Let's review why we end up with governments we end up despising. Unfortunately by the time that occurs the damage has been done.
The first of this series looks at the "lifelong" party faithful.
1. Liberal Tory DNA
About 25% of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are genetically linked to one party or another. You can diagnose this condition without sending away for a test,
a) yours is a house that 1 party can rely on for life to place political signs on the lawn, in the windows, or across your garage door,
b) you have been card carrying member of "your" party for life,
c) the zealot syndrome - if you do not openly embrace even the most ludicrous ideas - without critique, question, or second thought you don't have it,
d) you find yourself plotting to undermine a person who is not with "your" party without logical reason for doing so,
e) you will disown a family member before you disown "your" party,
f) your ancestry is defined by a political party,
g) you willingly donate to "your" party regardless of what they are offering or not offering,
h) if an MHA from "your" party leaves for reasons of ideological choice on an issue - particularly in the proper representation of their constituents, the MHA - not "your" party - is guilty of treason,
i) you plan a political coming out party for your child or grandchild,
j) you believe that political parties in NL are ideologically different,
k) you believe it's a "your turn" kind of system where you wait it out knowing that "your turn" is coming,
l) you are willing to present your body at a party demonstration or event to up the headcount,
m) if you don't like "your" party's leader - you will choose not to vote - instead of looking at somebody else,
m) you don't mind if "your" party MHA does not read legislation before voting on it,
n) you phone talk-shows with speaking notes - provided by a paid staffer,
o) you treat politics like the World Wrestling Federation,
p) you assume critics of your party's position are from another party - naysayers - conspiracy theorists,
q) you believe question period in the House of Assembly is for name calling and ridicule,
r) you believe in political messiahs
s) you try to stand next to a politician from "your" party to take a much desired selfie,
t) you hang a photo of "your" party's leader/s on your wall,
u) you look for online "question of the day" and press the answer as many times as you can,
v) you plan your summer vacation around a politicians visit to your communities garden party,
w) you believe "your" party is never wrong just always fixing another party's mess,
x) you block opponents to "your" party on Twitter,
y) you attempt to get "your" party MHA's to friend you on Facebook,
z) you think this list has been established by the "other" party.
If you can relate to 50% or more of these traits - you need to rethink before our province is extinct.
Next up - the corporate party swingers...
Showing posts with label Joey Smallwood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Joey Smallwood. Show all posts
Friday, August 11, 2017
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
RIP | Ray Guy | and Write Home Often
Wow,
Is it really true? Ray is gone and you know what - it hurts.
I'm going to miss a person I have never met - because in many ways it was a comfort he was there.
Everyday - listening to the news or watching the House of Assembly - can cause a person to think they are strange.
Knowing that at least one other mortal was having a hard time swallowing the crap fed to us each and every day by governments - was somewhat a relief.
Ray also allowed me to understand that this stuff has been going on for a long while - and we the people were following a grand tradition of "living down to that estimation".
Sometimes I'd be mad at him - I'd ask where are you? Step to the plate - and put that voice in the House of Assembly. I'd say come on by - you can do more than moan - albeit a very talented moan.
I can't say I understood or knew - because I didn't.
I really believe Ray was tormented by the mess we are in and have been in for a while - and his out was to write the sworded release. Well regardless of why - we were fortunate that Ray exhaled and sent his words to us.
My favorite line of Guy's came during his address at his convocation for the degree of doctor of letters, honoris causa:
"This is a fair piece of geography we've got hold of here. One day we may straighten out the hideous kinks in the Canadian federation, one day we may stop electing fools and crooks."
So Dr. Raymond Guy - you'll not be forgotten - and write home often.
Is it really true? Ray is gone and you know what - it hurts.
I'm going to miss a person I have never met - because in many ways it was a comfort he was there.
Everyday - listening to the news or watching the House of Assembly - can cause a person to think they are strange.
Knowing that at least one other mortal was having a hard time swallowing the crap fed to us each and every day by governments - was somewhat a relief.
Ray also allowed me to understand that this stuff has been going on for a long while - and we the people were following a grand tradition of "living down to that estimation".
Sometimes I'd be mad at him - I'd ask where are you? Step to the plate - and put that voice in the House of Assembly. I'd say come on by - you can do more than moan - albeit a very talented moan.
I can't say I understood or knew - because I didn't.
I really believe Ray was tormented by the mess we are in and have been in for a while - and his out was to write the sworded release. Well regardless of why - we were fortunate that Ray exhaled and sent his words to us.
My favorite line of Guy's came during his address at his convocation for the degree of doctor of letters, honoris causa:
"This is a fair piece of geography we've got hold of here. One day we may straighten out the hideous kinks in the Canadian federation, one day we may stop electing fools and crooks."
So Dr. Raymond Guy - you'll not be forgotten - and write home often.
Wednesday, February 08, 2012
What happens in 2041?
Go ahead - tell us - to all MHA's - what happens in 2041?
Explain it to us.
I would like the NDP, Liberal, and PC leadership to explain what happens in 2041.
Explain it to us.
I would like the NDP, Liberal, and PC leadership to explain what happens in 2041.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Tweeting Muskrat Falls - Fails - Referendum Please!
So now the answer to Muskrat Falls "confusion" is Twitter - according to Jerome Kennedy?
This according to a story from VOCM news today.
First of all only those who follow Minister Kennedy can get the latest on the 6 billion dollar fiasco.
Then of course - one would have to be on Twitter to begin with or even own a computer.
Then what of those people who do not have access to high speed Internet?
Reporters are left to watch Twitter to see what the Minister is presenting regarding the "benefits" of the deal.
I suppose the marketplace can have a good look at it. Perhaps people with interest in energy projects might follow the Minister as he tries to sell the project to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
The time for real discussion is now. We need the House of Assembly opened. We need an all party committee to travel the province and hold public meetings. We need the two Opposition parties to take the lead on this file - ask the questions - demand debate - and further to insist on a referendum.
Dr. Locke is right when he says we do not need to be a slave to our past.What we need this time is the right for every voter to mark an X for or against the deal. In this way our people get the voice they did not have during the Upper Churchill. As with then and now - the Opposition is too quiet and we must not let 48 people make a decision that will affect three generations of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
Twitter fails! Let's go through the referendum process. What's the rush?
This according to a story from VOCM news today.
First of all only those who follow Minister Kennedy can get the latest on the 6 billion dollar fiasco.
Then of course - one would have to be on Twitter to begin with or even own a computer.
Then what of those people who do not have access to high speed Internet?
Reporters are left to watch Twitter to see what the Minister is presenting regarding the "benefits" of the deal.
I suppose the marketplace can have a good look at it. Perhaps people with interest in energy projects might follow the Minister as he tries to sell the project to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
The time for real discussion is now. We need the House of Assembly opened. We need an all party committee to travel the province and hold public meetings. We need the two Opposition parties to take the lead on this file - ask the questions - demand debate - and further to insist on a referendum.
Dr. Locke is right when he says we do not need to be a slave to our past.What we need this time is the right for every voter to mark an X for or against the deal. In this way our people get the voice they did not have during the Upper Churchill. As with then and now - the Opposition is too quiet and we must not let 48 people make a decision that will affect three generations of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
Twitter fails! Let's go through the referendum process. What's the rush?
Friday, January 13, 2012
Muskrat Falls - There will be NO Dissent
So how are we shaping up here regarding the open discussion on the Muskrat Falls development?
Bloggers should be eliminated.
Open Line callers opposed should be thwarted.
The House of Assembly is closed.
The PUB does not get extension.
Public/Private partnership means not ALL information is available.
People and companies in the New England States, Nova Scotia and Ottawa will hear more from Nalcor our elected government members than we do.
All critics regardless of their professional background and experience - for some reason fail to comprehend the knowledge the Premier claims to possess.
The government is in control of all provincial assets and the budget, can spend away at Public Relations but now require inundation of open line programs as well.
The government despite it's belief that the people of the province are all for the project will not entertain a referendum on the deal.
A referendum would provide funds to critics from the public purse to debate the issue intelligently and openly. The tax dollars do come from us after all and that's the money government wishes to spend.
There have been no real public consultations by the Province as the developing jurisdiction.
We have not been told about the negotiations with Quebec and Gull Island power nor have we been told about what other options were not fully explored regarding industrial development in Labrador.
The Premier is hiding and wants to stay low and push ahead. She wants the public to believe all is well and it's only a few from the peanut gallery that wish to cause trouble. She has not identified what the agendas of these people are - other than those who are known partisans.
What do you call this type of government? They want to spend 6 billion dollars of our money and they want to spend it without opportunity for dissent.
This is our water - this is our resource - this is our project......heard this stuff sometime before. I might have been 9 years old at the time.
Bloggers should be eliminated.
Open Line callers opposed should be thwarted.
The House of Assembly is closed.
The PUB does not get extension.
Public/Private partnership means not ALL information is available.
People and companies in the New England States, Nova Scotia and Ottawa will hear more from Nalcor our elected government members than we do.
All critics regardless of their professional background and experience - for some reason fail to comprehend the knowledge the Premier claims to possess.
The government is in control of all provincial assets and the budget, can spend away at Public Relations but now require inundation of open line programs as well.
The government despite it's belief that the people of the province are all for the project will not entertain a referendum on the deal.
A referendum would provide funds to critics from the public purse to debate the issue intelligently and openly. The tax dollars do come from us after all and that's the money government wishes to spend.
There have been no real public consultations by the Province as the developing jurisdiction.
We have not been told about the negotiations with Quebec and Gull Island power nor have we been told about what other options were not fully explored regarding industrial development in Labrador.
The Premier is hiding and wants to stay low and push ahead. She wants the public to believe all is well and it's only a few from the peanut gallery that wish to cause trouble. She has not identified what the agendas of these people are - other than those who are known partisans.
What do you call this type of government? They want to spend 6 billion dollars of our money and they want to spend it without opportunity for dissent.
This is our water - this is our resource - this is our project......heard this stuff sometime before. I might have been 9 years old at the time.
Monday, November 07, 2011
"Talk with Sue" gets explosive tonight as we take on The Muskrat Falls deal!
At 8 pm Tonight "Talk with Sue" takes on the Muskrat Falls deal. The newest talk show in Newfoundland and Labrador will be explosive tonight.
Listen to what Joey said, what Joey orated, what Joey promised, what Joey articulated on the Upper Churchill and what he promised on the Lower Churchill.
Let's blow the top off the Muskrat Falls deal and look inside - whether the Premier likes it or not.
Let's look at the whys - the lies - and the ties to this this deal.
PRESS HERE TO GO TO THE SHOW
If the PC government does not want to talk - so be it. The people will.
Don't miss this revealing and frank discussion on the Muskrat Falls deal. Join the conversation - you might just find yourself outraged by this current crop of MHA's!
Listen to what Joey said, what Joey orated, what Joey promised, what Joey articulated on the Upper Churchill and what he promised on the Lower Churchill.
Let's blow the top off the Muskrat Falls deal and look inside - whether the Premier likes it or not.
Let's look at the whys - the lies - and the ties to this this deal.
PRESS HERE TO GO TO THE SHOW
If the PC government does not want to talk - so be it. The people will.
Don't miss this revealing and frank discussion on the Muskrat Falls deal. Join the conversation - you might just find yourself outraged by this current crop of MHA's!
Friday, August 19, 2011
Kevin Noble thinks Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will listen to Joey twice
I am absolutely shocked at the lows to which Kevin Noble will sink.
He just finished his expected call to Paddy Daley on Back-Talk and actually said he was doing a "Joey", by saying he was reducing the information to the simplest possible and then just repeat it and repeat it and people will follow.
Let me guess Kevin what's next - "These are our falls, this is our power, this is our resource".
Yes Kevin - the one and only thing you got right was the comparison to Joey and the Upper Churchill.
Both deals are devastating giveaways and make certain people rich - while Newfoundland and Labrador gets a very short end of the stick.
Then the actor tried to link the development of Muskrat Falls to a parking lot - and although we only have one space now - beware in the future we will own the lot. Yes I must say that is exactly the logic used on the Upper Churchill.
Outside of my obvious disgust at political prostitution - Noble actually managed to prove that this deal is the same as the Upper Churchill - while trying to promote the project for government.
In this case Kevin your acting skills failed you. Try again.
He just finished his expected call to Paddy Daley on Back-Talk and actually said he was doing a "Joey", by saying he was reducing the information to the simplest possible and then just repeat it and repeat it and people will follow.
Let me guess Kevin what's next - "These are our falls, this is our power, this is our resource".
Yes Kevin - the one and only thing you got right was the comparison to Joey and the Upper Churchill.
Both deals are devastating giveaways and make certain people rich - while Newfoundland and Labrador gets a very short end of the stick.
Then the actor tried to link the development of Muskrat Falls to a parking lot - and although we only have one space now - beware in the future we will own the lot. Yes I must say that is exactly the logic used on the Upper Churchill.
Outside of my obvious disgust at political prostitution - Noble actually managed to prove that this deal is the same as the Upper Churchill - while trying to promote the project for government.
In this case Kevin your acting skills failed you. Try again.
Saturday, July 09, 2011
Remembering our History and Forgetting Confederation - A winning Combination
This result from a recent Telegram Poll - I find it interesting!
While most want equal consideration to both - which currently does not happen - 28% said Remembrance only while 20% said Canada Day only.
The feelings in this province regarding Confederation are changing every year. I wonder why?
Do you consider July 1 a day to celebrate Canada, or one of remembrance — in particular, for the Battle of Beaumont Hamel in the First World War?
While most want equal consideration to both - which currently does not happen - 28% said Remembrance only while 20% said Canada Day only.
The feelings in this province regarding Confederation are changing every year. I wonder why?
Do you consider July 1 a day to celebrate Canada, or one of remembrance — in particular, for the Battle of Beaumont Hamel in the First World War?
- Celebrate Canada Day 20%
- Remembrance 28%
- Equal consideration to both 45%
- Neither. It's just another holiday. 7%
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
The Perfect Storm Dunderdale/Smallwood - Stop the Carnage
Today I write one of the most somber thoughts - I have ever had.
I am very afraid for Newfoundland and Labrador. The perfect political storm is forming and if we - as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians - do not take severe and immediate action - our place may be lost.
Kathy Dunderdale inherited the post of Premier - and since the swearing in she has shown everything but leadership. Yes her ego is doing quite well - she seems to enjoy being the woman in power - but only in controlled and friendly environments. Dunderdale is uncomfortable dealing with the people - and she prefers not to do it.
The media and ordinary citizens are the enemy and she must find "friends" in other places.
Dunderdale relies on being recognized by people like Harper and Oil executives and relies on people like Ed Martin (Nalcor) to remind her that she is strong and doing the right things.
Hard to know how she is doing with Cabinet - these MHA's are so desperate to keep a portfolio - that otherwise independent people are making absurd excuses for policy failures.
Either Kathy Dunderdale is a complete political fraud or she is completely incompetent. You see Kathy Dunderdale hung off Danny's every word and move. She supported his position that unelected Premiers should not do major resource deals. She fought hard for that while in Opposition. Dunderdale basked in Danny's glory as he lowered flags, took on the feds, and politically condemned Harper. When Danny asked - she walked with Siobhan Coady door to door - to make the point that Harper must not be trusted and if he ever got a majority - Canada - particularly Newfoundland and Labrador would be in trouble. When Danny spoke - Kathy backed him up - she would call talk shows and reiterate Danny's points and talk about his greatness. When Danny bailed on our health care system and treated his illness in the USA - she was sent out to take the awkward questions and defend his decision. While she took over the Premier's role during Williams's recovery - she did nothing to change the course.
Then Kathy became Premier - and realized that she was the boss. If you think Williams was vindictive and vengeful - look out world - here comes Kathy.
The only problem is - her anger is toward the people. She adopted Williams dictatorial style without having his abilities or education (formal or street). If we are to believe Williams - the very first thing Kathy did as she took office is cut the former Premier off. For what purpose? Dunderdale hung on every word and action of Williams and now - he is not worthy of advice?
If Williams is to be believed - he recently stated publicly that hydro power from Labrador should have the right to go through Quebec and he felt this should be accomplished to allow this province to have the best opportunity to benefit from these resources. What is going on? Do we know anything really about this proposed development in the Big Land? The answer is no.
I have listened to Kathy Dunderdale speak on the Lower Churchill several times and she simply does not know enough on this potential to make decisions. Then we have to rely on the "experts" she relies on. What experts? The bureaucrats that would like to see hydro privatized? Nalcor executives who appear annoyed at having to answer questions? The companies that stand to gain short and long-term fortunes from the resource? One thing is for sure - Dunderdale is not listening to the people and she is ignoring many citizens of varying backgrounds who are warning - that this deal is bad - very bad.
Then there is Kathy's new appreciation, respect and adulation of Stephen Harper.
You see - this is not possible if you believe that Kathy actually believed and stood by Danny in his assessment of Harper. If she simply went along with Williams and was opposed to the ABC campaign - then she would have asked you and me to support ABC under false pretences.
Stephen Harper will only provide a loan guarantee to this province if it benefits other provinces. In fact the decimation of Newfoundland and Labrador resources to the benefit of other jurisdictions suits Harper just fine. This is how it has always been in Canada - and under Harper it will get worse.
Tonight as Dunderdale speaks to Harper - she may very well get the reversal on the closure of the marine rescue sub-centre - and this to keep the relationship intact long enough to rid Labrador of its industrial future.
The Emera deal is happening under very similar conditions to that of the Upper Churchill fiasco. A leader - Kathy Dunderdale - like Smallwood - who was satisfied to get compliments from those in the world of the corporate elite.
1. Joey sold the water rights in order to promote national unity and further secure Newfoundland's place in Canada. Kathy in essence is promoting the same ideas.
2. Joey quote:
“Our danger, so it seems to me, is that of nursing delusions of grandeur. We remember the stories of small states that valiantly preserved their national independence and developed their own proud culture, but we tend to overlook the fact that comparison of Newfoundland with them is ludicrous. We are not a nation. We are merely a medium size municipality, a mere miniature borough of a large city.”
Kathy has this mentality and believes we need others to develop and control our resources. This is the same thinking that went into the Upper Churchill.
* Just a quick note - Iceland - is doing just fine after the global economic meltdown and will probably fair better than fellow European nations.
3. Joey's continued assertion that the Upper Churchill deal was a good one, good for Canada, good for Newfoundland (Labrador), he'd say these are our resources, this is our falls, this is our water. Kathy is doing the same thing and once again we are heading for a catastrophic giveaway of our resources and worse dragging us into debt - which is not sustained by the market but rather by you and me on our power bills.
4. They both also harped on the tens of thousands of person-hours of work that will be created during construction. This was good for the companies that made a killing off the development and then walked away money in pocket - and shag Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Are we expecting businesses that stand to gain tens of millions - hundreds of millions are going to oppose the development? No they are going to cheer it on. They are not responsible for the future of our province. They are not responsible for the well being of our people and communities.
Naivety and personal satisfaction ruled the deal for Joey and it is ruling the deal for Kathy.
The media is not showing any real interest in the fact that we have no proof that this is a good deal - and that other options were considered. We remain absent of the proof that the Lower Churchill could not be developed for industrial development in Labrador. We have been told for years that industry demands subsidized power rates from such a development. Even if that is true - we are now going to subsidize power to Nova Scotia without one long-term industrial job created. If we are willing to subsidize lower power rates - are we not better off subsidizing it for long term jobs in Labrador?
There is no question that we are on the road to repeat one of the worst resource deals in history. If we allow Dunderdale to continue - we will repeat the Upper Churchill contract.
The only difference nowadays is that social media allows people to have their objections posted - recorded on line for the next generation to view. Sadly being able to say "I told you so" will provide little solace to our children.
What will you do to stop this disaster?
How many times must resources from this province benefit everybody but us?
How many times will the rest of Canada reap the lions share of benefits from our resources?
Do you believe any companies made fortunes from our fishery? What have we to show for it?
Do you believe any companies made fortunes from our minerals? What have we to show for it?
Do you believe any companies made fortunes from the Upper Churchill? What have we to show for it?
Do you believe any companies made fortunes from our Forests? What have we to show for that?
Despite our great wealth in natural resources - arguably more per capita than any other jurisdiction in North America; why has our population remained stagnant and aging? Why do our people have to leave to find gainful employment?
What happened to our shipyard? What's happening with Marystown? What happened to the federal ship-building contract? What happened to Bell Island? Where is our iron ore processed?
Please stop this carnage.
I am very afraid for Newfoundland and Labrador. The perfect political storm is forming and if we - as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians - do not take severe and immediate action - our place may be lost.
Kathy Dunderdale inherited the post of Premier - and since the swearing in she has shown everything but leadership. Yes her ego is doing quite well - she seems to enjoy being the woman in power - but only in controlled and friendly environments. Dunderdale is uncomfortable dealing with the people - and she prefers not to do it.
The media and ordinary citizens are the enemy and she must find "friends" in other places.
Dunderdale relies on being recognized by people like Harper and Oil executives and relies on people like Ed Martin (Nalcor) to remind her that she is strong and doing the right things.
Hard to know how she is doing with Cabinet - these MHA's are so desperate to keep a portfolio - that otherwise independent people are making absurd excuses for policy failures.
Either Kathy Dunderdale is a complete political fraud or she is completely incompetent. You see Kathy Dunderdale hung off Danny's every word and move. She supported his position that unelected Premiers should not do major resource deals. She fought hard for that while in Opposition. Dunderdale basked in Danny's glory as he lowered flags, took on the feds, and politically condemned Harper. When Danny asked - she walked with Siobhan Coady door to door - to make the point that Harper must not be trusted and if he ever got a majority - Canada - particularly Newfoundland and Labrador would be in trouble. When Danny spoke - Kathy backed him up - she would call talk shows and reiterate Danny's points and talk about his greatness. When Danny bailed on our health care system and treated his illness in the USA - she was sent out to take the awkward questions and defend his decision. While she took over the Premier's role during Williams's recovery - she did nothing to change the course.
Then Kathy became Premier - and realized that she was the boss. If you think Williams was vindictive and vengeful - look out world - here comes Kathy.
The only problem is - her anger is toward the people. She adopted Williams dictatorial style without having his abilities or education (formal or street). If we are to believe Williams - the very first thing Kathy did as she took office is cut the former Premier off. For what purpose? Dunderdale hung on every word and action of Williams and now - he is not worthy of advice?
If Williams is to be believed - he recently stated publicly that hydro power from Labrador should have the right to go through Quebec and he felt this should be accomplished to allow this province to have the best opportunity to benefit from these resources. What is going on? Do we know anything really about this proposed development in the Big Land? The answer is no.
I have listened to Kathy Dunderdale speak on the Lower Churchill several times and she simply does not know enough on this potential to make decisions. Then we have to rely on the "experts" she relies on. What experts? The bureaucrats that would like to see hydro privatized? Nalcor executives who appear annoyed at having to answer questions? The companies that stand to gain short and long-term fortunes from the resource? One thing is for sure - Dunderdale is not listening to the people and she is ignoring many citizens of varying backgrounds who are warning - that this deal is bad - very bad.
Then there is Kathy's new appreciation, respect and adulation of Stephen Harper.
 | |||
| This picture says it all. |
Stephen Harper will only provide a loan guarantee to this province if it benefits other provinces. In fact the decimation of Newfoundland and Labrador resources to the benefit of other jurisdictions suits Harper just fine. This is how it has always been in Canada - and under Harper it will get worse.
Tonight as Dunderdale speaks to Harper - she may very well get the reversal on the closure of the marine rescue sub-centre - and this to keep the relationship intact long enough to rid Labrador of its industrial future.
The Emera deal is happening under very similar conditions to that of the Upper Churchill fiasco. A leader - Kathy Dunderdale - like Smallwood - who was satisfied to get compliments from those in the world of the corporate elite.
1. Joey sold the water rights in order to promote national unity and further secure Newfoundland's place in Canada. Kathy in essence is promoting the same ideas.
2. Joey quote:
“Our danger, so it seems to me, is that of nursing delusions of grandeur. We remember the stories of small states that valiantly preserved their national independence and developed their own proud culture, but we tend to overlook the fact that comparison of Newfoundland with them is ludicrous. We are not a nation. We are merely a medium size municipality, a mere miniature borough of a large city.”
Kathy has this mentality and believes we need others to develop and control our resources. This is the same thinking that went into the Upper Churchill.
* Just a quick note - Iceland - is doing just fine after the global economic meltdown and will probably fair better than fellow European nations.
3. Joey's continued assertion that the Upper Churchill deal was a good one, good for Canada, good for Newfoundland (Labrador), he'd say these are our resources, this is our falls, this is our water. Kathy is doing the same thing and once again we are heading for a catastrophic giveaway of our resources and worse dragging us into debt - which is not sustained by the market but rather by you and me on our power bills.
4. They both also harped on the tens of thousands of person-hours of work that will be created during construction. This was good for the companies that made a killing off the development and then walked away money in pocket - and shag Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Are we expecting businesses that stand to gain tens of millions - hundreds of millions are going to oppose the development? No they are going to cheer it on. They are not responsible for the future of our province. They are not responsible for the well being of our people and communities.
Naivety and personal satisfaction ruled the deal for Joey and it is ruling the deal for Kathy.
The media is not showing any real interest in the fact that we have no proof that this is a good deal - and that other options were considered. We remain absent of the proof that the Lower Churchill could not be developed for industrial development in Labrador. We have been told for years that industry demands subsidized power rates from such a development. Even if that is true - we are now going to subsidize power to Nova Scotia without one long-term industrial job created. If we are willing to subsidize lower power rates - are we not better off subsidizing it for long term jobs in Labrador?
There is no question that we are on the road to repeat one of the worst resource deals in history. If we allow Dunderdale to continue - we will repeat the Upper Churchill contract.
The only difference nowadays is that social media allows people to have their objections posted - recorded on line for the next generation to view. Sadly being able to say "I told you so" will provide little solace to our children.
What will you do to stop this disaster?
How many times must resources from this province benefit everybody but us?
How many times will the rest of Canada reap the lions share of benefits from our resources?
Do you believe any companies made fortunes from our fishery? What have we to show for it?
Do you believe any companies made fortunes from our minerals? What have we to show for it?
Do you believe any companies made fortunes from the Upper Churchill? What have we to show for it?
Do you believe any companies made fortunes from our Forests? What have we to show for that?
Despite our great wealth in natural resources - arguably more per capita than any other jurisdiction in North America; why has our population remained stagnant and aging? Why do our people have to leave to find gainful employment?
What happened to our shipyard? What's happening with Marystown? What happened to the federal ship-building contract? What happened to Bell Island? Where is our iron ore processed?
Please stop this carnage.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Waiting for Public Pensioners to Die - Dunderdale's Policy Choice
Sometimes the "shock and awe" approach is the only thing left to fight an obvious injustice and unfairness.
Such is the case with Newfoundland and Labrador Public Sector Pensioners'.
I understand their Association (NLPSPA) held a public meeting last night in St. John's and there was a full house. Apparently Jim Morgan was a speaker and rallied the troops - to take action to get resolve.
I also spoke at a similar event of theirs a few years back and suggested the same things - a real action against government - until an equitable resolution was found.
This group comprises of many who dedicated their lives and careers to public service - at a time when oil was not the player it is now.
There is no question or argument to be had to deny these individuals a living pension with increases that reflect the actual cost of living - today - not based on 20 years ago.
You see this problem was caused by a number of things - Joey Smallwood did not collect premiums from workers - Frank Moores collected and then spent all the employee contributions for operations of government such as roads, bridges, hospitals, and schools - Peckford who stopped spending the contributions but did nothing to start refunding the unfunded mess left by the first two - Clyde Wells who did the actuarial studies that identified the mess of the pension plans - Brian Tobin and Roger Grimes who began the process of funding the unfunded and underfunded portions for future pensioners and Danny Williams who carried on with the refunding of the plans with monies accrued from the federal Martin administration (all since lost because of the Harper administration) and the market meltdown. None of them however have done anything to index the pensions for those who lost that investment potential when government spent all their premiums.
Yes this is a mess and Dunderdale - as with Williams - has the ability to do something about it with oil money - yet have decided instead to wait for these pensioners to die. Does that sound harsh, jaw-dropping, even cruel? Well these are our realities and the "shock and awe" of the statement should be delivered to the public and MHA's on a daily basis. Insurance, pensions, and other financial instruments are all based on actuarials defining life expectancy of you and me. There really is no other way to determine the future costs of pensions and the ability of plans to survive.
People who have just been pensioned or are on that cusp are working with their unions - such as NAPE and CUPE to ensure they will have a livable pension and show very little concern for those living - in many cases - below the poverty line.
Kathy Dunderdale, Cabinet, and Caucus should deal with the plight of these people - but they know by the numbers - that most of the problem will expire within a couple of terms of government. The Unions know the same thing. The question is - will our society work toward ignoring this unfairness or will we all stand up and instruct our governments and unions to allow these people to live the rest of their lives comfortably - without having to choose between heat and food - or clothing and gas?
In many respect this is not dissimilar to the fishery - and the social experimental number crunching that sees government policy both federal and provincial remove relatively small numbers of people year over year from that industry - so as not to cause an uproar or political war. Destroying one community at a time seems to be the plan - so that there are never enough to stand together and protest - for fear if they did their community would be next. Yes we have seen tens of thousands of people leave our province - displaced by government mismanagement of the resource - with their elderly parents left behind. This in turn places additional strain on the budget as the family structure of care is stripped away piece by piece.
Kathy Dunderdale shows very little promise of developing policies that will serve us well over the short medium or long term. The Premier has missed many significant opportunities to find efficiencies and divert savings into programs which could save our fiscal behind and allow our population to thrive in the future and in retirement. Dunderdale and her colleagues are too engrossed with partisan politics to accept very good and well meaning advice - choosing instead to enrich those who tow the line - regardless of how weathered and weak that line may be.
Unfortunately - despite the very large potential of the pensioners' voice - the association itself remains politically cautious and therefore unsuccessful.
Equally as unfortunate - the politicians of the day - are more concerned about thumping the dented desks in the House of Assembly - than hearing the voices of reason and compassion.
Newfoundland and Labrador had better change it's partisan ways very soon - or another generation will be left with crippling debt, inferior resource contracts, incalculable social needs, and no ability to build a way back out.
Meanwhile - the pensions and benefits of politicians continue to be superior. No need to worry there.
Such is the case with Newfoundland and Labrador Public Sector Pensioners'.
I understand their Association (NLPSPA) held a public meeting last night in St. John's and there was a full house. Apparently Jim Morgan was a speaker and rallied the troops - to take action to get resolve.
I also spoke at a similar event of theirs a few years back and suggested the same things - a real action against government - until an equitable resolution was found.
This group comprises of many who dedicated their lives and careers to public service - at a time when oil was not the player it is now.
There is no question or argument to be had to deny these individuals a living pension with increases that reflect the actual cost of living - today - not based on 20 years ago.
You see this problem was caused by a number of things - Joey Smallwood did not collect premiums from workers - Frank Moores collected and then spent all the employee contributions for operations of government such as roads, bridges, hospitals, and schools - Peckford who stopped spending the contributions but did nothing to start refunding the unfunded mess left by the first two - Clyde Wells who did the actuarial studies that identified the mess of the pension plans - Brian Tobin and Roger Grimes who began the process of funding the unfunded and underfunded portions for future pensioners and Danny Williams who carried on with the refunding of the plans with monies accrued from the federal Martin administration (all since lost because of the Harper administration) and the market meltdown. None of them however have done anything to index the pensions for those who lost that investment potential when government spent all their premiums.
Yes this is a mess and Dunderdale - as with Williams - has the ability to do something about it with oil money - yet have decided instead to wait for these pensioners to die. Does that sound harsh, jaw-dropping, even cruel? Well these are our realities and the "shock and awe" of the statement should be delivered to the public and MHA's on a daily basis. Insurance, pensions, and other financial instruments are all based on actuarials defining life expectancy of you and me. There really is no other way to determine the future costs of pensions and the ability of plans to survive.
People who have just been pensioned or are on that cusp are working with their unions - such as NAPE and CUPE to ensure they will have a livable pension and show very little concern for those living - in many cases - below the poverty line.
Kathy Dunderdale, Cabinet, and Caucus should deal with the plight of these people - but they know by the numbers - that most of the problem will expire within a couple of terms of government. The Unions know the same thing. The question is - will our society work toward ignoring this unfairness or will we all stand up and instruct our governments and unions to allow these people to live the rest of their lives comfortably - without having to choose between heat and food - or clothing and gas?
In many respect this is not dissimilar to the fishery - and the social experimental number crunching that sees government policy both federal and provincial remove relatively small numbers of people year over year from that industry - so as not to cause an uproar or political war. Destroying one community at a time seems to be the plan - so that there are never enough to stand together and protest - for fear if they did their community would be next. Yes we have seen tens of thousands of people leave our province - displaced by government mismanagement of the resource - with their elderly parents left behind. This in turn places additional strain on the budget as the family structure of care is stripped away piece by piece.
Kathy Dunderdale shows very little promise of developing policies that will serve us well over the short medium or long term. The Premier has missed many significant opportunities to find efficiencies and divert savings into programs which could save our fiscal behind and allow our population to thrive in the future and in retirement. Dunderdale and her colleagues are too engrossed with partisan politics to accept very good and well meaning advice - choosing instead to enrich those who tow the line - regardless of how weathered and weak that line may be.
Unfortunately - despite the very large potential of the pensioners' voice - the association itself remains politically cautious and therefore unsuccessful.
Equally as unfortunate - the politicians of the day - are more concerned about thumping the dented desks in the House of Assembly - than hearing the voices of reason and compassion.
Newfoundland and Labrador had better change it's partisan ways very soon - or another generation will be left with crippling debt, inferior resource contracts, incalculable social needs, and no ability to build a way back out.
Meanwhile - the pensions and benefits of politicians continue to be superior. No need to worry there.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Personal Enrichment or Enrichment of Society (you choose)
PASS ON TO A PENSIONER YOU KNOW!
Let's look at list of illustrious leaders and determine if they or we have benefited more from their years in "Public Service".
Joey Smallwood - oversaw the giveaway of the Upper Churchill and recruited and retained many foreign crooks who took us for a ride. He did give us the "baby bonus" - the "highway" such as it was and is particularly in Labrador and wonderful confederation (wherein he dispensed of our fishery).
What do you think - has he helped your children and grandchildren? Has he harmed their futures with his decisions on natural resources?
Then there is Frank Moores - well he did spend the pensioners money (put it in general revenues and built infrastructure with it) no plan to repay it though - so now pensioners living in poverty. Where did he end up? Well until shortly before he died - was an extremely well paid lobbyist on the federal scene - then there was the airbus and schreiber Mulroney thing. Screwed up the Lower Churchill a few times and was also the one who purchased Upper Churchill rights from Brinco at outrageous prices and without any retribution on the bad deal. It almost cost us a bankruptcy.
What do you think - has he helped your children and grandchildren? Has he harmed their futures with his decisions on natural resources?
How about "Our Brian" number 1. Brian Peckford Well he was the giant (cucumber) who Sprung into action on our behalf and developed alternate industry. He stopped spending pensioners money but did not refund the unfunded liability left by Joey and Frank. He blew a deal on the Lower Churchill with the Power Authority State of New York (PASNE) - because he wanted to fight Trudeau on the constitution. We lost the development deal (if CBC would rerun the program) that was probably the best ever potential to develop the Lower Churchill. As we were drifting into debt - good ol' Brian 1 claimed he could not do the bad things necessary to do so he quit. Ended up making a fortune in the mining sector in British Columbia (living well). Wonder if he made any of those contacts while in office?
What do you think - has he helped your children and grandchildren? Has he harmed their futures with his decisions on natural resources.
Then comes Clyde Wells our constitutional genius and the man responsible for the "Economic Recovery Commission" or the continued enrichment of Dr. Doug|House for results which are non-existent. Then of course to fix our debt - he was going to sell off at bargain basement price Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro - had it happened future of Labrador was lost. Light bills would be up 50% we would still have virtually the same debt but without money making asset which has since become NALCOR. He is now a Judge (semi-retired). Clyde managed to get an actuarial done of the state of pensions.
What do you think - has he helped your children and grandchildren? Has he harmed their futures with his decisions on natural resources.
The along comes "Our Brian" 2 Brian Tobin - The Premier of gab and celebration - he celebrated us out - did nothing for the fishery and tried to sell the last of our power resources to Quebec with a fizzled out seal-coat wearing event in Labrador. back and forth he went from here to Ottawa - to the extent where he did not pick up on Elizabeth Marshall's (then Auditor Generals) cries of I need to audit the House of Assembly books. We all know what happened there. Seems he missed the fray of women's panties and perfumes - art and wine - booze and money - gambling addictions and all other sordid little things such as a couple million dollars worth of pins and tokens. So he oversaw and enabled it to continue as he headed up the denial of Marshall into the records of the HOA. How's "Our Brian" 2 doing these days? Seems he went on to greater things and at last report was set to gain millions in the sale of a mining company. How do you get from A to B. Brian refunded some pension money - but nothing for indexing.
What do you think - has he helped your children and grandchildren? Has he harmed their futures with his decisions on natural resources.
Then there was Danny - gained 2 billion lost who knows what of that when the market collapsed - then he lost 10 billion in fight with Harper that managed to get Fabian Manning to the Senate, Loyola Hearn to Ireland as an Ambassador, and Loyola Sullivan as the fisheries and seal guru in Europe. Left without finishing a deal on the Lower Churchill - and lined us up for another Upper Churchill fiasco - the largest giveaway of this generation. He lead the way in health care by having his own surgery done in the United States - while crucifying health care at home. He has absolutely blown the fisheries file and did nothing to seek compensation for the billion annual loss to that sector. Most recently we have learned - that as Sue's Blog predicted - he did approve money to his buddy for fibre-optics which has not panned out for us - but apparently was quite good for Dean MacDonald when Persona was flipped to East Link. How's he doing - You can figure that out. He was however the leader in patronage and was well known for shutting up his critics through intimidation and was by far the best manipulator of the media. What did he do for the pensioners? He told them to take a flying leap.
What do you think - has he helped your children and grandchildren? Has he harmed their futures with his decisions on natural resources.
Now what's next - you really need to think about this - long and hard and maybe seek a better option.
Let's look at list of illustrious leaders and determine if they or we have benefited more from their years in "Public Service".
Joey Smallwood - oversaw the giveaway of the Upper Churchill and recruited and retained many foreign crooks who took us for a ride. He did give us the "baby bonus" - the "highway" such as it was and is particularly in Labrador and wonderful confederation (wherein he dispensed of our fishery).
What do you think - has he helped your children and grandchildren? Has he harmed their futures with his decisions on natural resources?
Then there is Frank Moores - well he did spend the pensioners money (put it in general revenues and built infrastructure with it) no plan to repay it though - so now pensioners living in poverty. Where did he end up? Well until shortly before he died - was an extremely well paid lobbyist on the federal scene - then there was the airbus and schreiber Mulroney thing. Screwed up the Lower Churchill a few times and was also the one who purchased Upper Churchill rights from Brinco at outrageous prices and without any retribution on the bad deal. It almost cost us a bankruptcy.
What do you think - has he helped your children and grandchildren? Has he harmed their futures with his decisions on natural resources?
How about "Our Brian" number 1. Brian Peckford Well he was the giant (cucumber) who Sprung into action on our behalf and developed alternate industry. He stopped spending pensioners money but did not refund the unfunded liability left by Joey and Frank. He blew a deal on the Lower Churchill with the Power Authority State of New York (PASNE) - because he wanted to fight Trudeau on the constitution. We lost the development deal (if CBC would rerun the program) that was probably the best ever potential to develop the Lower Churchill. As we were drifting into debt - good ol' Brian 1 claimed he could not do the bad things necessary to do so he quit. Ended up making a fortune in the mining sector in British Columbia (living well). Wonder if he made any of those contacts while in office?
What do you think - has he helped your children and grandchildren? Has he harmed their futures with his decisions on natural resources.
Then comes Clyde Wells our constitutional genius and the man responsible for the "Economic Recovery Commission" or the continued enrichment of Dr. Doug|House for results which are non-existent. Then of course to fix our debt - he was going to sell off at bargain basement price Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro - had it happened future of Labrador was lost. Light bills would be up 50% we would still have virtually the same debt but without money making asset which has since become NALCOR. He is now a Judge (semi-retired). Clyde managed to get an actuarial done of the state of pensions.
What do you think - has he helped your children and grandchildren? Has he harmed their futures with his decisions on natural resources.
The along comes "Our Brian" 2 Brian Tobin - The Premier of gab and celebration - he celebrated us out - did nothing for the fishery and tried to sell the last of our power resources to Quebec with a fizzled out seal-coat wearing event in Labrador. back and forth he went from here to Ottawa - to the extent where he did not pick up on Elizabeth Marshall's (then Auditor Generals) cries of I need to audit the House of Assembly books. We all know what happened there. Seems he missed the fray of women's panties and perfumes - art and wine - booze and money - gambling addictions and all other sordid little things such as a couple million dollars worth of pins and tokens. So he oversaw and enabled it to continue as he headed up the denial of Marshall into the records of the HOA. How's "Our Brian" 2 doing these days? Seems he went on to greater things and at last report was set to gain millions in the sale of a mining company. How do you get from A to B. Brian refunded some pension money - but nothing for indexing.
What do you think - has he helped your children and grandchildren? Has he harmed their futures with his decisions on natural resources.
Then there was Danny - gained 2 billion lost who knows what of that when the market collapsed - then he lost 10 billion in fight with Harper that managed to get Fabian Manning to the Senate, Loyola Hearn to Ireland as an Ambassador, and Loyola Sullivan as the fisheries and seal guru in Europe. Left without finishing a deal on the Lower Churchill - and lined us up for another Upper Churchill fiasco - the largest giveaway of this generation. He lead the way in health care by having his own surgery done in the United States - while crucifying health care at home. He has absolutely blown the fisheries file and did nothing to seek compensation for the billion annual loss to that sector. Most recently we have learned - that as Sue's Blog predicted - he did approve money to his buddy for fibre-optics which has not panned out for us - but apparently was quite good for Dean MacDonald when Persona was flipped to East Link. How's he doing - You can figure that out. He was however the leader in patronage and was well known for shutting up his critics through intimidation and was by far the best manipulator of the media. What did he do for the pensioners? He told them to take a flying leap.
What do you think - has he helped your children and grandchildren? Has he harmed their futures with his decisions on natural resources.
Now what's next - you really need to think about this - long and hard and maybe seek a better option.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Cry me a River downstream
This is a readers digest discussion of the woes of the Upper Churchill contract and continues on from the first installment Cry me a River.
Frank Moores becomes Premier at a time when the first hint emerges that the deal Brinco has with Hydro Quebec is one sided and that Brinco if left alone stood to lose money over the term of the agreement. This is when Newfoundland and Labrador became directly involved in the contract.
Essentially Brinco wanted to develop the Lower Churchill same terms as Upper Churchill - Newfoundland and Labrador political geniuses had now figured out what Quebec was getting in the first round said no. The rest of the story since related by John Crosbie in his book - No Holds Barred - is surely the same as all the rest of the "expose" semi-fictional novels where the author is the hero and others around the situation were just weak.
In either case Frank set out to buy Brinco's water rights - we are told in order to develop the Lower Churchill. The additional truth is that Frank went to a hotel room in Montreal and for all we knew bailed Brinco (Rothschilds) out of a bad deal which would see them lose money.
John Crosbie's interpretation or "recollection" in his book has Frank Moores as spineless and Crosbie further was "unimpressed" Sir Val Duncan or Bill Mulholland or "any of them". Crosbie articulated he assumed he was as brainy as the other side of the table. At this point I will note it is too bad that the grey matter was not up to the same snuff when we did the Upper Churchill. But romantic reflections of our current Lieutenant Governor aside Crosbie admitted the price to buy back the water rights in Labrador and the control of CFLCo was too steep. I'll say - 160 million dollars or so for an investment of what 10 million dollars. They collectively gave the Rothschilds a return on their investment that they never would have seen on the Upper Churchill fiasco.
Three others observations of Crosbie from the time are very relative to now and this proposed deal with Emera.
1. Crosbie concluded that Joey was responsible for the mess of the Upper Churchill which sees hundreds of millions going to Quebec as we receive little more than 10 million (pre resale power under Tobin). Even though John and Bill and Bill and Clyde and others mentioned in the Cry me a River installment - were around during the deal they collectively all watched or assisted it in happening. But no - it's the dead guys fault.
2. Crosbie concluded that there is no doubt the Upper Churchill should not have been developed by Brinco but rather as a joint project between the governments of Newfoundland and Quebec. In this he suggests that nationalizing and maintaining control of resources such as the renewable energy in Labrador is essential. He almost after all these years got it right - yes it should belong to the people - but he forgot the people of Labrador and the absolute battering they have taken on what could have been the industrialization of Labrador for the benefit of the great land.
3. Crosbie speaks of Joey's insistence on dealing with Brinco despite the potential loss to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador and speaks to potential conflicts of interest where he speculates on Joey's dabbling in Brinco stock and Smallwood's violation of the peoples' trust. He then compares this to Frank Moores who would not allow any Minister to make decisions on a deal or development of resources where they had private interests - and then goes further to say at the time the provincial legislation was better than the federal in that it did not recognize blind trusts. According to Crosbie and I quote "A blind trust is useless when dealing with private companies." Yes so true is it not? Think about that and what Crosbie is actually saying. For sure if you are the Premier now you could not have interest in the Lower Churchill construction or shares in Emera - but if you are a private citizen you sure can. What's the time frame after having been a Premier - one must wait as a private entrepreneur to buy interest in a private company set to develop the Lower Churchill as a "windfall"?
another installment around the corner.....
Frank Moores becomes Premier at a time when the first hint emerges that the deal Brinco has with Hydro Quebec is one sided and that Brinco if left alone stood to lose money over the term of the agreement. This is when Newfoundland and Labrador became directly involved in the contract.
Essentially Brinco wanted to develop the Lower Churchill same terms as Upper Churchill - Newfoundland and Labrador political geniuses had now figured out what Quebec was getting in the first round said no. The rest of the story since related by John Crosbie in his book - No Holds Barred - is surely the same as all the rest of the "expose" semi-fictional novels where the author is the hero and others around the situation were just weak.
In either case Frank set out to buy Brinco's water rights - we are told in order to develop the Lower Churchill. The additional truth is that Frank went to a hotel room in Montreal and for all we knew bailed Brinco (Rothschilds) out of a bad deal which would see them lose money.
John Crosbie's interpretation or "recollection" in his book has Frank Moores as spineless and Crosbie further was "unimpressed" Sir Val Duncan or Bill Mulholland or "any of them". Crosbie articulated he assumed he was as brainy as the other side of the table. At this point I will note it is too bad that the grey matter was not up to the same snuff when we did the Upper Churchill. But romantic reflections of our current Lieutenant Governor aside Crosbie admitted the price to buy back the water rights in Labrador and the control of CFLCo was too steep. I'll say - 160 million dollars or so for an investment of what 10 million dollars. They collectively gave the Rothschilds a return on their investment that they never would have seen on the Upper Churchill fiasco.
Three others observations of Crosbie from the time are very relative to now and this proposed deal with Emera.
1. Crosbie concluded that Joey was responsible for the mess of the Upper Churchill which sees hundreds of millions going to Quebec as we receive little more than 10 million (pre resale power under Tobin). Even though John and Bill and Bill and Clyde and others mentioned in the Cry me a River installment - were around during the deal they collectively all watched or assisted it in happening. But no - it's the dead guys fault.
2. Crosbie concluded that there is no doubt the Upper Churchill should not have been developed by Brinco but rather as a joint project between the governments of Newfoundland and Quebec. In this he suggests that nationalizing and maintaining control of resources such as the renewable energy in Labrador is essential. He almost after all these years got it right - yes it should belong to the people - but he forgot the people of Labrador and the absolute battering they have taken on what could have been the industrialization of Labrador for the benefit of the great land.
3. Crosbie speaks of Joey's insistence on dealing with Brinco despite the potential loss to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador and speaks to potential conflicts of interest where he speculates on Joey's dabbling in Brinco stock and Smallwood's violation of the peoples' trust. He then compares this to Frank Moores who would not allow any Minister to make decisions on a deal or development of resources where they had private interests - and then goes further to say at the time the provincial legislation was better than the federal in that it did not recognize blind trusts. According to Crosbie and I quote "A blind trust is useless when dealing with private companies." Yes so true is it not? Think about that and what Crosbie is actually saying. For sure if you are the Premier now you could not have interest in the Lower Churchill construction or shares in Emera - but if you are a private citizen you sure can. What's the time frame after having been a Premier - one must wait as a private entrepreneur to buy interest in a private company set to develop the Lower Churchill as a "windfall"?
another installment around the corner.....
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Cry me a River
It seems like forever or at least the past few decades that I have been an adult - that tears have fallen slowly down the collective cheek of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Drop by drop our future has been sucked away by this like a case of liposuction gone wrong. This - being the Upper Churchill contract. A deed done in a time when we were told the legal brilliance of our community somehow sucked their thumbs while attached to the teat of Joey Smallwood. Who was around in the sixties and seventies? Who were our leaders?
This is a partial list:
Smallwood, Joseph Newfoundland, Premier, 1949-1971
Barry, Leo D. Newfoundland, Mines and Energy, 1972-1975 and 1979-1981
Callahan, William Newfoundland, Minister of Mines, Agriculture and Resources 1968-1971
Crosby, John Newfoundland, Minister of Finance and Economic Development
Curtis, Leslie Roy Newfoundland, Attorney General,lMinister of Justice, 1969-1971
Doody, William Newfoundland, Minister of Mines, Agriculture and Resources, 18January-19 April 1972
Gover, Frederick Newfoundland, Deputy Minister of Mines, Agriculture and Resources, 1960s-1970s
Hickrnan, Alec Newfoundland, Justice, Deputy Minister, early 1960s-1966, Minister of Justice, 1966-1969
Lukins, F.1. Newfoundland, Department of Mines, Agriculture and Resources, Chief Engineer, 1960s
Martin, Cabot Newfoundland, Department of Mines, Agriculture and Resources, legal counsel, 1972-1979 and legal counsel to Premier Brian Peckford, 1979-1985
Moores, Frank D. Newfoundland, Premier, 1971-1979
Bill Rowe Elected 1966 at 24 and became one of Canada's youngest Minister 2 years later
Clyde Wells 1966 - to you know the story Hydro once - twice - three times
Sure the whole deal is complicated - and the deal was between Hydro Quebec and Brinco - but these people were aware and were involved at some level in allowing the project to go through or reach fruition.
The one thing that is not complicated is the fact that we have lost billions in revenue for apparently not recognizing that the price of oil might go up over a 70 year period. Clearly Hydro Quebec seen something as they are the party that raised the lions share of the financing. So sure were they that they put the Province of Quebec out on the proverbial limb to the tune of an outrageous amount of money (in sixties terms). The largest external raising of cash of US money.
Now the Churchill deal unfortunately did not only miss escalation - it also seen the decline in prices over the term of the contract. Then there were clauses like if CFLco could not meet its obligations then Hydro Quebec would have the right to pay the monies and receive common shares for the value. In short as CFLco went broke and the minority partner paid the bills the minority partner (Hydro Quebec) would end up owning it all.
Remember though that at the time that partner was Brinco not Newfoundland and Labrador. Over the next few months leading up to the election Sue's Blog will detail every little piece of this failure - but for now let's stick to the Reader's Digest version. So we've summed up the mess the Liberals made - now let's take it to the Tories and the introduction of a new group of geniuses. Who were the leaders then?
Leo Barry was initially elected as a Progressive Conservative in 1972. He served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly before being appointed to the Cabinet of Frank Moores as Minister of Mines and Energy In 1979, Barry returned to Newfoundland and contested the leadership of the Progressive Conservative party placing second to Brian Peckford. He won a seat in 1979 and was appointed energy minister in Peckford's cabinet. Barry resigned from cabinet in 1981 due to a disagreement with Peckford over negotiations with the federal government over Newfoundland's claim to offshore resources. On Feb. 21, 1984, he crossed the floor to join the Liberal Party and became the party's leader later that year.
In 1969, John Crosbie challenged Smallwood for the Liberal party leadership and lost. He crossed the floor to join the opposition Progressive Conservatives led by Frank Moores. Crosbie helped the Tories defeat Smallwood and come to power in 1972 and held several senior portfolios in Moores's cabinet.
C. William Doody was active in provincial politics and was first elected to the Newfoundland House of Assembly in 1971 as a member of the Progressive Conservative Party. He became minister of mines, agriculture and resources when Frank Moores formed his government in 1972. In 1975, Doody became the province's finance minister and when Brian Peckford became Premier of the province, Doody was made Minister of Mines and Energy. In October, 1979, Doody left provincial politics and was appointed to the Senate by then Progressive Conservative Prime Minister Joe Clark in 1979.
Tom Farrell was a represented the riding of Humber East in the House of Assembly from 1971 to 1979. He was a member of the PC's.
Noel Murphy entered politics as a Progressive Conservative and won the seat of Humber East in the 1962 provincial election. In 1966 he became party leader and Leader of the Opposition leading the Tories into the 1966 General Election. The party lost four of its seven seats and Murphy was defeated in by Liberal Clyde Wells, a future premier. Murphy was elected mayor of Corner Brook for three terms and was unexpectedly appointed Minister without Portfolio in 1971 in the final cabinet of Liberal Premier Joey Smallwood however he lost the riding of Humber West in the subsequent 1971 election to Conservative leader Frank Moores.
By now you should start to see a very interesting picture emerge.
The next installment of Sue's Blog will takeover with what Frank and company did with the Churchill. But take your time and read things carefully - think about what has happened and know this - it must not happen now. The Emera deal must be stopped. This is only a continuation and that river will flood the banks of Newfoundland and Labrador with the tears of our children and grandchildren.
From the 60's to now - they still believe they can guide us. Many are still here. Over and over they fail. Not this time.
Drop by drop our future has been sucked away by this like a case of liposuction gone wrong. This - being the Upper Churchill contract. A deed done in a time when we were told the legal brilliance of our community somehow sucked their thumbs while attached to the teat of Joey Smallwood. Who was around in the sixties and seventies? Who were our leaders?
This is a partial list:
Smallwood, Joseph Newfoundland, Premier, 1949-1971
Barry, Leo D. Newfoundland, Mines and Energy, 1972-1975 and 1979-1981
Callahan, William Newfoundland, Minister of Mines, Agriculture and Resources 1968-1971
Crosby, John Newfoundland, Minister of Finance and Economic Development
Curtis, Leslie Roy Newfoundland, Attorney General,lMinister of Justice, 1969-1971
Doody, William Newfoundland, Minister of Mines, Agriculture and Resources, 18January-19 April 1972
Gover, Frederick Newfoundland, Deputy Minister of Mines, Agriculture and Resources, 1960s-1970s
Hickrnan, Alec Newfoundland, Justice, Deputy Minister, early 1960s-1966, Minister of Justice, 1966-1969
Lukins, F.1. Newfoundland, Department of Mines, Agriculture and Resources, Chief Engineer, 1960s
Martin, Cabot Newfoundland, Department of Mines, Agriculture and Resources, legal counsel, 1972-1979 and legal counsel to Premier Brian Peckford, 1979-1985
Moores, Frank D. Newfoundland, Premier, 1971-1979
Bill Rowe Elected 1966 at 24 and became one of Canada's youngest Minister 2 years later
Clyde Wells 1966 - to you know the story Hydro once - twice - three times
Sure the whole deal is complicated - and the deal was between Hydro Quebec and Brinco - but these people were aware and were involved at some level in allowing the project to go through or reach fruition.
The one thing that is not complicated is the fact that we have lost billions in revenue for apparently not recognizing that the price of oil might go up over a 70 year period. Clearly Hydro Quebec seen something as they are the party that raised the lions share of the financing. So sure were they that they put the Province of Quebec out on the proverbial limb to the tune of an outrageous amount of money (in sixties terms). The largest external raising of cash of US money.
Now the Churchill deal unfortunately did not only miss escalation - it also seen the decline in prices over the term of the contract. Then there were clauses like if CFLco could not meet its obligations then Hydro Quebec would have the right to pay the monies and receive common shares for the value. In short as CFLco went broke and the minority partner paid the bills the minority partner (Hydro Quebec) would end up owning it all.
Remember though that at the time that partner was Brinco not Newfoundland and Labrador. Over the next few months leading up to the election Sue's Blog will detail every little piece of this failure - but for now let's stick to the Reader's Digest version. So we've summed up the mess the Liberals made - now let's take it to the Tories and the introduction of a new group of geniuses. Who were the leaders then?
Leo Barry was initially elected as a Progressive Conservative in 1972. He served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly before being appointed to the Cabinet of Frank Moores as Minister of Mines and Energy In 1979, Barry returned to Newfoundland and contested the leadership of the Progressive Conservative party placing second to Brian Peckford. He won a seat in 1979 and was appointed energy minister in Peckford's cabinet. Barry resigned from cabinet in 1981 due to a disagreement with Peckford over negotiations with the federal government over Newfoundland's claim to offshore resources. On Feb. 21, 1984, he crossed the floor to join the Liberal Party and became the party's leader later that year.
In 1969, John Crosbie challenged Smallwood for the Liberal party leadership and lost. He crossed the floor to join the opposition Progressive Conservatives led by Frank Moores. Crosbie helped the Tories defeat Smallwood and come to power in 1972 and held several senior portfolios in Moores's cabinet.
C. William Doody was active in provincial politics and was first elected to the Newfoundland House of Assembly in 1971 as a member of the Progressive Conservative Party. He became minister of mines, agriculture and resources when Frank Moores formed his government in 1972. In 1975, Doody became the province's finance minister and when Brian Peckford became Premier of the province, Doody was made Minister of Mines and Energy. In October, 1979, Doody left provincial politics and was appointed to the Senate by then Progressive Conservative Prime Minister Joe Clark in 1979.
Tom Farrell was a represented the riding of Humber East in the House of Assembly from 1971 to 1979. He was a member of the PC's.
Noel Murphy entered politics as a Progressive Conservative and won the seat of Humber East in the 1962 provincial election. In 1966 he became party leader and Leader of the Opposition leading the Tories into the 1966 General Election. The party lost four of its seven seats and Murphy was defeated in by Liberal Clyde Wells, a future premier. Murphy was elected mayor of Corner Brook for three terms and was unexpectedly appointed Minister without Portfolio in 1971 in the final cabinet of Liberal Premier Joey Smallwood however he lost the riding of Humber West in the subsequent 1971 election to Conservative leader Frank Moores.
By now you should start to see a very interesting picture emerge.
The next installment of Sue's Blog will takeover with what Frank and company did with the Churchill. But take your time and read things carefully - think about what has happened and know this - it must not happen now. The Emera deal must be stopped. This is only a continuation and that river will flood the banks of Newfoundland and Labrador with the tears of our children and grandchildren.
From the 60's to now - they still believe they can guide us. Many are still here. Over and over they fail. Not this time.
Saturday, July 07, 2007
New Liberalism????
Joey - John - and Gerry
Here we go - in the face of an October election the provincial LIBS have developed policy. We are now witnessing the most uninspired - tired - recycled - and antiquated thinking since Rideout was Premier.
We have supportive Liberals predicting the loss of federal government chiks if we keep up the "terrible message" that we can do it on our own. So here we go Gerry Reid - John Efford - Danny Dumeresque and the ghost of Joey are using the well documented threat of starvation without Canada. The new confederates - the old confederates.
Sadly this comes at a time when the one thing Danny has done right "we believe in ourselves again" is catching on - particularly in our youth. The propaganda from central Canada claiming that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are beggars and worse ungrateful beggars is being challenged. After all it is expected that our province will be off equalization "top ups" before Quebec!!!!
This is a time when the Liberals should be rebuilding - bringing in new ideas and continuing with the thought that our resources should be maximised for OUR benefit. Instead I hear new Liberal candidates call open line programs to give a "town cryer" account of events taking place in the districts they are running in and saying nothing about saving and making prosperous the communities therein.
We have two liberal pros bailing out to seek election shelter on the federal scene because Danny told all who would listen not to vote Conservative in the next federal election. Imagine that Judy Foote and Oliver Langdon fighting for the federal nomination because Danny made their victory possible. Now that's leadership.
Further - what of Roger Jamieson who is a new face on the political scene? He may perform better for communities who have suffered under the provincial representation of Foote and Langdon.
We need a strong opposition - especially during Danny's second term - or better yet we need new leadership to prevent Williams from giving away the mighty Lower Churchill. Sadly the Liberals do not have the guts or maybe the knowledge to take the plunge and do something proper like fighting for industry in Labrador versus Ontario.
The only thing the Libs offer is to backpedal on the gains we made on our resources and continue the same old dependence on the feds and their chiks.
As for the NDP - labour leaders continue to seek nominations for the Libs and PC's while not giving a thought to the "labour" party. Lorraine Michael - when heard last on Open Line was talking about online bingo - not the catastrophic devastation of rural Newfoundland and Labrador - and not a solution to go after the feds for retribution on the continued missing groundfish stocks. I wonder is Earl putting his hat in the ring for a south coast seat for the NDP?
The Opposition Parties demonstrated no leadership with respect to Greene's report on MHA spending - benefits etc. and fell into line behind the government's decision to hold the changes until after the next election.
The choices are minimal and the consequences scary - I for one am actively planning for 2011 when the people may have a new options for government and a future. Let's be vigilant and make up for what the media and current crop of politicians are not doing - saving our province and creating a strong and bountiful future for our new nation and our youth.
This blogger will wait to hear what the wannabes have to say on relevant issues.
You see I can confirm that the Connaigre and Burin Peninsula's are beautiful - breathtaking and have all the promise in the world to survive and thrive - now wannabes tell me what you plan to do to guarantee that future. Something other than I am attending this event or that event or eating chicken at this BBQ and speaking at this come home year etc.
Candidates should do some soul searching not sole trotting and determine if they can really offer something to those people who trust their family and communities continued ability to exist in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Here we go - in the face of an October election the provincial LIBS have developed policy. We are now witnessing the most uninspired - tired - recycled - and antiquated thinking since Rideout was Premier.
We have supportive Liberals predicting the loss of federal government chiks if we keep up the "terrible message" that we can do it on our own. So here we go Gerry Reid - John Efford - Danny Dumeresque and the ghost of Joey are using the well documented threat of starvation without Canada. The new confederates - the old confederates.
Sadly this comes at a time when the one thing Danny has done right "we believe in ourselves again" is catching on - particularly in our youth. The propaganda from central Canada claiming that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are beggars and worse ungrateful beggars is being challenged. After all it is expected that our province will be off equalization "top ups" before Quebec!!!!
This is a time when the Liberals should be rebuilding - bringing in new ideas and continuing with the thought that our resources should be maximised for OUR benefit. Instead I hear new Liberal candidates call open line programs to give a "town cryer" account of events taking place in the districts they are running in and saying nothing about saving and making prosperous the communities therein.
We have two liberal pros bailing out to seek election shelter on the federal scene because Danny told all who would listen not to vote Conservative in the next federal election. Imagine that Judy Foote and Oliver Langdon fighting for the federal nomination because Danny made their victory possible. Now that's leadership.
Further - what of Roger Jamieson who is a new face on the political scene? He may perform better for communities who have suffered under the provincial representation of Foote and Langdon.
We need a strong opposition - especially during Danny's second term - or better yet we need new leadership to prevent Williams from giving away the mighty Lower Churchill. Sadly the Liberals do not have the guts or maybe the knowledge to take the plunge and do something proper like fighting for industry in Labrador versus Ontario.
The only thing the Libs offer is to backpedal on the gains we made on our resources and continue the same old dependence on the feds and their chiks.
As for the NDP - labour leaders continue to seek nominations for the Libs and PC's while not giving a thought to the "labour" party. Lorraine Michael - when heard last on Open Line was talking about online bingo - not the catastrophic devastation of rural Newfoundland and Labrador - and not a solution to go after the feds for retribution on the continued missing groundfish stocks. I wonder is Earl putting his hat in the ring for a south coast seat for the NDP?
The Opposition Parties demonstrated no leadership with respect to Greene's report on MHA spending - benefits etc. and fell into line behind the government's decision to hold the changes until after the next election.
The choices are minimal and the consequences scary - I for one am actively planning for 2011 when the people may have a new options for government and a future. Let's be vigilant and make up for what the media and current crop of politicians are not doing - saving our province and creating a strong and bountiful future for our new nation and our youth.
This blogger will wait to hear what the wannabes have to say on relevant issues.
You see I can confirm that the Connaigre and Burin Peninsula's are beautiful - breathtaking and have all the promise in the world to survive and thrive - now wannabes tell me what you plan to do to guarantee that future. Something other than I am attending this event or that event or eating chicken at this BBQ and speaking at this come home year etc.
Candidates should do some soul searching not sole trotting and determine if they can really offer something to those people who trust their family and communities continued ability to exist in Newfoundland and Labrador.
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