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
Monday, March 31, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
From Halifax to Vancouver - Sears Fundraiser Misses Tremendous Opportunity
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/
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/
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Facist States
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.
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.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Home. Care?
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.
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.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
The Lady and The Knight
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.
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.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
The Rock remembers The Rock
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
A new book suggests MP Cadman was stronger than we knew:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/02/27/cadman-book.html
Friday, February 15, 2008
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Merry Christmas from Air Canada!
Merry Christmas to all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who have made it home for the Holidays in spite of the obstacles.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
... now for something completely different
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
Of course the best of the best are always from Newfoundland and Labrador.
http://www.enroutemag.com/e/november07/best_b.html
Friday, October 26, 2007
Canadians Wants to Orphan Newfoundland and Labrador Children
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 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
Monday, October 15, 2007
The Funny Thing About Clowns
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.
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.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
I Spy with my Little Eye, Something that is Blue
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%$K ya we tried!"
* In Gambo: “Joey’s Lookout” to be renamed “Joey, Look out!”
* Seeking funds, the Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador changes its name to “Pepsi, The Choice of a New Generation Party of Newfoundland and Labrador”
* Giant novelty cheques for expectant mothers.
* Giant electrical outlet for Red Bay. Giant extension cord for St. Anthony.
* Fiber Optic fed for everyone!
* Have Status in two years – Canada seeks new scapegoat.
* Out-port Newfoundland and Labrador now called “cottage country”
* One step closer to Danny acquiring The Bomb. Steven Harper is spied at Home Depot buying new locks, batteries and candles.
* Opposition meets at Tim Horton’s.
* New NDP Slogan: "From Nun to One"
* New Tory Slogan: "Four Seats to a Dictatorship"
* New Liberal Slogan: "F%$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”
Monday, October 01, 2007
Rage Against the Machine II
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
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
Thursday, September 27, 2007
A Colourful Election
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...
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...
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Stephenville Hosts...
(cross-posted on Newfoundlandlabrador.blogspot.com)
Gwynne Dyer, Ray Johnson, Rex Goudie are in Stephenville this weekend. Why?
Gwynne Dyer, Ray Johnson, Rex Goudie are in Stephenville this weekend. Why?
Monday, September 24, 2007
Dying (Campaign) Race
“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.
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.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Danny's Top Ten List
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.
(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.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Who is a Newfoundlander or Labradorian?
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
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
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Us
Us. A simple word of inclusion. I remember my American friends on this day. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)