VOCM apology to Innu people - Sincere? or...

The headline in the Telegram says it all - or does it?

Steele Communications apologizes on air for behavior of radio host

VOCM - it's parent company, Steele Communications, Randy Simms, and general manager Mike Murphy have all publicly apologized to Simeon Tshakapesh and the Innu people for remarks made by Openline Host Randy Simms.

Obviously an apology was deserved and the man behind the mic should be watched carefully - however was the apology sincere?

Randy Simms and Paddy Daley have oft in the past allowed or made comments on air that were false, misleading, offensive, and personally damaging - yet they continued on - no apology - no retraction. In fact - they usually justify by saying that some private citizens are not private because they call a talk show. This apparently justification for using their power behind the mic for whatever reason they choose.

The difference is they will not apologize to women, particularly to a woman they have always felt comfortable attacking - probably with the government's blessing.

Refresh your memory click HERE  or  HERE  or  HERE

I am not the only one that VOCM, Steele Communications, Newfoundland Capital Corporation, Randy and Paddy allow to be slandered - there are many more.

The difference right now is that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the multi-millionaires, and certain business interests need the Innu people to work with them. This I'm sure VOCM will assist in when they can. The government does not need me or many other citizens of this province and would prefer if we would just go away. The public attack on people such as myself assists the government in their efforts to avoid critique, tough questions, and opposition to ill-fated policy positions.

In my opinion this apology to the Innu people was necessary not sincere. The truth is always in the facts somewhere - we just have to open our eyes and look.

The Cashin - Cochrane Files Will the Media act like Government?

In March of this year I posted the following:

Cochrane and Simms do not control Muskrat Debate

It is not only Cashin who has a problem here and if we do not strengthen the investigative research of our local media the Upper Churchill will be repeated. The final paragraph and it's assumption may well have been proved to be wrong.


Over the past couple of weeks some members of the media - commentators, reporters, and pundits appeared to have been dissuading people and politicians alike - from continued opposition to Muskrat Falls.

I have heard statements like - "nothing new" - which of course was the spin being promoted by Dunderdale and company.

I have a question for David Cochrane who carries himself like the head honcho of Newfoundland and Labrador "journalism". Have all the previously noted concerns been resolved?

The problem is that if a question - the same question - goes unanswered (satisfactorily) should one just stop asking?

From where I sit many questions asked from day one - have never been answered. The fact that Kennedy or Dunderdale open mouths and spew rhetoric does not mean an issue is resolved.

We are talking about 6-8 billion dollars of our money, the money of our children and grandchildren; we need to know if this project is the right one.

Some of the Unanswered Concerns:

1. What happens in 2041 and does this project have the potential to harm us in future dealings?

2. The need for power.

3. Alternatives.

4. Lowest Cost Alternative.

5. Labrador benefits.

6. Cheaper power for Nova Scotia.

7. Subsidization by Newfoundland and Labrador ratepayers.

8. The need of a partner.

9. Long-term jobs.

10. Potential for alternative industrial development.

The problem - as I see it - is the media who are demonstrably frustrated by the ongoing debate are those individuals who are not educated enough on the issue to ask the right questions or lack the guts to take on the governing PC's.

I have watched most of Cochrane's material and in my opinion - he lacks information or the desire to really challenge the "facts" the government puts forth.

Randy Simms - in my opinion does not have the knowledge to determine if something regarding the project has been answered satisfactorily.

If they are going to use the media power available to them - they must also appreciate the responsibility that goes with that. I do not see that concern in them - and therefore - in my opinion they are doing the province and its people a disservice.

Now of course I am assuming here that the media will not act like Dunderdale and Kennedy and condemn somebody for speaking up. I do know better however.

What's behind the VOCM Attack?

Here's the problem. VOCM boasts about the size of its listening audience - particularly their talk-shows.

If this is true then Randy Simms and VOCM allowed out and out lies to be broadcast - about a private citizen - to thousands of people.

Is this the role of a commercial radio station? Clearly it is not. So why then did VOCM allow it and to date not address it?

And yes it continues - over the air - on twitter - anywhere Paddy can get a smack in.

The difference is - he has a mic - and he controls a commercial radio program. Each and every time he comments it goes to thousands of people. What is the purpose?

The following is a sample of Paddy Daly's tirades :

At least you're not at home "crooked" like Sue - Paddy Daly states today on the airwaves.

or this today on Twitter

@hydroqueen let's get the rules straight? you are flying solo with your ramblings. call or be quiet. gutless. hypocrite.

I have not been on his or Randy's show for a long time now and did nothing to precipitate the commentary about me by callers like "Bob".

So VOCM will do this: They will allow slander and lies about a private person - and then provide that person the opportunity to call in and talk about it. As you can see by the "rules" Paddy has set above - I am being told I am to be quiet - unless I am calling him.

Again I ask - why is all this going on? It certainly is not in the interest of public discourse on issues of societal concern.

The term gutless is interesting. He has a program on a commercial broadcast station and continues to take pot-shots - harassing me to call his show.

After reading a post on my blog last weekend - Paddy tweeted the following:

@hydroqueen you poor woman.

This is also a very revealing comment. A very interesting choice of words - indeed.

There is something behind all of this and perhaps VOCM, Paddy, and Randy can let us know exactly what that is.

Until then - VOCM, Paddy and Randy do not control my blog or my twitter - so I will carry on.

Again people take note: it's me today - it may be you tomorrow.

My interest is Newfoundland and Labrador and the future generations. If that means speaking up and asking questions - then that's what I will do. If that means I challenge government on very bad resource deals, regressive legislation, or positions of potential conflict - then I will. If that causes unfair attacks and harassment - so be it. I have been doing it for 25 years - still here.

Think Twice about calling VOCM Talk Shows - Slander

 VOCM continues to ignore the slander allowed by them during Open-Line last week.

Then let's get the rules straight. You can without any concern broadcast absolute and defamatory lies about a private citizen on VOCM.

As their talk-show hosts encourage you to call their programs to voice opinion on issues of public importance - please understand that this may subject you to defamatory statements and lies.

You therefore should advise your family that by agreeing to participate in these programs you understand that you may be may harmed both personally and professionally - as VOCM will not prohibit outright lies and slander.

If you think you are immune to this - wait until you express an opinion that goes against the current political authority. Partisan zealots will stop at nothing to attack you - whatever way they can - and truth does not matter. VOCM for its part will not prevent such occurrences.

The statement below was made by caller "Bob" to open-line last week.
 

"Don't you think that the debate over the Muskrat Falls has been beaten to death? Roger Grimes never had to go through that and the only opposition he had was Sue Dyer and he gave her a job and then he gave her a pharmacy, probably for her loyalty, I think."

This statement is an absolute lie. It also states that I was given something by a politician for loyalty. This is most defamatory and damaging.


These shows say they rely on callers to make the broadcast. I would suggest if callers are going to be subject to this - eventually the calls will stop.


Do you stand up for people when they are being bullied?

Do you believe people have the right to publicly broadcast lies about an individual? Will you support such activity?

Open season on Sue? I wonder if those rules would apply to all people.

Paddy Daley & Randy Simms VOCM Broadcast Licence

Radio talk shows are part of everyday life in Newfoundland and Labrador. In some respects it's a continuity of the Gerald S. Doyle News Bulletin that combined news with personal messages. In this way people from all over could send messages to each other particularly about how somebody might have been doing in hospital or if somebody made it on a trip from one community to another.

We love to talk to each other - we love to discuss our place and the politics that affects it. We have gone through various economic challenges and chronic poor resource deals. Our province should enjoy a few million in population and significant industrial presence; yet we do not. There have been many reasons for this lack of regeneration and growth; transportation, corrupt or inept politicians, ill advised industrial/commercial ventures, and inferior or absent economic planning.

Generationally we witness very outspoken patriots who believe in Newfoundland and Labrador and are willing to stick their neck out - despite the predictable partisan political attacks. For those of you who keep your heads down and go about your business or those who take advantage of partisan connections - this post will be a nuisance. You will prefer to tune out, reject, or worse not even enter into thoughts of bettering our lot and the lot of the children and grandchildren.

There are large numbers of the population who care not only for their own immediate well being but also for community, region, and the generations who will follow. Getting them together is the challenge - not unlike other challenges we face due to geography.

Newfoundland is an island while Labrador is connected to the larger North American mainland. In our history and particularly since the "great" confederation we have not managed to connect our people through affordable and reliable transportation. For politicians - this has served well. Labradorians blame the theft of their resources on Townies or Islanders while Newfoundlanders have been taught to use Labrador as their resource well. Essentially Islanders blame Canada and Labradorians blame Islanders. Perfect for slick MHA's and MP's who are not capable of or interested in doing anything more than securing a pension after years of perks and privileges.

Time to get back to the topic - hard not to digress when talking about the less than stellar performance of our leaders.

VOCM and CBC provide talk shows - where residents can voice their opinions, concerns, and support of one policy or another or one resource development or another. The public broadcaster's  provision of this is minimal while the private sector radio station fills its programming with it.

VOCM's openline, backtalk, and nightline provide some 24 hours a week during various times of the the day for radio talk - and that should be a good thing. There was a time when it was. Today the quality of the hosts has diminished and more reflect American style partisan slight of hand.

Paddy Daly and Randy Simms are more interested in listening to, laughing at, praising and pontificating on their own ideas - with careful avoidance of annoying the powers that be. Pete Soucy more reflects the purer form of talk shows where he thoughtfully raises issues of the day, provides some sincere reflection on his own thoughts and genuinely encourages people to call.

Both Paddy and Randy are brave when they rip through those who may be vulnerable or wrong side partisan and enjoy taking pokes at people after the conversation has ended or in their absence all together. Randy's focus changes from - "here's what I think" and "you know I'm right" to interrogating inappropriately - somebody who calls with a significant social problem. You see there is no need to ask - what does your husband do - or why is he or she not working - or how do you treat your children - or what was your family like.

Both Paddy and Randy would do very well to turn the mic on and talk to each other for hours on end and then let's see if that would be commercially viable. The other desire of these hosts is to hear from politicians - particularly cabinet and leaders of the political parties. This they feel is success and a confirmation that their programs are "important". Both fall short of really challenging the government and the so called "tough questions" are tempered with laughter or softballs tossed in  between.

VOCM talk shows used to be open - call in - and if you got through - get in the line and wait for your turn. If you wished to remain anonymous that was a given unless you identified yourself. Nowadays it's call in - leave your number and advise what issue you want to talk about. Then depending on the whim of the host and after the endless line-up of politicians - you may get a call back. Make no mistake about it - the time you get may be very short or limitless depending on the message the host is after.

Minnie, Tony, and Marjorie have an opinion. Do you know what that opinion is? Do you think you need to hear it again? Will you learn anything by listening to another call from them? Can you guess who they support and who they do not? Do you know who they love, adore, and idolize? I will not be hypocritical here - they should be entitled to call and as often as they like. the problem comes when hosts allow greater access to the program than those who are calling with new information or opinion on issues - things that impact our lives and for generations of lives that follow.

Sometimes I think VOCM could better serve their listening audience and by extension their advertisers if they prescribed the nature of the shows. Perhaps the mornings and evenings could be geared to socio/economic issues affecting our province and leave the afternoon for lost things, birthdays, anniversaries, and those who want to do an unpaid or paid political announcement. The afternoon could also accommodate sitting politicians at the provincial or federal level. Let's see how commercially viable the afternoon show would be - and what advertisers would be interested in that audience base.

Here's the thing VOCM - you have a broadcast licence and you should be careful not to abuse the privileged position you are fortunate enough to have and make a profit on. Permitting and then not correcting slanderous statements about a member of the public does not demonstrate the respect for your licence - you should have.

One of course is entitled to get a lawyer and keep suing until you stop - however that is beyond the reach of the average citizen - yet your shows rely on those same people.

I for one will instead contact the Board of Newfoundland Capital Corporation (headquartered in Nova Scotia), tweet and blog about your activities, and further address the CRTC during licence renewal.

For a station that relies so heavily on talk shows to generate revenue - it seems folly to take the easy route of generating controversy by allowing slander towards those who have participated for years on the shows.

While we can say it's a great service to provide the medium - that good is eliminated when irresponsible hosts and management do not moderate obvious egregious behavior. If that's what the company relies on for revenue - perhaps they should stop patting itself on the back for "public" service and "community" involvement.

Next up the VOCM Cares Foundation.

VOCM - Open-Line - Slander 101

On Monday caller "Bob" to VOCM openline - hosted by Randy Simms - decided it was perfectly acceptable to make false statements about me.

"Bob" had called - as he usually does - to defend the Tories on one issue or another.

"Bob" also discussed - as he usually does - how he is unique and how his whole life he was made to feel abnormal.

That's what makes his continued attack on me so bizarre. It's as if he will punish me by doing to me what he claims was done to him.

In either case - on Monday - "Bob" once again crossed the line and as usual VOCM allowed it to be broadcast. VOCM failed to use the technology they employ to prevent such occurrences (delayed broadcast).

Audio of the Call can be found at the end of this post.

I will let the reader of this blog determine how or why I became relevant to what "Bob" was talking about. For now let's look at what "Bob" said about me.

"Don't you think that the debate over the Muskrat Falls has been beaten to death? Roger Grimes never had to go through that and the only opposition he had was Sue Dyer and he gave her a job and then he gave her a pharmacy, probably for her loyalty, I think."

I was not hired by Roger Grimes to defend any proposed deal regarding the development of the Lower Churchill. When I was hired it was Voisey's Bay that was the contentious issue and is a project that the Tories have benefited from politically ever since. The second part regarding Roger Grimes giving me a pharmacy for my loyalty is not a matter for interpretation. I do not and have never owned any part of a pharmacy.

Further my involvement in pharmacy began in 2008 as the Executive Director of the Council of Independent Community Pharmacy Owners. Roger Grimes has not been Premier since 2003. To suggest that I was given a pharmacy for my loyalty is a slanderous statement. It - one - is not in any way factual and - two - suggests that I was rewarded in some unethical way for loyalty to a politician or a political party.

What did Randy do? Well he laughed and then through an employee of VOCM on twitter suggested I call in.

This equally was despicable.

I am not employed by government and am not an elected official. I am a private citizen who engages in public discourse on matters of public interest.

I deal with policy and political issues and when I state somebody owns one asset or another - they do. When I state they hold a particular Board position or another - they do.

This blatant attempt to disparage me - based on completely false statements - by "Bob" and then allowed to be broadcast by Randy Simms and VOCM - will only serve to make other people afraid to make any public comments. This will make others feel they have no right to criticize the policies created and promoted by elected officials - for fear that partisans may call and make false statements about them.

Is this the point? If not I fail to see why this type of behavior continues to be allowed by a publicly traded company.

Audio Clip PRESS HERE

Conspiracy Theories - Weak Minds - Bad Deals

Lately the buzz words are "conspiracy" "theory".

: a theory that explains an event or set of circumstances as the result of a secret plot by usually powerful conspirators (Merriam-Webster)

1. a theory that explains an event as being the result of a plot by a covert group or organization; a belief that a particular unexplained event was caused by such a group.

2. the idea that many important political events or economic and social trends are the products of secret plots that are largely unknown to the general public. (Dictionary.com)

As facts continue to flow from the Muskrat Falls - and where those facts cause suspicions of inappropriate, nefarious, or illegal behavior by those with financial and political prowess - the quick response is "conspiracy theory". 

It is human to be curious and it is intelligent to question. To write off legitimate concerns and questions on an important public policy or contract - by affected people as "conspiracy theories" or those questioning as "conspiracy theorists" is dangerous and wrong. Those who are attempting to diminish concerns and theoretical questions are either weak minded, lazy, apathetic, or complicit.

Further this type of admonishment of concerned citizens has resulted in the extension of corporate corruption and crimes costing individuals and entire economies of countries incalculable losses. 

Unfortunately this has also extended to social and human crimes costing incalculable loss of life and the ruination of thousands of otherwise productive lives. 

In Newfoundland and Labrador the victims range from individual boys who were raped and abused by Christian Brothers and others in religious or other organizational authority to society itself where corporate rogues stole the resources of a population who owned them and depended on them for viable existence. 

In our province it also included politicians who directly robbed the treasury for years. 

To sit and believe that these events do not happen - or someone or another is above this behavior is to line yourself up for further abuse. 

If in today's corporate world - one does not expect rather than doubt these types of plots and plans are in the works - then one needs to check their own system of trust. 

The police will tell you and even frequently warn seniors that corrupt individuals or companies seek people who are naturally trustworthy to pull off their scams. They will also confirm that predators will seek vulnerable children and people to perpetrate acts of violence on.

We are now facing the expenditure of billions of dollars to develop a natural resource that is not owned by Danny Williams, Kathy Dunderdale, or Ed Martin but owned by all of us - the people. 

There are corporations and individuals who do not care whatsoever about the advancement of society or the return to you and I as owners - but rather as their fiduciary responsibility dictates - care only about the return for their shareholders or in the case of rogue individuals - their own pockets. 


The question before us - is whether or not this deal on Muskrat Falls with Emera brings the province (us) the best possible return on investment (including employment, environment, royalties) and provides the best energy policy for consumers (us) with respect to cost and reliability of power produced. Us - most importantly - includes the people of Labrador where the resource is located. 


The government by virtually all opinions - is rushing the deal. This is the first sign of trouble and should be questioned extensively. The second sign of trouble is government attempting to control the outputs of reviews but controlling the inputs. The third sign of trouble is people who have had direct influence or involvement in the past or currently regarding the proposed deal also may have personal financial interests in the development or revenues to be accrued by or after the construction of the asset. 

The greed component must never be overlooked when billions of our dollars are involved. Corporate and individual greed has been the driving factor in most white collar crime - particularly over the past 20 years. Globalization, "free" trade, and profits without product has driven corruption to new heights and lobbying quite often is the legal beginning of dastardly deeds. 

Considering our past has included horrific deals on natural resources it is our public duty to question the hell out of every aspect of any new deal which includes using a public resource - particularly a renewable one.

If a politician - talk show host - or business guru accuses well educated (either academically or experience), well-intentioned, interested citizens, or retired experts of being conspiracy theorists - then they too should be questioned regarding their desire to shut down public dialogue. 


The persons responsible for using the term "conspiracy theorists" quite often also insert the following:


"why would any of our politicians, Crown Corp executives, or bureaucrats do a deal if it were so bad for the people?"


Well Sir or Madam - the same could be asked about the Upper Churchill - it still happened. 


Sometimes they are just wrong! Whether at the end of questioning one determined it was not a plan or plot but simply that ignorant people in power did not listen long or hard enough - who cares - as long as we do not repeat the mistakes of our past. 

Darin King - Twit of the Twitter - Condemns his Own Party!

Yesterday in the House of Assembly - Darin King proved - once again that he is full of it - wit -twit twitter.  


Below is a partial transcript of what Mr. King was saying during debate on Interim Supply, Bill 2.


Let’s be clear, members in this House do not debate through Twitter, contrary to popular believe. I have said that, Mr. Chair, I do not engage very often but I did engage a couple of nights ago to say that if you have important questions on the fishery or sealing – because I would love to talk about all of that today – that this is the place to do it. Not only is it the place to do it, you have an obligation and a responsibility, when you put your name on the ballot to get elected to represent the people, you have a responsibility to raise those issues on the floor of the House of Assembly, I submit to you, and I invite you to do that today.


This is not a joke people - he actually said this. What did the media do? Nothing!


When the House of Assembly was held hostage by his government for months - they did not open it - what happened? Well the Minister of Natural Resources was debating the Muskrat Falls deal 140 characters at a time - and on some occasions a host of Tory Ministers and backbenchers were on Twitter debating with other politicians, bloggers, and other Tweeters from the province. 


Then he says that MHA's who put their name on a ballot have the responsibility to raise issues on the floor of the House of Assembly. No - you don't say Minister - that is what the population was telling you when your government would NOT OPEN the HOA. 


With a straight face King rose in the HOA and said that rubbish. Worse he was not challenged and berated by a media who knew the difference. 


So Mr. King I believe you just taught Mr. Kennedy a lesson. And as Kennedy so loves novellas and poetry - might I recommend Of Mice and Men or perhaps Bobby Burns' "To a Mouse". 


So if the media is going to declare that issues as important as Muskrat Falls are over - perhaps they could stop the nonsense and deception being delivered by our Ruling Party.


Further - making this worse is the fact that when the Tories were twitting away - while the House was closed - the same media was reporting as NEWS - that the government members were now debating on Twitter. 


While you're at it - let's get to the bottom of the fishery - 140 characters at a time. 

Cochrane and Simms do not Control Muskrat Debate!

Over the past couple of weeks some members of the media - commentators, reporters, and pundits appeared to have been dissuading people and politicians alike - from continued opposition to Muskrat Falls.

I have heard statements like - "nothing new" - which of course was the spin being promoted by Dunderdale and company.

I have a question for David Cochrane who carries himself like the head honcho of Newfoundland and Labrador "journalism". Have all the previously noted concerns been resolved?

The problem is that if a question - the same question - goes unanswered (satisfactorily) should one just stop asking?

From where I sit many questions asked from day one - have never been answered. The fact that Kennedy or Dunderdale open mouths and spew rhetoric does not mean an issue is resolved.

We are talking about 6-8 billion dollars of our money, the money of our children and grandchildren; we need to know if this project is the right one.

Some of the Unanswered Concerns:

1. What happens in 2041 and does this project have the potential to harm us in future dealings?

2. The need for power.

3. Alternatives.

4. Lowest Cost Alternative.

5. Labrador benefits.

6. Cheaper power for Nova Scotia.

7. Subsidization by Newfoundland and Labrador ratepayers.

8. The need of a partner.

9. Long-term jobs.

10. Potential for alternative industrial development.

The problem - as I see it - is the media who are demonstrably frustrated by the ongoing debate are those individuals who are not educated enough on the issue to ask the right questions or lack the guts to take on the governing PC's.

I have watched most of Cochrane's material and in my opinion - he lacks information or the desire to really challenge the "facts" the government puts forth.

Randy Simms - in my opinion does not have the knowledge to determine if something regarding the project has been answered satisfactorily.

If they are going to use the media power available to them - they must also appreciate the responsibility that goes with that. I do not see that concern in them - and therefore - in my opinion they are doing the province and its people a disservice.

Now of course I am assuming here that the media will not act like Dunderdale and Kennedy and condemn somebody for speaking up. I do know better however.

Talk with Sue Second Show - Electoral Reform - the Sleeping Democracy - Dunderdale's arrogance!

Join us tonight at 8 pm - Talk with Sue - Second Show deals with electoral reform.

Does the Dunderdale government respect the electorate?

42% of people did not vote. Why?

The House of Assembly -why isn't it open?

Why type of electoral system would you like to see?

Why type of electoral reform would wake up our sleeping democracy?

What happened during the election - lets talk about polls, threats, and Ross Reid and Len Simms - their scandalous reappointment's.

I expect Shannon will join me for this discussion.

We have 4 years (I think) - let's do something to get it right.

Let's raise the percentage of those voting to 75!

Click HERE to join the show at 8 tonight.

What do you think about the Len Simms - Ross Reid scandalous Reappointments?

Let's talk about our electoral system - do you think it represents you?

Let's talk about "innovative" polling - particularly during election campaigns.

Let's talk about intimidation during elections. Call with your stories!

How about the rights enjoyed by Len Simms and Ross Reid - what about all other "public" servants?

First past the post system - is it our best choice?

What do you think about proportional representation?

Do you think a Minister like Kevin O'Brien can deal with this type of debate and policy debate instead of painstakingly explaining how we now change our clocks at two in the morning?

Do you believe a referendum should be held on electoral reform?

"Talk with Sue" Sunday night and 8pm

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/talkwithsue
This show is a real peoples program - where politicians do not rule - you do.

Len and Ross up the Patronage Tree Pis_in_ on You and Me

Let’s get the rules straight shall we?

All Deputy Ministers and Crown Agencies Chairs and Crown Corporations CEO’s may resign during elections and work on whatever political party’s campaign they wish – and they shall be reappointed after the election – regardless of who wins. 

Further let’s remind everybody that anybody who works for government is not a senior executive but from time to time may talk to one – must not stuff an envelope or place a sign on their lawn.

This in an effort to assure the public that there will be no conflict perceived or real.

Make no mistake about it – the Dunderdale crew believes you and I are stupid. Additionally they believe the media is inept and will not interfere with their interference of democratic principles. 

We have reached the point where strips of pavement, inaccurate polls and “threats” – determine who wins and regardless of the lunacy placed before us we shall follow.

We have reached a point where both the federal and provincial governments believe they can strip us of whatever they wish and we will say nothing other than reward them with votes. 

It was pathetic listening to the media “report” that Len Simms and Ross Reid had been reappointed. Imagine that – thanks for letting us know. For all the news in Newfoundland and Labrador please refer to the government webpage. For crime and carnage please follow your traditional radio or television station. 

There used to be a time when reporters longed to be journalists – now we have announcers longing to be anchors. 

There used to be a time when boys longed to be men and girls – women – now we have adults longing not to think to achieve but only to cheer and follow.

So tell me then – who is responsible for the future of your children?

Tom Marshall - Continues to speak down to Media and Public. Disgrace!

Tom Marshall continued election style rhetoric today on VOCM. The talk-show appearance lacked relevance - but rather a pathetic performance of a man whose leader just arrogantly determined she was not going to open the House of Assembly. He certainly praised the Premier and vowed to serve her in whatever capacity she wanted - but no such guarantee to the people who employ and elect politicians.

Marshall carried on with some subtle media warnings about writing anything that might criticize the government. I think he was also telling people not to question politicians and to stop being cynical.

Marshall's jeans genes might be blue but the moxy of denim cut in his forefathers cloth was not evident.

This man has no courage and certainly has no respect for the people of the province. He wants to ensure that his leader answers no real questions on any public issue - but he was generous enough to tell people - they should have some opposition members.

Where next Tom?

Tom - Minister of Natural Resources
Joan - Minister of Health
Jerome - Minister of Finance

But what's most important is - who will the speaker be? Who cares? The People's House is being held up by politicians without integrity and who have no respect for the electorate.

Tom says, everything is under control - dont' worry - be happy.

I'm wondering the stories of people getting telephone calls if the right political sign was not on their lawn - or community leaders warned of repercussions if they did not support their master - or people who were frightened to death for their job if they stuffed an envelope will come to light?

Speaking of which - why is Len Simms still on the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing website? This remained throughout the election. It is bad enough that this form of what could be perceived as intimidation was permitted to happen without media questions - it is worse that it carries on today.

So during the campaign - although Mr. Simms said he had resigned - people who rely on housing could very well think - he's still the boss. Is this what Tom Marshall is so proud of?

Proud of inaccurate and damaging polls by a company that works for agencies or departments of government?

Proud of bullying tactics toward people who critique government?

Proud of the loss of the fishery, forestry, and whole communities?

Proud of giving away resources so that millionaire shareholders make more and Nova Scotians have access to cheaper power while our people pay the price?

You Sir and your government would stop at nothing to get re-elected. It was and is a disgrace. 42% of our people did not vote. New Energy? No - same old - same old.

More on the Poll by the M5 subsidiary! Oh there is a real problem here!

Further to my previous post on the latest political poll conducted by a subsidiary of M5 are the following details.

First M5 contributed $13,400 to the PC's since 2007 and we have NO idea what they have contributed in 2011 - until 2012.

Then there is the statement, "a survey with a probability sample of this size has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9 per cent." Not necessarily this poll - but a like poll - right?

Then there is the kicker - this poll...involved 413 adults, who were contacted over the phone or online.
How does one confirm - that the person on the end of a computer is an adult? How can they be sure? How many were done online?

This is junk! If this is how this election is going to proceed with the media dutifully reporting - the information going to the public is not acceptable.

Let me predict that these polls will be coming fast and furious so that PC's can claim that you need to vote for their candidate - in order to be on the government side. This is a bastardization of democracy and we deserve better. In order to be sure we get better - we must be responsible for our decisions and ask questions that are valid and ensure that information we are getting is not tainted.
 
I will have further info on what happens when online polling is used and what happens to the scientific validity - in a future post. Stay tuned.

Will Minister Tom Marshall lie? Yes! Will he mislead? Yes!

Minister Tom Marshall appeared on Open-Line Friday of last week. The purpose of the call was to attack through innuendo, misrepresentations, threats, and misinformation - the independent pharmacy owners in the province.

The irony was that he called to correct something Randy Simms (host) said in his preamble.

Quote by Marshall:

Randy, we're negotiating now. There's a chair at the table for CICPO. CICPO refused to show up. Randy, Premier Dunderdale wants lower electricity costs for the people in this province. She wants lower drug costs for the people of this province. People have no choice. If the doctor says they got to have drugs, they got to have them, Randy. And the cost of generic drugs in this country are higher than they are in the US and higher than they are in other OECD countries. And there's got to be a reason for that. And we've looked into it and other provinces have looked into it. And British Columbia and Alberta and Saskatchewan and Ontario and Quebec and Nova Scotia have all taken an approach to reduce the cost of generic drugs to their citizens, to their taxpayers.

First - if the Premier wants to lower drug costs in the province - the first line of attack would be the brand drugs that are increasing in cost every year. The fact is brand name drugs which represent over 70% of the costs of all drugs prescribed and dispensed are going up in costs year over year. The generic drugs which are currently the target of this PC government are going down every year. Further the generic partnership with pharmacy has what has been keeping dispensing fees low and allowing pharmacies particularly small independent rural dispensaries to offer essential extra services.

Making matters worse is that the Dunderdale government is hiding its intent relative to a trade deal between the EU and Canada which would see our province have to pay an additional 50 million dollars for essential medications - by agreeing to extend the patent protection for the brand drug companies. Canada and the EU are set to go back to the table just after our provincial election and this term forms part of what a proposed deal will include.

The end result of the PC government move is:

1. The price of drugs will actually go up for citizens and taxpayers.

2. Dispensing fees for most people will have to double or the pharmacies will close.

3. Delivery to seniors and those without transportation will cease or there will be a cost for such delivery.

4. Independent pharmacies will have to stop credit programs for prescription drugs - thereby causing people not to buy and take their medications in a timely manner. This non-compliance will cause the emergency rooms of hospitals to experience unsustainable traffic, re admissions to hospital, or worse.

5. The government drug card clients will have to call their MHA or social worker to have the necessary forms completed for continuity of their prescription drug cards, or to complete their annual tax returns (in order to qualify for the card).

6. It will cause independent pharmacies to cease filling "special authorization" drugs until the approval has been given by government. In that instance the patient will have to return to their doctor to have a prescription changed, go without their medication for up to one month until approval for payment has been achieved, or have to return to the hospital.

7. Prescribing errors made by physicians will have to be handled in a different manner. Currently our independent pharmacies are dealing with between 5 to 25 prescribing errors a day. When the mistake is caught by the pharmacist - the patient will then have to return to the doctor or hospital to have the correction made. If the patient wants the pharmacist to deal with the error for them - they will have to pay a fee based on the amount of time it takes for a pharmacy to contact the doctor, achieve contact with that doctor, the faxing of a new prescription, and the paper work required for the government for a change in prescription. Usually this takes the pharmacy between half an hour to 8 hours to achieve.

8. The pharmacy will have to charge for special packaging for patients who take multiple drugs for chronic illnesses.

9. The hours and availability of pharmacies will be reduced to make the necessary savings on human resources and other expenses.

10. Services such as reprinting of receipts for income tax purposes, transferring of files, supplying hospitals with drug reviews for patients (where the hospital already has the records) or communication with the drug card program for patients will have to be additionally charged.

These are but a few of the changes that will be experienced by patients under the government's plan. The most negative result will be the out and out closure of some pharmacies.

Tom Marshall is not telling the truth or he is completely incompetent on this file.

The government including Premier Dunderdale is hiding the truth from the people and the media need to call them out on the Comprehensive Economic Trade Deal (CETA) with the EU.

Marshall goes on to say the following:

We understand that in terms of the true cost of the drug that's been passed on by the pharmacy to the customer, it has markups on it running from 140 percent to 619 percent. They're very high markups. Now that's before you take their cost into, their expenses of operation into consideration. So what happened - this all started, Randy when the pharmacies announced they weren't going to honour the drug card anymore. They were going to make people pre-pay for their drugs and have to seek reimbursement from the government, which was totally unacceptable because people didn't have the money.

First the Minister talks about markups on drugs running from 140 to 619 percent. Where is the evidence of this? Pharmacy cannot change the price of drugs as the provincial government sets them under the provincial formulary. Further Minister Tom Marshall will not address the Dr. Wade Locke report completed on pharmacy - using actual financial data from pharmacies. This is a government who only a few days ago were holding Dr. Locke's opinion and study regarding Muskrat Falls as gospel - yet when it comes to a comprehensive Activity Based Costing study on pharmacy the Minister of Finance deliberately avoids it. This is a lie by omission.

This statement also points to pharmacy and says - they were going to have people unable to get their essential prescription drugs - this is absolutely false and further is exactly the opposite of what is true. It is the government everyday that prevents people from getting medications. Patients are released from hospital with prescriptions they cannot fill because the government prevents retail pharmacies from determining the validity of a special authorization - so instead it goes into government pharmacists in a bureaucratic setting. This in turn causes delays - up to one month - where people who on income assistance or fixed incomes such as seniors - cannot get their medications because the government has not approved them. In this case local independent pharmacies put it on account for the individual so that they can take their medications immediately thereby preventing re admissions into hospital or a trip to the emergency room. Our pharmacies never let patients leave without their drugs for reasons of inability to pay. This is one significant difference between the large corporate chains and our members.

Next the Minister uses this line:

They want to go to court, I think that's wonderful. Go to court and let it come out what the proper margins out, okay let it come out what the rebates are, let it come out why the true cost of the drugs are not being passed on and while the true cost of the drug to the pharmacy is not being passed on, we want to sit down with the pharmacists and we have sat down with the pharmacists and what we're trying to do is come up with an agreement. 

So the Minister of Finance thinks its wonderful that the CICPO wants to go to court. Well that's a mouthful in and of itself. Yes anything instead of meeting, talking, collaborating, and developing a superior policy. Then Minister Marshall - a lawyer - pretends that the issue being brought to court has something to do with generic drug pricing. The court case deals with two issues: a) whether or not the government had the right to alter a provider agreement unilaterally and second whether the "object" of PANL legislatively is valid. So once again he lies to or misleads the people regarding this very serious issue. Further the information he is seeking above is already available to him from the Dr. Wade Locke report. He once again says they are negotiating with pharmacists not pharmacies. This continued misrepresentation does not negate the fact that government signs provider agreements with corporations (legal entities) not pharmacists. If that is not the case then Wal-Mart, Shopper's Drug Mart, Lawton's and Costco could not be doing business with government.


Minister Marshall then takes the public down another twisted version of the facts:

And we've looked into it and other provinces have looked into it. And British Columbia and Alberta and Saskatchewan and Ontario and Quebec and Nova Scotia have all taken an approach to reduce the cost of generic drugs to their citizens, to their taxpayers.

Let's start with the fact that all provinces are using different models for remuneration and different approaches on the restructuring of generic drug costs. Ontario, which is what is law in Newfoundland and Labrador as it relates to generic pricing is the worst. It has caused the most damage to rural independent pharmacies and where ATM's are replacing the community pharmacy - in some cases now it will be LPN's. In Ontario now three independent pharmacy owners are running for the PC Party of Ontario in large part because of what the Liberal Ontario government has done with pharmacy and health issues generally. And here we have the PC government adopting failed Liberal policy out of Ontario.

Further in Ontario - consultations were had with the Ontario Pharmacists Association, the Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores (CACDS) the Independent Pharmacists Association of Ontario and the Ontario Community Pharmacies Coalition. That is hardly a comparative for our province where the Premier and her Minister's keep saying we will only talk to PANL.


Then let's talk about British Columbia where a deal was struck between the Government, the BC Pharmacy Association and the Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores. Once again broader consultation was held and a different remuneration formula was reached. Unfortunately - in BC as in Newfoundland and Labrador - the chains were pandered to while independent pharmacy was left behind. Lastly, at least the Government of BC acknowledges that no agreement reached with either the Pharmacy Association or the CACDS is binding on any individual business.

Then take the most ridiculous of Minister Marshall's comparisons - Quebec. In Quebec a pharmacy can only be owned by a pharmacist. This negates the concerns of independent owners as the government can only negotiate with them - large corporate interests are not permitted to own the dispensary. If Minister Marshall would like to entertain this idea - we would be more than happy to deal with that.

In Saskatchewan the government also reached an agreement between the Pharmacists' Association of Saskatchewan and the Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores - once again admitting that the strong lobby by the giant retailers and chains is unduly influencing policy development. But at least they admit it. In Newfoundland and Labrador they will not admit to the discussions with CACDS because to do so would mean the CICPO would have a rightful place to put it's arguments forward separately.

In Canada the chain drug stores and mass retailers are dictating provincial policy and it is leading to reduced and inferior services in rural communities. In our province with our geography and relatively small population - this means destruction to our rural communites and inner-city neighbourhoods. Minister Marshall and Premier Dunderdale had the chance to make a difference and derive policy based on local business and rural communities - instead they have chosen to follow the mess found in other Canadian provinces. This is not leadership - and there are not enough lies in the world to cover this up.

Finally Minister Marshall refers to the following:

Okay, they had a meeting set up with Minister Kennedy. Minister Kennedy was in the House. They walked out. They left about five minutes before Minister Kennedy came in. So don't give me that. 

The truth about this meeting will be addressed by those attending this meeting. Minister Marshall and I were not there so we cannot speak directly to it. Those who were in attendance will publicly discuss what happened to this meeting and why it did not occur. safe bet though that with pharmacy owners travelling anywhere from 1 km to 800 km's to attend the meeting did not leave under the circumstances the Minister has described. Either the Minister is misinformed or is lying.