in our complaining that we cannot travel with ease across the island remember that Labrador has never had this luxury.

Of course if you do have to detour the Gander Bay loop you will see a beautiful coast seldom seen by tourists and livyers. Take the opportunity to picnic on Cape Freels.

A Popular Culture

2008-08-14T12:03:00.005-02:30

I was biking with my camera bag the other day when a jeep buzzes my bike and some tool shouts: "isss errsss". What the ?! What did he say?! Then noticing my camera bag hung over my shoulder I deciphered his shout.

"Nice Purse."

Tool! I shifted gears and pumped the peddles. But my old man style Comfort Bike is no match for a Jeep YJ. Just as well, what would I have said if I did catch up. All I could think of in my panting rage was a line from Seinfeld: "It's a European Carry-all!" I'm not sure that would have helped my poor bruised masculine ego. (So frail we are as men.)

As Newfoundlanders and Labradorians we should be well used to cowardly jabs. Remember when Ellen DeGeneres had her own sitcom. The big fellow from the show whose character was Canadian was listening to a fellow Canadian comedian. The comedian was making "Newfie Jokes". In response the big fellow replies (laughing hysterically) "It's true those Newfies are so stupid." It made NTV news. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians that were watching of course sat with their mouths agape. Sort of like me on the bike. Senseless to enter into debate on that one. The Ellen show vs NTV Evening News. Nothing to do but grin and bare it.

An episode of South Park where the crudely drawn little characters go to Canada has a scene where they end up in Newfoundland. The Newfoundlander they meet says he wants to meet the Prime Minister of Canada because he is passing a law that won't let him "shag his boys". Of course if your watching South Park it's really your own fault if it manages to offend you. Sort of like peeing into the wind.

People like SS craptain Watson has practically made a living off making the popular culture believe that the Newfoundland and Labradorian is somehow a lesser class global citizen. "Where priests rape orphans".

Our national journalists too like to shout from cars. I guess they garner the same sort of self-righteous pride that a school yard bully gets from stealing milk money. Marge Wente's "Scenic Welfare Ghetto"; Ric Dolphins “Walrus and Welfare investigators and whatever else it is that terrifies Newfies"; Bill Lankhof's "the biggest thing to happen in The Land Cod Forgot since the invention of the pogey cheque"; and Charles Lynch comments about Newfoundland and Labrador "Whiners" during Meech Lake - suggesting that between Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador Canada's youngest province would have to go.

At least the Lynch article doesn't require any rebuttal, Rick Mercer adequately hammered that nail in his one man show "Show me the button and I'll push it (Charles Lynch must die)". In at least this last case Rick, being a better man than I, was able to catch that Jeep YJ and not only counter the attack but blow the thing to bits.

Then there's shows like "Ed's Up" featuring Ed of Bare Naked Ladies fame. Flying his plane away from the Churchill River where he has just helped the Steelworkers build a bridge there is a brief glimpse of that spectacular Labrador coast, and Ed speaks of the Newfoundlanders who he had just met saying. "I've never met a Newfoundlander I didn't like."

God love ya Ed. I guess for those who actually set foot on our soil they come to know something of who we are on The Rock and in The Big Land. Shag the others. The rest can kiss kiss my stupid-newfie-welfare-whining briny arse - Purse included.

Subliminal Messages to the PM

2008-08-13T21:43:00.005-02:30

So the PM visits today and the cosmic forces seem to have been having a little fun. All day I am hearing what can only be subliminal messages to Steven Harper. Avril Lavigne is in town: "Your watching your back, like you can't relax". A radio ad for Chris Isaak drones "Somebody's lying, I know when somebody's lying." (Are you listening Mr. Harper) Then another for BJ Thomas "Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song".

Sometimes you really don't need to say a word. Just listen.

I hope he at least brought his chequebook. Then again the last time he was here one of his posse stole a bra. We probably shouldn't expect too much.

Memorial's Mixed Message

2008-08-06T15:26:00.002-02:30

I have a love/hate relationship with my Alma mater Memorial University. On the one hand it is truly a marvelous world class institution that Newfoundland and Labrador can be proud of as it's pillar of academia. On the other hand Memorial, like our provincial governance is filled to the rafters with shit. An institution so rapped up in its own self-importance to be counterproductive in the growth of our society. Such is the Board of Rejects. In the last column I defended the importance of the nearly universally accepted autonomy of universities. As it turns out the university's public voice is the weapon of it's own destruction.

As it appears MUN did indeed ask for the government's input. It went something like this:

MUN: "Would you mind being in the loop on the selection of a new president?"

Minister/Premier: "Naw-da-tall glad to help"

MUN: "What about Acting President Dr. Eddy Campbell?"

Minister/Premier: "hmmm naw - who else you got?"

MUN: "Well we were sort of hoping for Dr. Campbell?!"

Minister/Premier: "Nope try again"

Dr. Campbell (muffled from outside the door): "What did she say"

MUN (shouts): "Say's she don't want you!"

Dr. Campbell: "Shag 'em I'm withdrawing my name"

Minister/Premier: "Good problem solved"

Voice from the back barely audible: "I'm calling the Globe and Mail! This sucks!"

I don't get MUN. On the one hand the board acknowledges "[the] Premier indicated to the Chairman of the Board of Regents that, if the university felt it would be helpful, the Premier, if asked, would be willing to meet prospective candidates to promote the province, to emphasize the importance of Memorial to the province and to confirm the government’s strong commitment to university education in Newfoundland and Labrador." It also acknowledges: "The Board feels that there was no inappropriate interference by government or attempt to influence the work of the Search Committee until government informed the Board that the candidates were unacceptable prior to a formal recommendation of a preferred candidate being made." but then states "the Board is concerned that government’s non-acceptance of the candidates and government’s request that the Search Committee continue with its search before a formal recommendation could be made on the Board’s proposed appointee constitutes inappropriate interference in the normal process.

I say simply to the Board of Regents be careful what you wish for.

Of the Memorial University Act MUN states: "The Memorial University Act is clear in delineating government’s role and the Board of Regents is committed to ensuring that role remains within the letter and spirit of the Act... The Board’s appointment of a candidate for president must be the result of a fair, thorough and comprehensive process that is strictly in accordance with the provisions of The Memorial University Act." but then suggests the act should be changed: "The Board of Regents respectfully recommends to government that it amend The Memorial University Act to better reflect the autonomy of the university and to be more in line with appointment practices at other Canadian universities."

So the Board of Regents now wants to suggest that the Memorial University Act be amended to allow for greater autonomy. "Just like other universities". Problem is, if they are given that power are they even sharp enough to be able to handle the responsibility? This little PR nightmare says they are not.

So we ask:

Can a candidate withdraw his name after he has already been rejected?

Is The Board of Regents able to get it's head out of its own ass long enough to find our next pres?

Can anyone at MUN write a press release that isn't simply a point wise list of hyperbole?

Is anyone ever going to ask for Ms. Burke's opinion ever again?

Tune in after Regatta Day for the continuing story. It's summer and there's nothing on TV leading up the Olympics.

President for Joey's Mini-Oxford

2008-07-30T14:06:00.004-02:30

The autonomy of academic institutions is an assumed right of self-governance second only to our military. What happens then when a minister of the crown wants "in" on the decision of who to hire for the next president of University? Legally, minister Joan Burke has every right to stick her wrench in the cogs of the hiring process. Traditionally though this right has been a rubber stamp approval of the candidate chosen by the University's Echelon.

Should Minister Burke have trashed the resumes and sent the University scouting again for a president? Simple answer is no. The university commands a particular right within our society. Academia has to be able to sit in their jackets smoke their pipes and scratch their chins in peace. It is a fundamental right in a civilized society. University must allow freedom of thought and expression and in so doing our society as a whole grows because of this freedom. Without the filter of religious dogma, industrial or political persuasion the big "Why" and "What if" can be allowed to present itself freely.

But I am a MUN alumni.

I am also a Newfoundland and Labradorian. I pay in part for that institution. It is not "Government" that has it's hands in the seeds of MUN's growth, it is a representative of the people. A person entrusted to the public purse. In that light it is necessary that the minister is in the loop on the selection process. Indeed it is even necessary that she has the right of veto. Question is, where and when does this veto get exercised? The danger is the government may very well choose a president that is friendly to the government's ultimate goals. Grenfell University and all that. The danger on the other side is that MUN, which is an institution that has a great number of non-Newfoundland and Labradorians may be less concerned with the best interests of Newfoundland and Labrador as a whole and more concerned with the academic path the University follows.

For my part I say Minister Burke may have been wrong, only the specific details on why she did not except these two potentials would consolidate my opinion. I would default to allowing the University its due process. Unfortunately the details are not and cannot be known.

The other point is that if Newfoundland and Labrador is going to pursue the best interests of Newfoundland and Labrador we have to start thinking like a country. No apologies to loyalists nor separatists when I say that. The National rag, The Globe and Mail is the real reason this is in the public light. We will debate this one amongst ourselves thank you very much. I say to the Globe and Mail mind your own bloody business.

Big (and beautiful) Land

2008-07-10T09:27:00.012-02:30

A colleague of mine was describing coastal Labrador from helicopter and fixed wing. I searched these out on Google Earth. Truly extraordinary...

(Look at these full size to get an appreciation for the landscape. The Lat and Long is in the bottom left if you want to find these.)

Kiglapait Mountains in Northern Coastal Labrador, Mistastin Impact Crater - Northern Labrador and Waterways North of Nain.

(Updated) Cameron Inquiry: Like the Tides - All Things are Known

2008-06-06T10:46:00.009-02:30

For most of the goings-on that occupy our news there is a sad inevitability. We have lived on this planet long enough now to have learned a few things. Sadly predictable, boring at best.

I get a free copy of "Canada's Nation Newspaper" thrown on my desk where it rests briefly, more out of respect for the trees killed in its printing than the actual content of its pages. These days the front pages are filled with news of the American's. Sad that only the side-boob of an MP's girlfriend was able to curb the news of Hillary and Barack. Looking at the faces of the potential president one can't help but see the writing on the wall. All the would-a, could-a, should-a aside... isn't it in the cards that Obama will be the democratic candidate and Clinton will be his running mate? Enough said. Let's move on.

The truly sad predictability though for me is the news of the Cameron inquiry. Already a couple of inevitabilities have revealed themselves and more are to come. Already the cost of the inquiry has been argued against the need for the full and open disclosure of the inquiry. Already the CEOs, Government officials and higher management of the Health Care corporation are shrugging their shoulders and passing the buck.

Who couldn't see that coming a mile away?

There are a couple of things we can expect to see as this whole unfortunate story is told. There will be recommendations made to improve the procedures. These will come as a revelation and the cost of the inquiry will be justified based on these findings... But without a dollar spend we can already list them. They have been spoken repeatedly in frustration at countless management meetings by pathologists and specialists, they have remained largely unheard. They have been discovered across Canada in much the same way as we are discovering here. The Globe and Mail has recently written an article with the problems and solutions in Black and White, these are country-wide issues; overworked Pathologists and the like.

In the end isn't this truly what we need to get from this inquiry? How can we improve, how can we ensure it never happens again?

There is one more news story that will be as sure as the tides. This will come when the class-action lawsuit is settled and the ladies of our Newfoundland and Labrador who have been so traumatically affected by the events of this fiasco, finally get some compensation. The story will be how much money the inquiry has cost, how much the lawyers have made, how much money the class-action has made for the lawyer vs the compensation to the ladies involved. That story will be the most shocking. The lawyers will have made millions, the victims of this mayhem substantially less. In the Class Action Against Improper Sterilization in Labrador the victims get $450, their spouses $100, the lawyers $119,000. Where is the fairness? Then again maybe that story may be missed, the elite do have the greatest ways and means of self-preservation.

With respect to the amount of torment, physical health and mental anguish of the victims family and friends, there will be a pittance offered for their suffering. The bulk of the money will fatten the wallets of the Class-Action lawyers, the inquiry lawyers, CEOs and Upper Echelon of our society. The bit of productive information that will come out of the inquiry will be held as if it is an epiphany and the inquiry's expense will be held to be justifiable. Information that we know right now, at this point in time, without a dollar spend.

Look after these ladies, they should have no financial worries for the rest of their lives and they should sleep sound knowing the mistakes that were made with them will never happen again. That's where our money should be spend. Invest in health care not Jaguars for lawyers. In the days of President Obama and Vice-President Clinton we should have the best pathology processes in Canada, and the ladies who have ordealed this great tragedy can be content in knowing it was not in vain.

Note from NewfoundlandinCanada - The article mentions a story from the Globe and Mail:
The Globe and Mail June 3 2008. "Pathologists call on governments to remedy problems at overworked labs." Consider:

1. Governments need to invest funding to repair an ailing system.
2. Canada lacks a national quality assurance program.
3. Overworked laboratories lack the necessary tools to prevent potential quality-control nightmares.
4. Increasingly complex medical tests.
5. Growing demands for faster results.
6. Critical shortage of pathologists and lab workers.
7. Call for the creation of a national body that sets national standards and links existing accreditation programs across provinces.

These recommendations were free for the asking. Imagine if fees amounting to millions were actually put towards implementing some of these recommendations instead of being directed to St. John's generous population of lawyers.

http://www.chescrosbie.com/default.aspx?page=5
http://www.chescrosbie.com/default.aspx?page=25
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2007/05/28/suit-certified.html
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2006/10/19/cancer-suit.html

Canada Needs to Act Like a Country

2008-04-14T14:00:00.005-02:30

One of the wisest things I've ever heard regarding Newfoundland and Labrador's place in Canada was on a radio talk show. Whatever your feelings on this conduit of information there are occasionally gems of wisdom that for me makes all the talk about potholes and pokey worthwhile. This gentleman was reflecting on Newfoundland and Labrador's adoption/marriage/confederation/sell-out to Canada. What he said was that he wished that Newfoundland and Labrador had voted differently in confederation. That if Newfoundland and Labrador had become it's own country we could then have negotiated our own terms of union as a full fledged dominion.

A brief moment here for reflection.

Newfoundland and Labrador's status as a country has always been a subject of debate and confusion. My own personal feelings aside I take the moderate stance that Newfoundland and Labrador needs to act like a country regardless of where we are socially, politically and geographically on this blue green sphere. Why can't Newfoundland and Labrador be independent thinking and act like a country? What could be our hesitation?

Part of the answer came last week with the seizure of the eco-terrorist ship named for one of Canada's most prolific liars. You know the one. I don't care to give them a mention here. The answer to the previous ramblings about sovereignty is that not only has the sovereignty issue eluded us in Newfoundland and Labrador, it is a concept our mater Canada has trouble with. Canada itself is not used to acting like a sovereign nation. When Russian vessels drop a flag and claim the Arctic the response from Canada is muted rumblings and shoulder shrugs. "Sher' the world knows the Arctic belongs to Canada right?"

Then our eco-terrorist buddy Paul creeps his way into the very mouth of the nation into the Gulf of St. Lawrence and claims that as long as he is 12 miles from either shore he is entitled to do whatever catches his whim as an international vessel in International waters.

He makes the assertion that Canada's claim to Gulf waters is "disputed" by European countries and the United States. Additional, he feels in his skewed logic, that if he runs into trouble he will high-tail it for St. Pierre and Miquelon. France he believes to be an ally. It is beyond his scope of thought of course that the tiny islands have a people of a strong independent spirit that are not mere outposts of France. We know of course how that went.

This goes beyond the issue of seals and eco-terrorists. This goes to the very issue of Canada's right to protect its own sovereignty.

Should Canada have seized the SS Ship? Absolutely. How many times are you going to let someone slap you with their glove before accepting the challenge. We may be peacekeepers, we may be the polite cousin in the global family, but cowards we are not. As for the ship being Dutch, they are sea-faring people very much like ourselves. I doubt they would give this little tug a second thought, if they respect their naval heritage they will know what an abomination the Farley Mowat and its crew are to marine law and history.

Terrorist cannot go unchecked. Take a lesson from St. Pierre et Miquelon and go at them with axes swinging.

The Proclaimers in St. John's

2008-04-07T10:51:00.005-02:30

http://www.proclaimers.co.uk/
http://www.whatshappening.ca/
http://www.sonicconcerts.com

For years NewfoundlandInCanada has used a quote from the Proclaimers song "Cap in Hand" in expressing a common sentiment of Newfoundland and Labradors place in Canada. It reads "We fight - when they ask us, We boast - then we cower. We beg for a piece of what's already ours. I don't understand why we let someone else rule our land."

Many have commented to me that this quote rings true for the feelings of so many in Newfoundland and Labrador. NewfoundlandinCanada used another quote from Proclaimers in "Who is a Newfoundlander or Labradorian" which quotes a line from "Scotlands Story."

NewfoundlandinCanada was pleased to have received permission from The Proclaimers for the use of this quote. So much of what Craig and Charlie Reid write has relavance to Newfoundland and Labrador and global concerns.

Since they will be playing is St. John's at Club One this weekend I take the opportunity to thank them and wish them a great show.

Born and Bred

Rethink the Barbarian

2008-04-02T23:21:00.009-02:30

Our people are called barbarians by people who wish "our children to be skinned alive in front of us"

They are called barbarians by ladies in luxury suites in Calgary who say: "I am so happy to hear of the deaths of 4 sealers on Saturday March 29 although, it was a tragedy that more of them, if not all, were not killed in this fortunate accident."

We are called barbarians who speak in defense of the Seal Hunt and we accept threats of death and harm for our writing.

Who is the Barbarian?

59 and Counting

2008-04-01T14:00:00.005-02:30

Our Place in Canada?

Port aux Basques for Hockeyville 2008

2008-03-31T10:15:00.003-02:30

Finally a vote I can endorse without hesitation!

Vote for the Lovely community of Port of Basques for Hockeyville 2008. Vote often (close your browser between votes)

I have fond memories of the Ferry ride from Port aux Basques. I hope they succeed in bringing hockeyville to the rock.

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/hockeyville/finalists/bruceiiarena

From Halifax to Vancouver - Sears Fundraiser Misses Tremendous Opportunity

2008-03-26T13:54:00.007-02:30

The Sears National Kids Cancer Ride has sadly missed a tremendous opportunity in deciding to exclude New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Labrador and the Territories. Aside from the fact that the Run is called a "National" one, and aside from the fact that they call it a "Coast to Coast" Ride, this fund raiser has missed a great opportunity to experience the tremendous giving heart of the Newfoundlander and Labradorian in their fund raising event.

Because it is a truly noble cause it is hard to be critical. We wish them the best. But to their Promotions people: It's a big country folks, expand your boundaries you may be pleased with the result.

http://www.nationalkidscancerride.com/

Facist States

2008-03-13T15:17:00.003-02:30

According to Wikipedia the definition of fascism states include the following:

Some of the governments and parties most often considered to have been fascist include Fascist Italy under Mussolini, Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler, Spain's Falange, Portugal's New State, Hungary's Arrow Cross Party, Japan's Imperial Way Faction, Romania's Iron Guard, Iraq's Party of National Brotherhood, South Africa under the National Party and the United States under George W. Bush.

It does cause one pause for thought that Bush's U.S. is listed with Nazi Germany or Mussolini's Italy?! Coincidently enough at the same time I read that a news brief on the radio mentioned that Justice Gomery (of Gomery Inquiry fame) has been critical that the Canadian Government under Stephen Harper has not implimented any of the recommendations from the lengthy and expensive inquiry.

So if a fascist state oppresses individual rights over the rights of the state (government protection of itself for its own sake)... can Canada be far behind in that list of self-serving government states? Harper has upgraded/degraded Canadians role from Peacekeeper to full out military command. He ignores the recommendation of independent inquiries into government affairs. In fact Gomery suggests that "Failure to decentralize PMO power poses danger to democracy"

My advice to Harper is to refrain from wearing those military fatigues he has been known to don. And don't grow a mustache - your colours are beginning to show.

Home. Care?

2008-03-07T14:23:00.001-03:30

I've been keeping my head low these days, trusting that the powers that be have more sense than I give them credit for. For this one though I have to pull my head from the sand. On the suggestion that seniors may be removed from their home care in Labrador and moved to facilities in St. John's. ( I shake my head) I won't jump the gun on this - except to say that this situation would be incredibly calous and uncaring. Are we suggesting that a man or woman who has lived their lives in Labrador, and calls Labrador home, should now be moved to the island to live out their final days?! St. John's is a gem of a city, but to suggest that it is reasonable to displace a Labradorian and have them breath their last breath away from their home in our capital is viewing the world through a set of glasses that skews perspective. St. John's is not the centre of the universe in our Newfoundland and Labrador.

I make this statement with every bit of selfish intent, for fear of someone deciding for me in 2048 that the best place for me is Toronto. God Forbid.

The Lady and The Knight

2008-03-06T11:25:00.004-03:30

Is a knight who refuses a challenge truly a knight? Let's see what Sir Paul is made of...

News Release – to be released on March 7th

One Newfoundlander
Newfoundlander invites Sir Paul McCartney to gain truth of seal hunt

St. John ’s March 2nd, 2008 - Samantha Gerbeau of Newfoundland and Labrador , Canada , is inviting Sir Paul McCartney to learn the truth about the North Atlantic Seal Hunt.

Ms. Gerbeau is extending the offer to Sir Paul McCartney to draw his lordships’ attention to the numerous misrepresentations and disingenuous practices of groups alleging to support the rights of animals.

“Hopefully his lordship will be able to observe for himself that he and many other celebrities have been duped into accepting as truths the outright lies about the seal hunt and its benefits beyond the acquisition of seal pelts to humanity,” said Samantha.

A HIGHLY EXPENSIVE campaign to influence the new European parliament to ban the importation of seal products has begun. “It is no secret the anti-hunt lobbyists selectively target those European parliamentarians whose countries have the fewest resources to counter the effects of their lobbying,” said Gerbeau.

By inviting Sir Paul to the front Ms. Gerbeau hopes those anti-seal hunt protestors will not succeed in furthering their ludicrous allegations unto parliamentarians or other celebrities, like arranging televised interviews with them as was done in 2006 to Sir Paul McCartney in the Larry King Live television interview.

These groups regularly use media that can be attracted to their sideshows to support their causes. Those media events – sometimes staged, have been effective events as admitted by various anti-seal hunt groups.

“The numerous government releases and statements to leaders and members of HSUS, the IFWA and the WWF and other groups opposed to the seal hunt are being ignored. Statements of the seal population explosion which has been steadily occurring (not just on the coast of Newfoundland or near the state of Maine ), are ignored and the serious threats to global warming and health of the environment shows how little interest our planet is to these groups. Equally mystifying is the position presented in these statements that the hunt supports inhumane killing of baby seals. Nothing could be further from the truth.”

As one reads the media reports, or observes staged video footage of alleged seal hunts, it becomes readily apparent these hunt protestors are stating they are more competent to determine that methods used to dispatch MATURE seals are inhumane than are members of the IVWG or Independent Veterinarians Working Group whom by law must supervise the harvests and have stated to the European Food and Safety Association that in fact the Atlantic Canadian Seal Hunt is very well managed and humane.

-30-

Contact:

Samantha Gerbeau
To view Sam's blog go to www.newfoundcare.blogspot.com support the spring harvest!
Founder of Newfoundcare and Author of The ABC's of The Real Treat!
Past President of Memorial Toastmasters
INCO Innovation Center Room 2014
709-740-2532
www.newfoundcare.ca

Samantha Gerbeau helps heal the ills of humanity. Samantha advocates awareness to promote natural sustainability for the planet. As a researcher, crisis communications planner, she is actively involved in sustaining a natural food supply her home and original fishing station of Europe, Newfoundland and Labrador.
She spent her formative years attending a British private school in Barbados, W.I. after her father’s death. She regarded the experience as an insightful look into the cultural differences and similarities of what it means to live on an island that mainly relies on fish for its livelihood. The warm climate and abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables were not enough to keep Samantha away from her home, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Samantha is a fighter for humanity and seeks solutions for social responsibility. Her foresight comes from recognizing how the outworn industrialized ways of the world need reform for our present earth conditions. In 2004, she wrote a children's book called, The ABC's of the Real Treat! and published it herself in 2007 with the help of the Sisters of Mercy and Presentation of Newfoundland and Labrador. Samantha feels that no one should have to pay for education or essential knowledge, especially children. She believed that by giving the book as a gift to 15,000 children in Newfoundland and Labrador, she was helping to inform others that 'the real treat is to eat good food'. With an ever-increasing rate of obesity and type-two diabetes, that exists in Newfoundland and Labrador, she seen the need to create more awareness of eating well for the environment and give kids real knowledge of what gives them good energy. Now, she provides in-class picnics that show and tell children all about the natural world around them. She tells them the best ways to find natural energy and how moods are affected by what we eat. Her environmental healthy eating program can be found at www.newfoundcare.ca
Samantha Gerbeau began working in public relations in 1995 while living in British Columbia. There, she worked as a Customer One representative for Chrysler Canada. About 10 years later, Samantha devoted much of her time raising her two children. While she remained active in the tourism industry for the latter part of the 1990's, she went back to public relations within the last seven years. Since then, she has researched and developed the preliminaries for an Emergency Response Plan for the City of St. John's, worked with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada during the Venus Transit of 2004 and communications and special events for Kids Eat Smart Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador, 2007. As an independent, she has provided public speaking/media relations training to city directors, small and medium size business owners and provides customer service training and research. As a motivational speaker, her award winning speech, The Secrets of Sugar, helps to show society how to find the fountain of youth by eliminating this age-inducing substance out of the diet.

The Rock remembers The Rock

2008-02-28T11:30:00.001-03:30

152 MPs vs 152 MPs, The Atlantic Accord was on the line. One MP from Vancouver determines its fate.

A new book suggests MP Cadman was stronger than we knew:

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/02/27/cadman-book.html

Happy Flag Day

2008-02-15T10:52:00.004-03:30

Another version is here if you are so inclined

Merry Christmas from Air Canada!

2007-12-19T11:10:00.001-03:30

Merry Christmas to all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who have made it home for the Holidays in spite of the obstacles.

... now for something completely different

2007-11-07T16:03:00.000-03:30

The number one new Restaurant in Canada for 2007 according to En Route Magazine is non-other than Atlantica, on the shores of Portugal Cove overlooking the ferry to Bell Island. Reminiscent of "The Auk" from the "Rare Birds" movie and novel this tucked away little place has attracted quite a bit of attention it seems.

Of course the best of the best are always from Newfoundland and Labrador.

http://www.enroutemag.com/e/november07/best_b.html

Canadians Wants to Orphan Newfoundland and Labrador Children

2007-10-26T11:48:00.000-02:30

The Portnoys of Marystown are living in hell on earth hounded by the Canadian authorities. There are of course two sides to every story but nothing in the past of The Portnoy's can justify what the Canadians have done to this family. It is entirely unacceptable in a country that prides itself on being an example of democracy and humanitarianism for the globe.

The essense of the argument for or against deporting the Portnoys have been bandied about to exhaustion. The primary question is a simple one. Are the Portnoys entitled to live in Canada? The Canadian Government has to decide based on its pre-formed heuristic if this family can stay. They have decided that cannot. It would be quick and easy to end the discussion at that point. They've made their decision -end of story... ?!

In the case of the Portnoys though it becomes important to investigate the very process of government itself. Can we have confidence that the federal government has made the right decision on behalf of 30 million Canadians, and especially 1/2 million Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Can we have confidence that the best decision was made? For that we need to look beyond the paper work and consider the human interests in this story. We have our answer based on running an application through a machine... now let's run some facts through the people of Canada and let them decide.

The Portnoys are not two Israeli's and their Kids. We are in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada - The Portnoys are three Canadian Children, two of them are Newfoundland and Labradorians, with their siblings and parents.

This is a family that has the support of the community in which they live. The Portnoys are from Marystown.

This is a family who have a great deal of support in this Newfoundland and Labrador. The Portnoys are Newfoundland and Labradorian.

As Canadians we have to ask ourselves what has happened to lead up to this terrible situation for this Newfoundland and Labrador family, and what do we do as a civilized community to rectify the situation?

The situation was caused by a bureaucracy that made the final decision. It is the result of a decision made by a group who do not live in Marystown, they do not even live in Newfoundland and Labrador - but they make decisions for us. There is a fundamental flaw in this federation when a Newfoundlander or Labradorian has absolutely no say into who their neighbour is. To the question of who is a Newfoundlander, who is a Labradorian... that decision is made elsewhere. That is fundamentally wrong!

The situation with the Portnoys is the result of this inept bureaucracy. A federal department and it's arms length committees that take a decade to stamp an application. A decade passes. A decade in our life, a lifetime in the five Portnoy children. They are Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, they go to school with our kids, they contribute to the youth culture of the community... Then a small minded ineffective bureaucratic organization reaches down from another land and turns the only world they've known upside down. A faceless bogeyman who snatches their father while he is running a errand to help a friend. A monster who threatens daily to steal away their mother if she should step into the daylight.

So we humbly look to the scales of justice:

On one side of the scale, the argument to deport the Portnoys. The weak accusation against Alexi that refers to a petty crime as a youth. An accusation which has been adequately explained.

On the opposite side of the scale we have the inefficiency of the immigration committees. Add to that the children who are born and bred Canadian, and their rights as Canadians. Consider the children who were born in Marystown and are members of that community for the entire duration of their young lives. Add to that the tremendous support of the community in Marystown. Add to that the tremendous support of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians all over this island and in the Big Land. Add to that the health and welfare of two of the children who receive specialized attention in their community.

Now make your decision.

But wait, there is one more consideration. The immigration committee has made it's decision. There is a strong defensive stance that says that the immigration committee has to have it's own autonomy. It has to have it's own integrity, it has to be immune to criticisms from mere mortals. That bull-headed self preservation has to be a factor. Place that on our scales of justice. This one is very heavy because it goes to government power and bureaucratic self-preservation.

This is now very much a decision in the public arena. The immigration authourities need either to give us the solid reasoning behind its ineffective, inhumane, inept, and weak arguments or it's time for them to listen to the many voices from "down-east"

They have a lot to answer to. Better late than never.
---

The Portnoy Family Website

The Funny Thing About Clowns

2007-10-15T10:13:00.000-02:30

Two cannibals are eating a clown when one turns to the other and says - "does this taste funny to you?"

On October 11 newfoundlandincanada posted a graphic suggesting the Premier of Nova Scotia as a clown. There were hits from the national media looking at that post. The funny thing is that today on October 15 the National Post publishes the editorial below. (re-electing a clown)

So Newfoundlandincanada thinks Rodney MacDonald is a clown for signing Harper's contract, and the National Post thinks Danny is a clown for refusing it.

... so two premiers are reading a contract on equalization when the Newfoundland and Labrador premier says "Does this seem funny to you". (The other premier was to busy signing to reply.)

I'm not a partisan person but I'll wear the over-sized novelty shoes and suggest that Harper, MacDonald and the mainland media stuff it up their collective ass. I'd rather have a big red nose than a brown one.

__

Re-electing a clown
REPRINTED FROM OCT 15 NATIONAL POST

And to think that in the early days of his government back in 2003, we fairly gushed over the prospects of Danny Williams transforming Newfoundland and Labrador into a “have” province. Back then, though, he was pledging to wean his province off dependence on federal welfare. Instead, Mr. Williams has chosen bombast and continued addiction to Ottawa’s handouts. While his militant schtick has proven wildly popular in Newfoundland — he won re-election on Tuesday with nearly 70% of the total vote — it will prove toxic to his province in the long run.

Almost from the start, Mr. Williams showed himself to be a tub-thumping populist from the Huey Long school. He stormed out of a first minsters’ meeting on equalization when then-prime minister Paul Martin dared suggest equalization to have-not provinces should begin to go down once they’ve reached “have” status. Later, Mr. Williams ordered all Canadian flags pulled down from above Newfoundland’s provincial buildings. After Stephen Harper and his Conservatives took over in 2006, Mr. Williams ran national newspaper ads against the federal government, urging people to vote “ABC” — Anybody but Conservatives.

The Premier also likes to talk tough with the oil companies looking to develop his province’s Hibernia South and Hebron offshore oil fields. This, too, has proven itself popular with voters but has cost the provincial economy hundreds of millions —if not billions — of dollars.

Thanks to Mr. Williams’ demands for “superroyalties” from the oil companies, the Hibernia field has been shelved for the foreseeable future and the Hebron field will now go ahead only because Mr. Williams swallowed his pride and made major concessions.

Like all demagogues, Mr. Williams is fond of the pronoun “I” — as in I won the deal with the oil companies through my personal “determination and strength of conviction.” If “ I’ve accomplished anything here, I just think it’s that: Pride in Newfoundland and Labrador.” Only I can back down Stephen Harper. His victory speech on Tuesday evening barely acknowledged that he had a caucus and party around him.

Meanwhile, while Mr. Williams was huffing and puffing his way to victory, Nova Scotia Premier Rodney MacDonald was quietly negotiating a settlement in the Ottawa-Atlantic equalization skirmish. Under terms of his deal with the Harper government, Nova Scotia may accept the new equalization formula offered in last spring’s budget, or it may opt for the old formula any time it feels the new one is shortchanging the province.

The same deal is open to Mr. Williams, but he has painted himself into such a rhetorical corner to win re-election, it’s hard to see how he could agree — even though it is a better deal for his province than the one it currently has.

Mr. Williams is a character. Of that there is no doubt. But his outsized ego and inflammatory stunts are hurting the people who voted him into office.

Harper's New Mascot

2007-10-11T10:34:00.000-02:30

With sympathy and great respect for my friends in Nova Scotia...

I Spy with my Little Eye, Something that is Blue

2007-10-10T10:12:00.000-02:30

Consequences of Last Night's Election:

* Giant novelty cheques for expectant mothers.

* Giant electrical outlet for Red Bay. Giant extension cord for St. Anthony.

* Fiber Optic fed for everyone!

* Have Status in two years – Canada seeks new scapegoat.

* Out-port Newfoundland and Labrador now called “cottage country”

* One step closer to Danny acquiring The Bomb. Steven Harper is spied at Home Depot buying new locks, batteries and candles.

* Opposition meets at Tim Horton’s.

* New NDP Slogan: "From Nun to One"

* New Tory Slogan: "Four Seats to a Dictatorship"

* New Liberal Slogan: "F%$K ya we tried!"

* In Gambo: “Joey’s Lookout” to be renamed “Joey, Look out!”

* Seeking funds, the Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador changes its name to “Pepsi, The Choice of a New Generation Party of Newfoundland and Labrador”

Rage Against the Machine II

2007-10-01T11:22:00.001-02:30

I've had this one in the line-up for a while trying to decide if I should post it. the first "Rage" generated so much venum it made me a little weary of snakes. In the end though free speech has a value in our Newfoundland and Labrador...

The first "Rage Against the Machine" asked: When I read blogs and the like am I reading an opinion, or an advertisement? I did not really expect an answer. It was mostly rhetoric, and rhetorical questions by their nature don't demand an answer.

But I did receive a response. Veiled threats, articles on "Libel" and blogging. Promises that I would be revealed to the world, "my pants lowered and my forked tail exposed". (Even a cowardly anonymous e-mail apparently written by a nine year old.)

I can be faulted for one thing. I specifically stated being paid as the reason a bias would exists. That was wrong and I duly apologised for the implication. There are other rewards beyond the simple exchange of cash. Not that any of these apply to our local newspapers, radio and bloggers...

So, gagged as I am from speaking freely by those with "asbestos suits" and "lawyer friends". I will speak in vague terms and use an example that is not as locally relevent. Is there indeed a media machine that feds us redigested tripe? Take for example this article "Brain Injury, Not Steroids, Seen in Wrestler Death". As the title implies "Brain injury, not steroids" were the reason that Pro Wrestler Chris Benoit lost faculty of his senses killeding his family and himself. The article was sent to the news feeds by the "Sports Legacy Institute". But here is were that swallowed Red Pill causes trouble. Google that name... who is the SPI? Ex-WWE wrestler, some brain surgents and lawyers.

... and there I go opening myself up again to the accusation of being a perveyor of conspiracy. Am I the only one who would question the legitimacy of an article written by associates and lawyers of the WWE? Does that make me paranoid and delusional as I have been accused of by my own peers - or does it in fact offer a look at the paint beneath? These are of course baseless questions about motivation, offering only speculation, no evidence is provided or produced. For conspiracy theory none are needed. Condemnation through quiet implication. This is Newfoundland and Labrador after all, none of that here... (he whispers)

We need to be better sheep spouting the words we have read verbatum as if they are gospel. Selling the latest political candidate, or flavour of Coke. We are safe to adopt the opinion as our own because it has come from such learned blokes: I know its true, because I saw it on TV. When someone boasts they are in the "persuasion business" we should sip our Pepsi and Screetch ignoring the elephant in the room.

For those who are not registered lobbyists, opinions from regular Joes and Joannes like myself are like arseholes - everyone has one but no one wants to hear yours. No odds. Just an opinion. Fortunately we are the masterless men, we no longer bow to the elite. Those who in their income, politics and acedemics would close our minds.

I've said too much, my tinfoil hat has fallen loose and I fear they will be banging on my bunker door. Unfortunately for those of us who have swallowed the Red Pill, we'll always be prone to look for the underpainting. We scratch the surface and let the light in, even as the paint is still being applied.

Humbly yours,
Self-embarassing fork-tailed conspiracy theorist pseudonom sock puppet

A Colourful Election

2007-09-27T14:36:00.000-02:30

I'm trying to follow along with the provincial election and do a little writing for October Reign but I have to admit I'm completely thrown for a loop. Time was when being a Liberal, PC or NDP meant something. These days with Red Tories, Blue Grits, Green NDP, it's enough to leave you black and blue.

I'm checking out the candidate for St. John's Centre. A good NDP candidate - unfortunately she's a Liberal. The Premier is talking about baby bonuses and social programs as if he too is an NDP. The NDP are talking about environmental polluters like the Greens. Then the solid Grit Simon Lono casts his vote for a conservative nomination.

... So if Reds are Orange, and Red Blues are actually Orange, and Orange is Green, while Red is actually Blue... wait I have a headache... at the same time I've been accused of being Red, Blue, and Pink White and Green, and one self-righteous blogger even calls me Yellow. Truth is although nothing is black and white, I finally understand Hendrix.

I'm completely in a Purple Haze. Excuse me while I kiss the sky...

Stephenville Hosts...

2007-09-25T14:04:00.000-02:30

(cross-posted on Newfoundlandlabrador.blogspot.com)

Gwynne Dyer, Ray Johnson, Rex Goudie are in Stephenville this weekend. Why?

Dying (Campaign) Race

2007-09-24T10:07:00.000-02:30

“We can’t be a dying race,” the premier says. There follows an awkward pause. He said the “R” word! The reaction is mixed but swift. Bondpapers wrote about it, so did WebTalk and others including Randy Simms. The standard reaction was a shoulder shrug, next topic please. Others are not as dismissive. Race, did he say race? Shocking!

The new website for Simon Lono running for the Liberals in St. John’s North calls for the premier to apologize for the Race comment:

“To casually talk about a provincial ‘race’ at the same time government is establishing an immigration program and trying to attract foreign doctors and international students sends the worst message to the world. Many of these people come here to escape the empty concept of ‘race’ and other destructive words”.

"The key to our future is a free and democratic society that embraces the contribution of all people. To suggest that there is a “race” in Newfoundland and Labrador that needs protection by government policies raises the idea that there are people - some already living here - who are not part of that race and who do not belong here. That is fundamentally wrong.”

Not surprisingly I disagree with Mr. Lono. The people of Marystown and the handful of politicians who have supported them continue to fight for the rights of a family living in their church. The family by the definition of the people of Marystown including the mayor - are Newfoundland and Labradorians. The government of Canada says they are not. Therein lies the rub. It is not up to Newfoundlanders nor Labradorians who lives in this province. It is dictated to us federally. I can site many examples of our people supporting recent immigrants. I can not give an example of an implication that people who are here do not belong here.

Bondpapers goes further:

We all know – or we are reasonably comfortable in believing we all know - that Danny Williams was referring to the majority of people in the province. That is, he was referring to the white, English-speaking people of English, Irish and Scots ancestry. That is the race to which he most likely referred.

Yikes! How can such a harmless comment invoke such insinuation!

Danny can justify his own words. I can only say that the term Race in referring to Newfoundland and Labradorians is not new. NewfoundlandinCanada’s “ Canada ’s N Word” article suggested that there is a definite racism that exists in Canada towards Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. If you do not belief this is the case I suggest we have had fundamentally different experiences in growing up in this province. If you object to the specific term of Racism you are welcome to substitute “hate mongering”, “discrimination” or whatever you wish. I would suggest though that the majority of us living in Newfoundland and Labrador know from whence I speak.

NewfoundlandinCanada has also suggested that the term race is used in referring to a nation of people in using a definition from dictionary.com. Can this blog then be criticisized for using the term? If Bondpapers marks Danny Williams as using the term Race to imply the white, English Irish and Scots then NewfoundlandinCanada can be faulted with the same criticism by Bond. What does NewfoundlandinCanada define as the Race of Newfoundland and Labrador? Who is a Newfoundlander or Labradorian? It is HERE for all to view.

"Race" does not necessarily imply some evil intent as some would have us believe. Odd how so many things meant to pull us together get twisted to pull us apart.

Danny's Top Ten List

2007-09-21T09:43:00.000-02:30

Top Ten Marketing Slogans for Danny’s $1000 a Kid Plan:
(In the tradition of newfinland.blogspot.com)

10. A Penny for your thoughts, and up to $1000 depending on how far you'll go.

9. A picture is worth 1000 bucks (with birth certificate)

8. Stud fees $500 payable in nine months

7. Let's get in started - let's get it started in here!

6. More Bang for your Buck.

5. My last kid wasn't worth a shit!

4. Danny Bucks - Redeemable at Toys R Us

3. New Conservative Campaign Slogan: PC - PLEASE CONCEIVE

2. New pickup line: I'll see your $1000 and raise you THIS!

1. More bread in the oven, more dough in your hands.

Who is a Newfoundlander or Labradorian?

2007-09-12T11:04:00.000-02:30

The novel "Return of the Native" written by Jonathan Butler asks the question what is a Newfoundland and Labradorian? In the novel a gentleman of African decent finds he has a far greater sense of connection to his friends in home town St. John's than he ever did among other black Canadians in Toronto. The novel begs the question who is a Newfoundland and Labradorian?

A conversation with Snuffy Jackson who created the republic concept is a lesson in who we are and what makes us distinct. There are few stronger Newfoundland and Labradorians than this one-time livyer who is a tried and true Texan.

Ask someone from the new Nunasuivut government, ask a francophone from the West coast, ask an Irish Catholic Townie, a Labrador Metis, a fisherman from Marystown, a mill worker in Corner Brook, Mi'kmaq from Conne River, an immigrant living in sanctuary. They know. The great frustration though is in those who would tear us apart based on regional, cultural, and language differences. The challenge for our people is to define that elusive quality that connects us all. The quality that brought Udo Nomi home in the Return of the Native. The quality that leaves Snuffy Jackson with a quiver in his voice over the phone from Texas. The challenge is to represent us all; in government policy, in cultural song and prose, in art and literature.

That challenge has remained elusive. Drive through the streets of any town in the province. You will see the Maple Leaf, the Pratt Flag, the Union Jack, the Pink White and Green, the Labrador Flag, you'll find the Stars and Stripes and the Irish Flag... All of these in common use in the province. Each of them with vastly different representations, each of them attempting to express that elusive quality of the Newfoundlander, the pride and history of the Labradorian.

I think of a song by The Proclaimers called "Scotland's Story". In the song the brothers' Reid express what makes a Scot, "the Gael and the Pict, the Angle and Dane ... the Irishman, Jew and Ukraine, they're all Scotland's Story and they're all worth the same."

There is a lot said about being at the crossroads of history of this island and the big land. Our actions and sense of self today will define the place in history of this land for generations to come. Time to seek and discover those qualities we share. Those linkages that hold us together. Each link of the chain is essential.

---

Newfoundland and Labrador Defense League
Community Linkages Concept Committee

Us

2007-09-11T09:20:00.000-02:30

Us. A simple word of inclusion. I remember my American friends on this day. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

PC Leadership Sauce

2007-09-10T18:33:00.001-02:30

From newfoundlandlabrador.blogspot.comNewfoundland and Labrador in Canada

When I Was Canadian

2007-09-04T11:06:00.001-02:30

I am not a separatist. It's unfortunate that whenever I display a tiny bit of love for my province that I have to preface it with an apology. Sorry that I wear the Pink White and Green on my hat, sorry I used it in the NLDL logo. Sorry I fly the Labrador Flag, the Pratt Flag and the PWG side by side. I apologize that my brethren in the upper echelon of upper Canada feel I am inferior in my very being.

Truth is, I feel we have to start thinking like we are our own country, no apology for that. We have to have a pride and understanding in our own history and culture. We have to recognize the context of Newfoundland and Labrador outside of Canada just as we now life in a Newfoundland and Labrador that is a part of Canada.

I have been Canadian. On the rare occasion I have felt that connect to the rest of the federation. Anyone remember the Discovery Train which toured the country? It was a museum of discovery of all things Canadian Coast to Coast. Of course Central Newfoundland had recently lost its trains, tracks and infrastructure in a deal with Canada that would see the trains of Newfoundland and Labrador and the terms of union that provided them sold off to repair a crumbling system of highways. The roads nearing St. John’s were indeed improved. The Sir Robert Bond Bridge which was due for upgrade and widening which was to be paid for by the sell-off of the railway still exists in its narrow and neglected state. And Central Newfoundland has luxury compared to Labrador's transportation neglect... But I was young and I didn't see any of that. I was captivated by the lights and funny clothes.

When I met Terry Fox, I felt Canadian. Terry was one of the few simple people in this country who without financial or political gain was able to galvanize this country’s sentiments on all coasts. Terry is one of the rare instances in my life when being Canadian felt right. He remains one of the reasons I cannot dismiss Canada in the Newfoundland and Labrador experiment.

I felt an old familiar pride of the maple lead when parliament hill rung load with the ode to Newfoundland during the anniversary of Beaumont Hamel last year. When we became a nation of men, and for a short time had that pride of place, a dominion, a country, the symantecs are irrelavent. We were what we were. We were not British, nor were we Canadian.

When I have traveled or when I meet Canadians here. On the truly grassroots level the taxi driver, the farmer, the miner these Canadians have built the country and they understand the regional unfairness innate in being a Newfoundlander or Labradorian in Canada. They understand that the third world conditions of rural communities, the suicide rates in Labrador, that these are not acceptable in a land that provesses to be a province of a G8 country.

...But I hang on to these moments in the hopes that they will one day define me. I hang on to the strengths that Canada has in the hopes that one day we will be equal partners in the family. I hang on to the fundamental belief that Canada is not a failed experiment for Newfoundland and Labrador. I hang onto these fundamentals because without them I am homeless. A man without a country. A nation without a nation.

I am Newfoundland and Labradorian first, no apologies.

Success Stories

2007-09-02T22:48:00.001-02:30

Last week the Community Linkages Concept Committee (CLCC) asked "What is the plan for rural Newfoundland and Labrador?" The CLCC is interested in the stories from across the province. What is happening that is good? What needs to be done further? What does government need to do? What do we as the people of Newfoundland and Labrador need to do?

The rarely heard part of the story is the "good news" piece of the puzzle. Part of the answer was sent to me by NL Regional Economic Development Association member in Exploits Rod French: "100 Success Stories" from across the province.

As a member of the NLDL and secretary of the CLCC I live for the success stories in this province. I think it is a valuable read - what's happening in your part of the province?

Remember Rural Newfoundland and Labrador?

2007-08-30T11:10:00.000-02:30

The Community Linkages Concept Committee (CLCC) chaired by Ray Johnson of Buddy Wasisname today issued a statement asking the leaders to state their plan for rural Newfoundland and Labrador...

(read the press release and backgrounder)

Revisiting “The Republic”: Snuffy’s Gold

2007-08-26T20:27:00.000-02:30

(A little break from all the talk about oil from newfoundland-labrador.net)

The mark of a great marketing campaign is one that so entrenches itself into our society that we assume it into the local vernacular. Such is the case with our colloquial use of the term Ski-Doo to mean anything that rides across the snow, or a Coke is anything that is carbonated. And such is true for the concept of the Republic of Newfoundland; was there ever a time that we did not refer to the republic? As a matter of fact there was…

In 1980 a Texan had made St. John’s his home. Pursuing the love of a local girl he very quickly found his place in Newfoundland and Labrador. The gentleman’s name is David Jackson, but he is known widely as “Snuffy”. Some may remember a man with a Texas accent and cowboy hat who worked at CKIX-FM (KIXX) Country, who hung out and played with local bands like “The Living Room Band” in the downtown pubs. Mr. Jackson describes a fond memory of descending the narrow stairs leading between Duckworth and Water near the Courthouse to find the reclusive little spot for his gig. It was among these narrow side streets in downtown St. John’s that Mr. Jackson opened a small apparel shop to showcase his particular brand of graphics arts style.

From Kerrville, Texas just outside San Antonio he says his connection to Newfoundland and Labrador is very strong. From the time he first landed at the St. John’s airport and was greeted with a sign reading “It’s about time you got your TexAss up here” and was presented with a promised bottle of “Tucker’s Gold Cap” homebrew, presented to him by Wayne Tucker and the boys, he had an instant connection to the people.

The Harbour City General Store was a showcase of love for his adopted home, and it was here the first “Republic of Newfoundland” concept was born. Printed on shirts and caps it quietly became a staple of the youth and artsy set and may have inadvertently spawned a renewed sense of pride of place on this peninsula that reaches for Europe while maintaining the Canadian name. The “Republic of Newfoundland” would bring him both fame and controversy.

The inspiration for his creation came from the stories that sparked his interest as a youth. He became a great student of Texas history…with stories of Davy Crocket and the Alamo. The fact that Texas was for a short time a country – a republic – and was for the years between 1836- 1845. In fact he says Texas was the only country to ever join the United States, "Isn't it ironic that Newfoundland and Labrador almost was to?" When Newfoundland and Labrador became his new home he saw so many comparisons with the province and the history of his home state. With great modesty he says “I’m not a brilliant man, the concept of the Newfoundland Republic came from this recognition of the similarities in the history of Texas with the history of Newfoundland and Labrador. Mr. Jackson says that the brief history that Texans were a Republic, that was a defining moment for Texas, and that strength and recognition of who they are was what he saw in Newfoundland and Labradorians. The Newfoundland Republic concept just seemed to make perfect sense. “It didn’t take me long to figure out that Newfoundland has always been its own place.” He emphasizes “its own place” with a quiver of pride in his voice. He adds “No matter what’s written on a piece of paper somewhere as to its status – it doesn’t make a difference – the Newfoundland that I saw was, in and of itself, its own entity.”

When he researched the old Newfoundland Tri-Colour it seemed the perfect addition to the Republic graphic... and so the Republic of Newfoundland and accompanying Pink White and Green quietly entered the Newfoundland and Labrador psyche.

Mr. Jackson thinks that it was his unique perspective of seeing Newfoundland and Labrador with fresh eyes that inspires his Newfoundland and Labrador concept art. He also alludes to the fact that because he was American he did not carry any of the preconceived biases about Newfoundland and Labrador that a mainland Canadian might have.

He recalls the reaction to his logo first when it was introduced, “The newspaper headline read Pro-Separatist T-Shirt but they were just trying to sell papers with sensational headlines. I was celebrating basically what I was seeing which was just a wonderful independent, self-reliance that I saw in my Newfoundland and Labrador friends, not separatism.”

“The other thing they got wrong in that article was that the logo was created because of so many requests – there were never any requests – that didn’t happen. It was only after I created the T-Shirt that a certain element seemed to have embraced it and taken it into their own agenda. Whatever that agenda was, I couldn't help, but, my intension, with my heart on my sleeve, was producing a product that explained the Newfoundland spirit; a wonderfully independent spirit. The whole attitude, Newfoundlanders are wonderful, they just take absolutely take my breath away, the whole atmosphere and self-reliance.”

The Harbour City General Store exists now only in the virtual world at harbourcitygeneralstore.com where the original Republic of Newfoundland concept has been given new life. About the web store Mr. Jackson exclaims proudly that the Harbour City General Store has the “real deal” with it comes to the Republic of Newfoundland.

Mr. Jackson was quite surprised when a friend from St. John’s told him of the enormous success of the Newfoundland Republic in recent years. “They told me Snuffy by’ you really blew it – you could have been a millionaire by now!” He laughs adding that he was told “that history professors are upset because people are calling the old tri-colour the ‘Republic Flag’!”

“Newfoundland and Labrador has more on the go than even they give themselves credit for. I’m seeing a new generation, the young ones who hear the newfie jokes and they are saying – you know this is Bull Shit... I read an article online the other day which described the word Newfie as Canada’s “N” word [I recall being on the mainland and] the things they were saying there and the things I was experiencing as a non-Canadian on the rock were completely different. Newfoundland and Labrador for Canada is like a family taking in a step child in... and the worst of all is not that they regard Newfoundland and Labrador badly but that they don’t regard it at all!”

When suggested that he is a great ambassador for Newfoundland and Labrador and should be on the provincial payroll he laughs saying “I even wrote a song I call I Miss the Rock. Two of my three kids were born in St. Clares. My son James and my daughter Nichole are genuine Newfoundlanders with a Texas accent, my Newfoundtexlanders! My love affair with Newfoundland and Labrador will never die, and when I look back on it – probably one of my biggest regrets is that [I left].”

He hints that he is not finished with Newfoundland and Labrador and hopes to continue to build on the designs that have given him a place in the history of our province. Reflecting on his feelings for Newfoundland and Labrador he sighs over the phone: “Newfoundland had me from, Whadda-ya-at, b'y - from the moment I got off the airplane and drank that “Tucker’s Gold Cap” homebrew.”

Almost Canadian

2007-08-23T15:21:00.001-02:30

...and have-not will be no more - won't that be sweet. The sad irony will be contributing to the equalization payments to the "have-not" Quebec. ...I mean as a part of the federation across the top of the table instead of underneath via Churchill Falls...

Enjoy the moment - ahhhhhh nice!

Rage Against The Machine (or Swallowing the Red Pill)

2007-08-16T13:34:00.000-02:30

(The following is not a paid endorsement of anything - whatsoever)

Neo was offered a choice between a blue pill and a red pill. The question offered by The Matrix is essentially this: If given the choice between status quo or exploring the true reality of your environment with all of its deception revealed, what would you choose? Status quo is comfortable, reality is the food of cynics. Sometimes I sincerely regret having swallowed the red pill.

I’ve had visions of Newfoundland and Labradorians of all stripes and colours being lead to the Promised Land, the North Atlantic parts as we are packing our salt fish and toutons. The further I dive into these waters though I fully expect to one day drown. This blue funk comes from the realization of the strength and scope of the media machine. Blame it on Ryan Cleary who asked the question as to who pays who to do what? From what motive are bloggers, newspaper journalist, and open line haunters driven? When I suck in the information from these media outlets am I hearing an ad or an opinion?

nlpost.blogspot.com has provided a piece of this puzzle. It appears one brand of coercive hired hand is the Lobbyist. For this particular breed of paid "consultant" there is reasonable disclosure as the feds require that Lobbyist are registered. However - all that the lobbyist registry tells me is that there is an elite brand of political whore that is well paid indeed. The lobbyist registry is a museum of ghosts of politicians past. Those who do not yet have a senate seat, waiting in the lobby. I wonder if that is where "Lobbyist" gets its name?! Old politicians never die they just lose the use of their caucas.

Fair enough, we know who the lobbyists are. Who then are the "communications consultants" and those other breeds of opinions for hire. From what wallet are they paid and are they paid for their open line appearances, blogging, and articles in the newspapers? The piece in The Independent has persisted for weeks and calls into question the credability of the free speakers of the web.

To my knowledge only the author nlpost.blogspot.com has said she is not paid by any interests she writes about, or discusses on open line. So here is my question: When I read offalnews.blogspot.com, or bondpapers.blogspot.com and the likes that were listed in The Independent am I reading an opinion, or an advertisement. If an advertisement appearing in my news magazine resembles an article it is disclosed at the top as an "advertising supplement". When I see an infomercial on TV it is prefaced with "The following is a paid broadcast." Not so for alternative media like blogs and open line shows.

Then Ryan Cleary of the Independent himself posts a "story" for Astraeus which appears to have been little more than an ad. The great hope for Independent Journalism bought by an airline? Is there no one who is untainted by the dark spew that is the waste product of the Media Machine? Does anyone even care? What difference does it make if a person is paid for their public opinion? It matters in the same way that trans fats matter in our fried chicken; we don't want to feed ourselves processed news. It's just not healthy.

No wonder it takes so damn long for anything good to happen around here. Our communities are turned into a courthouse - week after week we deal with argument and counter-argument trying to win favour of the elusive public opinion. Most of it BS. The Media Machine produces information fast-food. The Liberals have one, the Conservatives have one, big oil has one, Hydro has one... Shouldn't we know when our information has been produced by an algorithm which determines what information it spews out and when. Shouldn't we know when the machine has chopped up the meaty facts and is feeding us the sausage? Bologna factories run by the powerful and elite.

I have wrench and I'm prepared to use it. Brace yourself for the squeal of grinding gears. I've tried like a bastard to spit that red pill out, but it’s already half digested. God help me.

--

My Disclosure:
The preceding was not a paid announcement on behalf of anyone. I have had a coffee with writers in the Independent. I have worked through a friend for Siobhan Coady's campaign run, I have sat with the NL First executive and voiced my advice and opinions to Loyola Hearn, Peter McKay, and Peg Norman and others. I am a founding member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Defense League, a multi-partisan, all inclusive group that aims to serve the people of this province including the author of offalnews.blogspot.com who has publicly criticized the NLDL - but remains a member. I am also a member of the Community Linkages Concept Committee (clccnl.ca in progress), which serves to work for a sustainable rural Newfoundland and Labrador with an emphasis on education, innovation and youth initiatives.

I did all of this without a single copper entering my pocket... and I will continue to do so. Like a damn fool.

UPDATE: Apparently the author of offalnews which was one of those noted in The Independent article has publically made a statement as to his blogging motives and the issue of having a paid opinion. I apologize for to that blogger if I was making an unfounded insinuation. I will venture to find the statement he made and clarify.

His Response is here

Cuba-Sugar (A Little Side Bar for a Monday Morning)

2007-08-13T10:23:00.000-02:30

This story is not the usual ramblings from Our Place in Canada but it's an interesting read. This lady is 107, living in poverty in Cuba but has a fortune in Boston. Guess where she was born?

On the Rags - News in Canada

2007-08-08T13:53:00.000-02:30

(Let me apologise for the title right off, but I'm feeling up to my nostrils in dung and the weight of the federation is an anvil on my head)

Main stream newspapers, bah! Pressed pulp collections, the poorest use for a tree. Then again with so many bloggers in the arse pocket of some lobby group or political interest who do you trust? Makes me wonder two things. First, to what extent have these political whores discredited the Blogosphere and news rags? Secondly I must be a bit of a fool for not dipping into that purse. Taking the moral high road is both lonely and poor.

Anyway here’s a bit of mainstream tripe for your feeding. The basic jest of this is, with respect to Harper’s Government, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador are hostile and irrational, Quebec wallows in petty protectionism, and Albertans are Yosemite Sam incarnate.

Only mother Ottawa is holding this country together. The ideal situation according to this editorial is disagreement and squabbling among the premiers so that we can be rescued once again by Steve and the Harpies. Not sure what sort of “equality” Steve is ready to dish out this time. Pretty much all we have left down here is a damn fine Sunday dinner. Although without the turnip that Steve took at the last go round it’s hardly a complete meal. Maybe we’ll get the turnip back when Steve has squeezed the last bit of blood from them.

---
From August 8 National Post p.18 Editorial

No fed-bashing – but no deal, either

“There will be plenty of talk about worthwhile initiatives ... and the like, but the real issues are intractable.”

Premiers gather in Moncton today for their annual meeting and they are promising, remarkably enough, not to bash Ottawa. How refreshing.

Specifically, the premiers assembling for the Council of the Federation conference are saying they will stay away from the subject of equalization payments. This is in large part because they’re hopelessly split on it. Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Saskatchewan are all still somehow bitter about the new arrangement worked out by Stephen Harper’s federal government, even though the arrangement, greased by extra federal money, has won reasonable levels of support in the other seven provinces and the territories. The two Atlantic grumblers, in particular, come off as merely truculent and unreasonable.

And out-numbered. The three malcontent governments are in three small provinces, and they’ll be unable to stop the equalization express. That’s just as well, because the new deal has lots going for it besides generosity: consistency, predictability and logic.

The fact that the premiers will focus elsewhere this week is, then, a sign of success for Harper. Even the showman Danny Williams of Newfoundland and Labrador, who has been chewing the scenery in his denunciations of Harper, has calmed down enough to say “there's a mood ... to move to a higher level and not to be seen as a group of premiers that come together to bash the federal government.”

Without Ottawa as a unanimous target, the premiers might fall to pious generalities, or to squabbling among themselves on the three subjects that dominate their agenda.

Two of the three topics, energy and climate change, are closely related. There will be plenty of talk about worthwhile initiatives about mapping energy resources and the like, but the real issues are intractable: Most provinces favour tougher measures on greenhouse-gas emissions, but Alberta adopts its gunslinger pose as soon as it hears the phrase “carbon tax” or even a reference to emissions trading. Last week, Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach gave the back of his hand to a proposal, from Ontario’s Dalton McGuinty, for a national cap-and-trade emissions plan. Global climate change, Alberta seems to be saying, is not our problem.

Oh well, at least Stelmach will go along with the meeting’s cheap symbolism: The premiers will eat local food, their vehicles won’t idle and they’ll drink local water out of reusable bottles.

The third issue is interprovincial trade, and here the prototype is the Alberta British Columbia deal signed last winter, which lowers labour-market barriers and makes it easier for companies to do business across the border the two provinces share.

It’s a disgrace that other provinces – Quebec not least – still wallow so deeply in petty protectionism, imposing barriers and burdens on the growth of prosperity. But they do, and while the federal government has talked a good game on encouraging a true free market within Canada, its jawboning has accomplished little so far.

The meeting will also have its share of street theatre: Nurses from across the country will be picketing to demand more money for health care. Business groups want improved dispute-settlement mechanism under the current Agreement on Internal Trade. Saskatchewan, which grows lots of corn, will be tub-thumping for ethanol. And so on.

The meeting promises to be a treat for the country’s story starved media. We just wish we could believe it will accomplish anything.

MUN II - With a Vengence

2007-08-06T10:44:00.000-02:30

The upper echelon of academia at Memorial University is a bastion of self-preservation.

Let me start again, give me a second to get off my high-horse that I got at MUN and rephrase that...

That University Crowd is some big-in-theirself. When the province decides that it is time for MUN to take an internal look at itself the Board of Regents dumps a brick. Why? Not because they think that improving the status of the Grenfell Campus is a bad idea - but that it comes from government and not "The Board". The Board is diametrically opposed to any outside force dropping a suggestion in the box. (The suggestion box itself is up on the top shelf with the cookies and mouse droppings.)

As a struggling student I presented a letter to a board representative so they would except a course credit towards my degree. As an extra incentive I included a letter of reference from a high-ranking government official of which I knew from my summer employment at his provincial department. When I presented the reference letter to the board of regents rep his words to me were: "this is a bad idea, I'm not going to include the reference letter with your application." Seeing the expression of naivety on my face he continued, "The Board of Regents would see a letter from a political figure as government interference and that would be a hindrance to the application." I was shocked, but I did learn a little about the university governance from that conversation.

Consider what would happen if they wanted to grow the University to be representative of this province. If they wished to seriously improve rural relations, to build a university that is responsive to Cartwright as well as St. John's, it would be done. In this era of technology it would not need to break the bank. If these great learned individuals put their heads together, MUN could be the University that this province deserves. A university that has relevance to rural Newfoundland and coastal Labrador, all regions given consideration. Distance education? From experience, teleconference, correspondence courses and the like are sub-par. Preliminary university classroom courses in other parts of the province are not up to snuff. I can also tell you that there are a great number of potential students in other parts of Newfoundland and Labrador off the Avalon who would rather attend a maritime university or go to Ontario instead of traveling to St. John's.

So why can't we speak of improving the University for rural Newfoundland and Labrador? Because it is being represented by people like John Crosbie. Sharp, articulate, head-strong, proud and entirely rooted in the rocky soils of old St. John's. That is not being critical - it is simply the reality of his perspective. He is fully entitled to it and there should never be the suggestion that he is not. But lets hear from rural Newfoundlanders and Labradorians!

60,000 MUN alumni, how many of those were not born in St. John's? That's the seldom heard perspective we should be interested in, because it is these people who graduated MUN in spite of itself. Those who made the leap to the halls of academia of the biggest little University in Canada overcoming the obstacles to a higher education in this province.

I can only tell you that the travel costs, the culture loss, rural population loss, the sub-par distance education, classrooms in condemned buildings - all of this is my own experience at MUN. And it's not good enough. I suggest the Board of Regents at MUN take its head out of its collective backside and consider "How can we make this work" instead of throwing up barriers as to why it won't. Can't-do is not an attitude that belongs in academic philosophy.

If they feel so strongly that the Grenfell Concept is wrong for the University, take the reigns. Let's see where we can take higher education in this province. Only a dictatorship is afraid of change.

The Globe and Mail - Quote of the Day August 1 2007

2007-08-01T10:26:00.000-02:30

Finally something worth repeating from Canadian Largest waste of pulp.

From a story on page A4:

Harper Heads East to Win Back Atlantic Support

From a Senior Atlantic Canadian Conservative:

"In Nova Scotia you can try to stop the bleeding, but the leg is cut off in Newfoundland"

The story references a visit by Steve to PEI, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. I guess ol' NL is already written off.

Quick note to the Globe - Harper is not visiting Atlantic Canada - he is visiting the Maritimes. Perfectly acceptable to use this term when Newfoundland and Labrador is excluded.

... and an even quicker note to Harper. If you want more blood from Newfoundland and Labrador, start growing Turnip.

Newfoundland and Labrador BC (Before Canada)

2007-07-24T09:37:00.000-02:30

In the twenty-four years between the birth of my father and the birth of his son, this land we call home was reborn into a new history. In the year of my birth Canada was already celebrating its centennial.

In the year of the Centennial Newfoundland in Canada, Labrador in Canada, less than two decades. My country’s last leader, my country’s first Premier was still the current Premier and would be for another five years. This allowed me the unique opportunity in the history of a province to be alive during the leadership of every Premier that has ever governed. And I am not an old man. When we sit with our grandparents and elders and discuss the old times we speak of growing up in a foreign country. We speak of arriving in – a foreign country. Such is the history of my Newfoundland and Labrador.

It is perhaps difficult for a Toronto-centric middle Canada to comprehend, let alone empathize with this perspective. When my elders speak confederation with Canada they are not recounting stories from generations ago that were passed to them through a spoken heritage, they are recounting a history that they in fact lived. Our history in Canada is but a grain in the sands of time.

What of that history ending in 1949? The lost races, Maritime Archaic, Dorset Eskimo, and Beothuck. The Inuit, Innu, Métis, and Mi’kmaq. The arrival of the Scandinavian Vikings, and later the Europeans. The first permanent settlement by Europeans in Cupids in 1610. The generations of loggers, farmers, fishermen, that struggled to survive those first winters.

So what’s the deal with Newfoundlanders? What’s the deal with Labradorians? We are grounded by our history. We are at once marred by and grounded by the lives of those before us. Our hearts are wounded by the story of the Beothuck. We carry with us the loss of those countless men and women who are lost to eternity in the icy depths of the Atlantic on the Ocean Ranger, the fishermen, the merchant marines.

Our relationship with mother Ottawa is brand new. Just fifty-eight years. A relationship that has seen Resettlement and Centralization. A relationship that has seen the collapse of our cod fishery. Fifty-eight years that has seen inequitable contracts like the Upper Churchill deal with enormously unbalanced profit division. Fifty-eight years that saw the once proud and strong people of Newfoundland and Labrador reduced to its perceived welfare state. Fifty-eight years that has seen constant debt. Unemployment unequalled in the federation. Out-migration unequalled in the federation.

And if Newfoundland dears to question the Terms of Union it is seen as treason, conspiracy to separation. If Labrador looks for equity it is dismissed as a sparse population of complainers.

The history of Newfoundland and Labrador since 1949 has seen an unparalleled evolution of character in Canada. It has turned Newfoundland and Labradorians into Canadians. Through the looking glass of Central Canadian imperialism the Newfoundlander and the Labradorian wears rags like Dickens’ lost boys, with their hand-out for another cup of gruel. It has seen the emergence of a new class in Canadian society – the Newfie, Canada’s Jigger Nigger. Although in this province we are intensely aware of the rock and salt water that has brought us into being there are far more looking through that looking glass than those of us standing behind it.

The message to the mainland media rags and political spin doctors. Write whatever you wish, we are not defined by your words. We know who we are.

Blame Canada (at least Harper's version of it)

2007-07-12T13:39:00.000-02:30

Equality is a funny animal isn’t it? It’s truly a noble concept of democratic society, but it’s such an elusive beast. Look at Canada’s Equalization Formula. Has this fundamental Canadian policy leveled the playing field across the federation? Is the health and education of Nain equal to that of Toronto? Could it ever be? Should it ever be? Can we expect resource rich Alberta to prop the rest of the country? Should we expect population rich Ontario to pander to the whims of Rural Newfoundland and Labrador?

It’s a double-edged sword this whole equalization thing. On the one hand you have the argument that says “why should Newfoundland and Labrador be allowed to achieve "have" status while still receiving funds from equalization? (I hate that term "have" because it necessitates the term "have-not" which is horse shit, anyway...) It’s a hard nut to crack and a difficult one for us to ask for. The fact remains though that two of the more recent Prime Ministers of this country agreed to it. Why?

Therein is the other edge of the equalization sword. Given that a region with significant resource potential can be allowed to grow, be invested in, with a minimal investment it can become a strong and contributing member of the federation. On equal terms with its sister provinces. Equal – there’s that elusive concept again.

Where inequality exists we go back to the principals of the great philosophers who have argued these points hundreds of years before we were ever conceived of being conceived. Kantian ethics tells us to be charitable, that the more well to do among us should contribute to the less fortunate. It is this type manner of thinking which separates the third-world dictatorships from a modern country such as Canada. Much of the third-world is stained with the inequality that sees people living in tent cities across the water from mansions and towers. The true test of a great society is how its less fortunate citizens live.

The unfortunate thing about Newfoundland and Labrador is that we have always been perceived as the tent city to the North and East. At this point in our history and so many times in the past opportunity has come in the form of a handout. At least that is the perception in the land of the Towers on the coast of the Great Lakes. Money for a Rolling Stones concert in Toronto is a boost to a city that had taken a slap to its tourism from SARS. Money for Bombardier or Quebec Ad agencies is an investment in the country's future, in Newfoundland and Labrador it’s a hand-out – C’est la vie.

When our sister province of Alberta is cited as an example the Ottawa-Communications Machine (OCM) is quick to tell you that Alberta was not build on hand-outs from Ottawa. It’s a mute point. The fact is this province was allowed to grow into its present state as a financial powerhouse of Canada through people who believed in it’s potential. The fact in Newfoundland and Labrador is that we are historically similar to the pre-oil days of Alberta. This goes to the heart of why “Equalization” is such a big deal to us in this province. The fact is that the promise made by Harper, and Martin before him would have allowed Newfoundland and Labrador to realize some of its enormous potential. To push it up to the ranks of our older sisters Ontario and Alberta and at long last given us a seat at the table of the big guys.

And that was within our sights... it was promised to us... we banked on it!

But this is a country of equality after all. We can’t allow that poor adapted bastard child Newfoundland and Labrador to reach the status of Ontario, it’s just not right. It goes against equality, it flies in the face of the principles of equalization. To allow an unequal opportunity for a province is unheard of in the 140 years of this big country.... Except of course that the Auto-Pact was negotiated with The States that allowed a tremendous industry for Ontario. And the national capital is in the province of Ontario. And Bombardier has received countless millions in Quebec, not to mention the generous support to Quebec Ad agencies. And there is the fact that there are provisions which allow for seven extra MPs for Quebec beyond what they would get from population alone. The other Atlantic Provinces get three extra MPs. Newfoundland and Labrador gets only two. That’s fair right? Of course Alberta, BC and Ontario get zero, so at least we aren’t on the bottom of the scale there. There may be a few more in-equalities in the federation... like three Supreme Court Justices from Ontario and Quebec as a requirement while Newfoundland and Labrador has never had a justice sit on the Supreme Court of Canada. All fair - all equal right?

But I digress – other than these and a couple hundred more inequalities among the people of Canada this country is built on Equality. An equality that ensures that Canadians from coast to coast to coast feel the opportunity and sense of belonging that this greatest country in the world allows its citizens. It is great to know that in this country a young Inuk growing up in a community with a perpetual boil order and the highest suicide rates in the country has the same opportunity to meet their true potential as a the Torontonian who receives a Jag as a graduation gift. All things being equal.

Memorial University - Newfoundland and Labrador's Exporter of the Year

2007-06-29T14:28:00.000-02:30

In the Company of Sleveens

2007-06-11T14:02:00.000-02:30

It is a scoundrel indeed who incites a racket to cover his own ass. Harper's Conservative government is pitting province against province to take the heat off their own inept governance. On equalization reform they brought all provincial governments together and told them to form a unanimous consenus on how to reform the equalization formula. In what cartoon world would ten provinces in a country as diverse as Canada agree to anything. I would suggest it would be easier to get a Vegan and a Texan to decide on what to get on their pizza. It's just not going to happen... but that's OK! This is failure by design. The addendum to the meeting of premiers is quite simply "if you can't come to a consensus the federal government will decide." Brilliant. Harper has set the stage; his standard reply to any criticism of equalization reform. "Well we tryed to let the premiers decide on equalization reform but they failed and we were forced to make the tough decisions".

Not such a tough decision though is it? For the federal government decisions that cater to the population dense Southern Ontario and Quebec regions buys the most votes, and for a minority government that is where the rubber hits the road.

So what can the Atlantic do to fight for regional rights and descrepancies in the federation? Provinces can form their own consenus - scare the feds into paying attention because in the end all they really heed are population numbers. But Harper is safe enough in that regard too isn't he... because as long as their are sleveens like Nova Scotian Premier Ronald MacDonald, Harper doesn't have a worry. MacDonald's strategy for his province goes like this. Side with Premier Williams in negotiating with Harper. Plan fails, go to plan B. Backroom negotiations with Harper trying to cut a side deal - throwing the Rodney-Danny alliance to the wind. Flaherty tells MacDonald to 'bugger off - he's not cutting any side deals'. MacDonald cries foul.

Oh if only MacDonald can rekindle some of that warmth he had with Newfoundland and Labrador's Danny Williams in the early days of the Equalization talks. I suspect though that Danny may take a page from Flaherty's book and tell MacDonald that what they had is over. Find some other Sleveen for your side-deal negotiations. Lucky for MacDonald the country has more than it's share of 'em.

Stevey Wonder

2007-05-24T12:02:00.001-02:30

Secrets of the Canadian Spy Coin Revealed

2007-05-07T13:32:00.000-02:30

WASHINGTON - An odd-looking Canadian coin with a bright red flower was the culprit behind a U.S. Defense Department false espionage warning earlier this year about mysterious coin-like objects with radio frequency transmitters, The Associated Press has learned.

The harmless "poppy coin" was so unfamiliar to suspicious U.S. Army contractors traveling in Canada that they filed confidential espionage accounts about them. The worried contractors described the coins as "anomalous" and "filled with something man-made that looked like nano-technology,"... (full story)

A Trust and Confidance Rally!

2007-05-02T10:38:00.000-02:30

Stand up for Newfoundland and Labrador
A Trust and Confidance Rally!
Friday May 11th, 2007 Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Front Lot, Confederation Building
More information coming soon!

Write: info@according2.ca
www.according2.ca

Also the Newfoundland and Labrador Defense League are planning to attend. If you have further questions about the NLDL or the Rally feel free to contact Us at nldl_nl@yahoo.ca www.nldl.org

The Face of Outmigration

2007-04-11T09:59:00.000-02:30