Firing the NL Tories for their own good

Back at it. I've been away from the blog for a while and much has happened since I last posted. While I was not blogging - I was following all the news and happenings both in Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada.

While I must dedicate many posts to particulars - one theme has been prevalent throughout the couple of months. Our democracy is eroding and only we can prevent it from crumbling entirely.

The Conservatives in Ottawa and the Progressive Conservatives here at home appear to be ruling at their own will and ignoring the people who really control their destiny - us.

Our system of democracy places great power in both the Prime Minister's Office and the Premier's Office - and when the governing party has a majority - that precious power - one which they should be humbled by - seems to make them arrogant and dictatorial.

Both Bill 29 here and Bill C-23 in Ottawa demonstrate that arrogance.

Currently we have a Premier in waiting - Frank Coleman who will be handed the position of Party leader and Premier by acclamation in July. The provincial Tories have not had a leadership contested in 20 years. It's been a placing of the hands - however few - and a passing of keys to the office. The only say we as the electorate have is during a general election or some of the electorate in a by-election. Clearly this is a party not too concerned about people getting a choice of leadership candidates. The delegated convention just showed its hand or slight of it - clearly this process is antiquated and open for significant manipulation.

There is a real media story here and certainly our local journalists should show more interest. This would be in the public interest and serve as a great reminder that the people are not prepared to be fed what the self-proclaimed masters have chosen for them.

How many Cabinet and Caucus members ever met Frank Coleman prior to indicating their support for him? Were delegates chosen prior to any debate process for the candidates? Why did Frank Coleman become involved in the leadership process? What evidence is there that Frank Coleman ever held any interest in public office? We went from Lynn Verge to Loyola Sullivan to Ed Byrne to Danny Williams to Kathy Dunderdale to Tom Marshall and now Frank Coleman without once ever having a choice at a party ballot. This is very convincing evidence that people are being chosen by a few without any real consideration of party members.

Surely the PC's must be sent a political message - get your act together on leadership - open up the process so that any Newfoundlander and Labradorian who wants to vote can - and encourage not discourage a robust campaign with many candidates and plenty of open debate.

Remember also the last Tory leadership that was actually contested in 1995 still only had 2 contestants Lynn Verge and Loyola Sullivan. Prior to that it was 1989 when the leadership contest enjoyed 5 candidates - the eventual winner Tom Rideout. After he was beaten in the general election by Clyde Wells - Len Simms was appointed leader.

The PC's in this province and their backroom have not trusted their membership to choose the "right" candidate for two decades. The chameleon support or "big money" have their hands in all parties. The last leadership of the Liberals seen the people - not a chosen few - elect a leader. This of course is also encouraging as it can be said - that Dwight owes his position to the people not a chosen few. When one is prepared as interim leader to open the field wide and welcome 4 others to the race - one is willing to stand on ones own merit. It also demonstrates that debate and other points of view are welcome.

What we have been left with is a bunch of sitting Tories Cabinet and Caucus who sat on the bleachers choosing not leadership but cheer leading and the uncontested Frank Coleman who says he thinks they all did a fine job. Surely the Tories must do better or we might be faced with a Mulroney/Campbell scenario - where the NL PC's are replaced with a Conservative alternative. I'm sure there's a Peter MacKay like sitting on the Newfoundland and Labrador Tory bench waiting to sure up their importance. Or perhaps the Tories will hang on to a couple of seats in the next election - just enough to really start a renewal and hopefully precipitate a real leadership contest. How many of you think Frank Coleman is staying for a gig in Opposition?

Williams still controls media?

If one were to watch the news yesterday - they would get the distinct impression that Danny was coming back.

The amount of media the former Premier garnered yesterday was enviable. Many worthwhile groups would love to have even one tenth of the immediate pandering the local news gives to Williams.

1. He changed the name of his development to honour his mother. Lovely (Happy Mother's Day) - not news.

2. He thinks Bill Barry is not fit for office of the Premier. Marvelous (Coffee chat) not news.

3. "Bullshit" - Danny says to the Conference Board of Canada's report on our projected population numbers. Brilliant (conspiracy theory) not news.

News: Former Premier refuses to take his own advice and shut-up after he leaves politics.

News: Williams gets sweetheart land deal - unheard of price and quick rule changes.

News: Williams believes only he can be Premier - so he's going to run again.

News: Williams believes Dunderdale failed. (then again that would be his failure as well)

There is news in the Danny's successful attempt at getting attention yesterday.

On an editorial note: who is deciding what's worth covering?

Right now there are journalists holding their breath - waiting for Danny to pick his favorite for leader. You can bet that will surpass the importance of any other story on the day that shoe drops.

Bas Jamieson and the Mystery Lady

Three of the Jamieson boys were kind of the same - but Bas was a great combo of Don and Colin's memorable personalities.

I grew up hearing about Don - his intelligence, his diplomacy and politics. Colin was my boss at my real first job at Q-Radio - later to become part of the CHUM group.

Bas - however - was Don and Colin rolled into one. He had a wonderful mind and a great broadcasting presence. I got to experience both - and that is what I recall today.

When former Premier ClydeWells and his government were going to privatize Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro - I along with a few others became incensed. We knew that Clyde had planned some privatizations due to the economic times of the day - but until he uttered it from his mouth - after the election - did we know it would include Hydro.

So - we had to make a noise - we had to be heard. We needed to let people know how shortsighted this was and that Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro was a Crown Jewel.

I began really listening to open-line programs then to see if anybody was going to speak up. Clearly this was not going to happen unless somebody (outside politicians) raised the issue publicly.

I remember picking up the phone and calling VOCM - not sure if it was open-line or the night line - big gulp - then a producer picked up the phone. He asked what my name was and I chose to remain anonymous. I was frightened to death. I knew what I wanted to say - sort-of - but I was shaking. Sweat on the brow - Bas announced that line #1 was up - and that was me. We had a good chat - and he made me feel comfortable. He told me I did alright as a first time caller and to call back again to talk about the Hydro issue.

At that time the VOCM talk shows were really the voice of the common man. There was no inundation of politicians and people lined up on the phone in the order they called and Bas got through the list.

I called several times over the following weeks - remained anonymous - but as Bas was - he had to give me some sort of nickname. I became the "mystery lady". Well the mystery lady and Bas had some pretty significant chats about Hydro and politicians started to perk their ears up. As a host Bas was fantastic - he challenged then listened - with patience - to hear a reply. He took the information in almost moment by moment and within short order - Bas - demonstrated a knowledge of Hydro that the majority of PC Ministers don't have yet.

Bas's memory and analytical thinking were crisp and his broadcast personality and diplomacy took the fear out of people who might otherwise not have weighed in. He was challenging - but with great restraint - as he tested the theories on Hydro that were now coming from all directions. He made me think - every time I finished a call. I would check my facts - review more material - and be eager to share it with him - and through him have a wonderful conversation with thousands of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

I was joined on the line after a few months by Greg Malone, Cy Abery, and Hydro workers (who remained anonymous). Everybody was getting engaged - we even managed to drag in the Opposition Party - at that time Len Simms and LynnVerge - were at the forefront. As more and more people became involved Bas treated them all with respect and patience as the debate on Hydro waged on. The more heated it became the more diplomatic Bas became and because of that others felt comfortable weighing in. He was the best host of a talk show we had ever seen and likely to see. His job was to get the information out - and challenge rhetoric - so the people - his audience - could make an educated decision on the issue.

Bas did not hold back when he needed to get through the nonsense and he did not distinguish between a Cabinet Minister or a caller from the Big Land. Everybody felt their opinions and positions on the Hydro debate held value - that's because Bas made sure it was that way.

The real difference between Bas and others who came before and after his hosting was his driven desire to let everybody get involved - he loved it when the population used their democracy as it should be used. He loved it when the politicians got bees in their bonnets and reminded them that they serve the people - and the people have the right to speak and be heard.

Eventually myself and Greg Malone got together and formed Power of the People and gathered other like minded individuals together to fight the privatization full-on. I knew Greg - as most did - from the Wonderful Grand Band and his artistic accomplishments - but I came to know more as we met on the Hydro issue. Bas in his usual way - encouraged Greg to call and bring his passion and knowledge to the debate. I think Bas knew he had two feisty ones on his hands - but managed to bring the best out of us both. Greg had a more calm demeanor - while I (the younger Sue) was filled with impatience and somewhat intolerant of the politicians and their spin. Bas however - got the best out of Sue - and eventually I became Sue - after I needed to identify myself as we - the Power of the People - were granted an meeting with Premier Wells to have our say directly.

The decision not to privatize the Crown utility was the right one and has netted the people billions of dollars both in value and lower utility rates than would have been in the years that followed. Bas Jamieson was the social catalyst that allowed the full debate to occur. Bas Jamieson was the reason  the people - not the politicians - won the day. His intelligent, kind, diplomatic, and patient and social persona allowed democracy to work at its best.

The decision was left to the people because Bas was the consummate professional - and we - the people - were the winners.

Obviously Bas had a long distinguished career that entailed many more broadcasting feats and his voice is one I will not forget. I wonder what he would have done if Twitter was the rage when he was doing the show? My guess is we might have heard "there's more brains in a can of rabbit" more than a few times - as partisan backbench Tories put out the fluff.

Thank you Bas and thanks to his family for sharing this gentleman - who truly made a difference in all of our lives.

Cathy -They Don't Appoint Liberals

Cathy Bennett has two significant messages for us.

1. I am a Liberal - Always been a Liberal - Will always be a Liberal.

2. I am the leader who can bring the Liberal Party together.

Let's examine these:

Williams and Dunderdale do not appoint Liberals.

In fact many of the Liberal and NDP complaints revolve around the extreme partisanship of this government.

Our agencies and Crown Corporations are run and managed by well known Tories such as Len Simms and Glenn Tobin.

The halls of Confederation building are traversed by many lifelong Tories and their families.

So partisan is this government that serving a community breakfast - if you are not a Tory - is a no no.

So how then can we possibly believe that this Tory partisan government appointed to the top position of Nalcor - a lifelong Liberal? How can we reasonably believe that the top priority - massive spending - key Muskrat deal would be under the hand of a lifelong Liberal?

For me this is not possible. I must go with the balance of probabilities - that is Cathy Bennett did in fact through contribution and action demonstrate that she was a loyal PC.

As for the second claim of bringing the Liberals together - I can only say that with her unmovable stance on Muskrat Falls and her longstanding Tory connections - that she would have the most difficult time in bringing Liberals together. One only needs to watch and listen to Liberals after they have observed her in a debate to know that electing her leader would be more divisive than the Efford Grimes fight.

To accept this candidacy as anything more than special interests protecting special projects is too much of a stretch for me. I guess it's up to the other candidates to expose this for what it is. Kissy Kissy Lovey Lovey - we are all Liberals chant - will not cut it for this circumstance.

Ross Reid - bringing down another PC Party?

Yesterday - the big announcement from the White House on the Parkway - Ross Reid becomes new Chief of Staff for Premier Dunderdale.

More curious - however - were his duties in the "new" role.

Rossie is apparently going to play a "key role in policy development".

Is that what a Chief of Staff does?

How about Rossie has always been involved in policy and has been involved in much of the mess this government has produced?

He moves smoothly from politician to democracy fighter to "adviser" to Williams/Dunderdale - then pops out of his job - we pay him for - to run election campaigns - then hops back to a government position again. Well now he is the Chief of Staff - what will that mean to us - the people who pay his salary?

1. Select and supervise (control) staff?
2. Control access to the Premier's office? that should be good...
3. Manage communications and flow of information? kind of like a Bill 29 human back-up
4. Negotiate with different departments - or external groups to achieve Dunderdale's agenda? (protect the Muskrat Falls development)

Rossie is now at the beck and call of the Premier? My guess he's running the place and has been for a while. The question is will Rossie use his experience in "allegedly" helping to democratize regimes such as Afghanistan - to allow democracy back in our province?

Please advise us - Madame Premier - Queen of the Muskrat - what has Ross Reid done for the past decade and what will he be doing differently now? Details please...

For people like Kent and Lane - Reid's new title might bring them brief but needed hope that their parties death may have been greatly exaggerated and for the ladies in waiting Shea and Sullivan - Ross may provide a brief relief from the Premier's busy social agenda  (Garden parties - where they present and restate already committed dollars, festivals where they can sing their own praises, BBQ's where the roasting is more friendly, or travelling the world in search of Waldo).

Rossie's Policies - that has the potential to be an ward winning election jingle - Perhaps VOCM could have one of the talk shows sponsored by Rossie's Policies.

Perhaps the people who elected Bonnie Hickey knew something I didn't know at the time. Perhaps they knew the real Ross Reid - perhaps they knew he should have gone away with the Mulroney PC's. He was at one time the "advisor" to Mulroney right? Perhaps Ross can become "National Director" of the NL PC's? Perhaps Ross can be part of another destruction of a Progressive Conservative Party? Not to worry with people like Kent, King, and Kennedy  the CARP (Conservative Alliance Reform Party) of NL might be right around the corner. Maybe Len Simms can play the "MacKay" role this time round.

Steve Kent hides behind Cloak? Come out in the Open!

Kent and Harper - two Steve's I want to forget but still living with their incompetence.

Harper lies and generally speaking is not competent on matters of Canada.

Kent just yaps and then re-yaps to explain or re-explain whatever he is talking about.

Both play around with democracy like it's an institution they own and are willing to do whatever to portray favourably whatever outcome they are seeking.

When Kent was dealing with the Boy Scouts of Canada scandal - he assured us he checked and there was nothing hidden. But then he re-explained that there was - he just did not know at the time. Steve's facts are apparently determined based on Steve's knowledge at any given time and not the actual facts of a situation. This makes him dangerous as a public servant.

A fact is: A thing that is indisputably the case.

First of all there are two measures of fairness and balance when the Tories wish to reveal information.

One for Ross Reid and Len Simms, and another for Sue Kelland-Dyer (me)

But let's review what Mr. Kent had to say in the House of Assembly on March 13th 2013.

               ______________________________

They talk about fiscal responsibility and they suggest mismanagement when we provided, in the past, modest bonuses to executives who are doing great work to improve and strengthen the public services we provide. They will talk about those modest bonuses, and the Minister of Finance addressed those in Question Period today, but you will not hear them talk about the $59,000 they paid to Sue Kelland-Dyer for consulting work from May 2001 to April 2002. May 2001 to April 2002, they paid $59,000 to Sue Kelland-Dyer for consulting work. 

Mr. Speaker, the folks over there, like the hon. Member for the Bay of Islands and the Leader of the Opposition, talk about fiscal responsibility, but they will not tell you about what happened several months later in December 2002. In December 2002 they spent $88,000 to hire none other than Sue Kelland-Dyer again.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Oh, oh!

MR. KENT: Eighty-eight thousand dollars, because she was out criticizing government, but once a couple of payments over a period of time totalling $59,000 and then $88,000 on top of that to be a consultant in the Premier's office to monitor the radio shows, Mr. Speaker, and the polls. It is rather disingenuous for members opposite to stand up and talk to us today about fiscal responsibility.   
               ______________________________

This comparative to Len Simms and Ross Reid?

If we are going to talk about private citizens who no longer are under the employ of government and who cannot answer statements made in the People's House of Assembly - then perhaps we should try to do it fairly.

Len Simms and Ross Reid are long-standing Tories - previously elected Tories - fundraising Tories and remain employed by the Government or a Government Agency.

I am not a long-standing Liberal - not previously elected as a Liberal nor run as a Liberal Candidate.
In fact, Mr. Kent, Liberals used to call me a Tory when I opposed the governments of Clyde Wells and Brian Tobin.

I did not take a leave of absence or quit and hit the campaign trail or become a campaign co-chair and then get re-hired after an election.

Please advise us all of the total dollars I have ever received from working with the government, opposition, or as a consultant and then reveal the total compensation that Ross Reid and Len Simms have received.

Then Kent suggests that I was given $88,000 by the government because I opposed the government and then as a consultant to the Premier's Office to monitor Open-Line shows and polls.

First Mr. Kent you should seek the report that was completed by me as a consultant - release it - and then discuss the contents. The "Crown Jewels".

Then you need to ask yourself if I was actually monitoring Open-Line shows and polls or was I in fact working on things such as the need to establish the Ombudsman's Office, Office of the Child and Youth Advocate, A report on our Place in Canada; and policy matters such as natural resource developments, equalization, and class-action lawsuits.

You are a poor excuse of an MHA and even more so as the holder of facts.

Give me a place and time that you and I can discuss these matters in a public forum. Let's see how you hold up when the House of Assembly cloak is removed.

Politicians do not have Thick Skin - they have Power - media even more so!

How many times have you heard - to be a politician you need thick skin?

In my opinion they do not have thick skin - they have power and are willing to abuse it.

To make matters worse the media's skin is almost as thin. Try to critique the media and see what happens. Ask Dave Cochrane.

No matter what any of us normal mortals have to say about issues which affect us and are using our money - we are to say nothing or risk retribution in one fashion or another. The politicians and media are not interested in constructive criticism or even reasonable questions about the quality of their work - they are only interested in finding ways to make the criticism or questions stop.

This is not thick-skinned this is "we have the power" just watch us.

How many times during the election did you hear PC candidates say "we need to be on the government side". Why? What are the consequences if we are not? Better yet people - what are the consequences of zero opposition?

It is not acceptable to have less than adequate investigative journalism - and if the problem is the new budget - let the people know. Let us know why you are announcers of prepared government statements or the bearers of tabloid sensationalism like the twitter story. Show us the meat - then we can make up our own minds.

Make no mistake about it - the government and the media will X you out if you open your mouth in protest or in question. They will use their powers to cause you misery one way or the other.  You are labelled as naysayers and treated with disdain. Ask Dunderdale how she treats me - professionally? Ask her how she gets to pick and choose the citizens she will talk to? Ask her how she punishes our own people while bowing to Ottawa or big corporations?

How about Dunderdale - opens the House of Assembly and the media do a story on what people think of how their doing.

Thick skin? - NO Power and Arrogance? - Yes Ignorance? The more the better they say. It is bliss after all. 

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.

The Cabinet that Kathy Built

Ms. Dunderdale has built her cabinet. 

The cabinet is wooden not steel. 

The cabinet has hardware. 

The cabinet has knobs.

The cabinet has a door but it won`t open.

The cabinet responds to a clapper. 

The cabinet is made of bleached white wood - most of it reclaimed.

The cabinet looks masculine but sounds childlike as it squeaks.

The cabinet is a smaller copy of the one Danny built. 

The cabinet holds no files. 

The cabinet does not come with a warranty.

The cabinet is not accessible but can be viewed through an opaque window. 

The cabinet has no known purpose. 

The cabinet may have been co-designed by up and comer Stephen Harper in consultation with re-hire Ross Reid. 

The cabinet foreman is Len Simms to make sure it fits the house. 

The cabinet will travel throughout the world, country, and province first-class and with security. 

The cabinet has been rearranged with some parts removed and other parts left out. 

The cabinet is not pleasing to the City of St. John`s - surprising - since it is N ew D underdale  and P artisan driven. 

The cabinet did not include building materials from Kent -  is not of Perryod and did not require a Hunter. 

The cabinet is bullet proof particularly resistant to the Tommy gun. 

The cabinet appears to have a lazy-susan, sagging drawers, yet it is fit for a king if not a wise-man. 

The cabinet is well oiled but may be penetrable by running water.

The cabinet was assembled at the defunct mill in Grand Falls-Windsor by people who were promised or threatened during the election. 

The cabinet is getting good reviews from a panel polled yesterday. 

The cabinet also received significant media attention - particularly from one David who was favourable to a conservative building plan.

The cabinet was not liberal with colour and reports claim that one tainted with a red origin was rejected to sit in the chair.

The cabinet was built with resources found in Labrador but not by Labradorians with the exception of a nick in the wood.

The cabinet smells of muskrat despite being sprayed with a french cologne. 

The cabinet may become unhinged if dragged into the House. 

The cabinet will be carefully and slowly installed in the House and then may suffer catastrophic failure. 

The cabinet is likely to cause long-term damage to people who are exposed to the green wood. 

The cabinet IS representative of the peoples wishes.

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.

The Almighty Dunderdale - Why are we having an Election?

This election has been the most contrived - the most interfered with poll of the people since Joey Smallwood days.

Polling misinformation, changes midstream at the Electoral office, unknown rules as you go at the Electoral office, threats to public servants, people being approached because they have a particular candidates sign on their line, "discussion" with councils, heads of Government agencies and senior officials quit but remain on the government website, and then of course the issue of the day for PC candidates "you need to be on the government side".

Then there is a review of the Media Coverage - unbalanced in content and choice of coverage.

There is no doubt in this - I have watched television, print and radio news and special items and monitored the social media. I can say without any partisan influence that this has been the worst coverage in a very long time.

The worst I have seen has come from Dave Cochrane CBC - but then again he seems determined to try and promote himself more than the candidates themselves.

Dave - where is Ed Byrne working these days - what are his thoughts on the constituency allowance fiasco? Find Loyola Sullivan - tied up with one of the fisheries companies in the province - as the longest sitting member on the committee - why did he continue to keep the auditor general out. No that question was reserved for Kevin Aylward. Why not ask Kathy Dunderdale about her position when sitting in Opposition? For instance Dunderdale was part of the conversation in the House of Assembly regarding an unelected Premier doing resource deals. Or better yet the position of bringing forth all details of the Muskrat deal with Emera in the same way that was demanded for Voisey's Bay. Further why not bring the whole thing into the House of Assembly? Then there is the position of Dunderdale when in Opposition where the Lower Churchill would not be done without redress on the Upper Churchill. No none of this.

Cochrane should also reveal who the "experts" are that told him the MQO poll was valid. None of that.

On point was a joke - every time a Liberal sat down it was talking about the polls, or something Dumeresque said, and then the presence of Tim Powers on the panel. All a joke - not at all funny. How about we talk about policies being proposed by all parties. Then there was Dave asking Kevin Aylward about the party debt and how he could ask people to vote for him when the fiscal house of the party was not in order. What?

Then VOCM and things like Jerome Kennedy coming on as "Minister of Health", to talk about a platform item in the Blue Book - he even gave the page number that it was on. This is one example.

How many PC candidates have used the line "need to be on the government side" not only on talk shows but in campaign literature. The most disappointing of the candidates using this line is John Noseworthy - the former Auditor General. I'm sorry John but if this is what you have to resort to for a platform - the people of this province need to know you are not the hero of the legislative spending scandal.

Then there's Dennis O'Keefe - who last week when trying to get all parties in line for City promises - said he was not involved in the election. Only to have him come out and start campaigning with PC candidate Shawn Skinner this week. And this is apparently okay when public servants have been "advised" not to participate in the election - not even to stuff envelopes.

What of the head of Newfoundland and Labrador Housing? He quit right? Why is his face and message still on the website? No problem there right?

So do we really wonder why people don't want to vote? Why vote? Media reporting another Tory majority prior to voting day. Why spend the money? Why not just throw 48 appointed PC's in the House of Assembly and let them destroy what little bit we have left. Let Dunderdale tell fishermen and plant workers about "welfare" she better do it because a public servant can't use that word right? Why spend the money on an election? How about we all stop paying tax - and let the lot of them spend their own money. Apparently they have lots they keep telling everybody that they will give this district this amount and this place this service. Oh that's right they are talking about our money. If somebody else formed government would they be allowed to spend it?

Resignations and Arrogance - Len Simms? Intimidation?

October 06 2011 - 9:13 p.m.

So we all heard the news on September 14th that Len Simms quit his job as Newfoundland and Labrador Housing boss - to assist in the election for the Tories.

We also heard that many public servants cannot put a sign on their lawn, stuff and envelope, or wear a button - even when not at work.

We all know that Mr. Simms quit the last election too and then was rehired - but this one takes the cake.

Let's say you are a person availing of a housing unit from the crown corporation and Len Simms sees a Liberal sign on your window? Now we would not like to think that people might find that Mr. Simms is seen as impartial when making a decision.

Well here's the problem CLICK HERE 
So has he resigned? Nothing like a bit of intimidation hey? Guess there's not enough people working for government to get that changed right?

Has he campaigned? Where and with who?

Hey media - what's up with that? Guess this is not the type of news you want to cover.

Rural Newfoundland and the Big Land - feeling the fresh/salty Election Air

Can you feel it? Rural Newfoundland is yelling and screaming - the sound is loud and it is powerful. When communities and families lose it all because the government failed to utilize, protect, and invest in renewable sectors such as forestry and the fishery - they might - they just might take back control.

When the Big Land has been promised, since the Upper Churchill, that their turn was next - and they waited - and waited - but their turn did not come, they might - they just might take back control.

When public service pensioners contributed to a pension plan but the government directed it into general revenue year over year continue to hear from the Minister of Finance - go away we do not want to talk to you, they might - just might, tell the Minister exactly the same thing.

When Pharmacy Owners who serve their communities and inner-city neighbourhoods with essential front line health care are told over and over by the government - we do not recognize your expertise and your investment, they might - just might, say you are not the government of the people or for the people.

The polling issue is a joke. Have they yet revealed how many of the people polled were contacted online? The government of Kathy Dunderdale and her political party are drunk with power. They are partisan beyond democracy - and threaten the very system our forefathers fought for. I am very serious. I am hearing the usual - vote for me - you want to be on the government side. Yes by all means Tories - let's see if we can get rid of all opposition. This crew actually go after people in the private sector. They attempt to affect a persons employment by dropping a hint here and there.

The joke of Len Simms and Ross Reid leaving employment and regaining employment at the dropping of writs is not unlike Peter McKay and his fly rod being picked up by the coast guard helicopter. Len Simms heads up the Housing Corporation - which is more important - the election or the direction needed to fix the endless problems in affordable housing? Which is more important the Deputy Minister of whatever or the re-election of his beloved Tories? Hey Ross - the real deal does not really mean that much to you does it? The sincerity and fundamental freedom of choices does not mean anything to you Ross? Do tell. I can sleep - can you?

So you see there is a feeling in the air - a fresh/salty oxymoronic sort of feeling. How was the Cabinet meeting in Grand Falls-Windsor? Any threats floating around to business people or ordinary citizens? Feels like real democracy - or at least as Ross remembers it from: 
Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Ukraine.

My ears have been burning for months - wonder why that is?

Danny Williams will not define her! No? Then who will?

The unelected Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, Kathy Dunderdale says former Premier Danny Williams will not define her.

The invisible (barring quaint photo-ops) leader has gone out of her way to have exactly what she is protesting against. Ms. Dunderdale has not had one original thought since taking office. In fact the Premier is absolutely running on Danny Williams extended coat-tails.

The management of this PC campaign are clearly of the opinion that as Tony the Tory calls it "quiet" representation by this Premier is the only way to go. Why is that? Kathy Dunderdale is unable or unwilling to enter into discourse on the significant issues in our province today.

Today the Premier is being defined by Ministers who are doing a poor job in justifying the arrogant and dismissive approach by government toward citizens of the province. Despite comments made by Williams, Dunderdale finds herself hard pressed not to be defined by him. The truth is the Premier is hiding and wants you and I to elect her based on her record. What record? Danny's record.

The Premier has not played a leadership role on any of the key issues in the province today - choosing instead to have others speak for her. Be it Muskrat Falls, Pharmacy, the Fishery, CETA, or rural decimation - the Premier is not showing us her vision.

No doubt the Blue Book is coming, controlled, contrived, careful and steady as she goes. Money will be thrown at advertising, spin, paid employment opportunities, and image - this does not replace the natural qualities of a leader. Ms. Dunderdale was and is an interim leader - she is not the choice of the party - as the party had no choice. This in part was due to the wannabes being subdued by gutlessness or design. By design would mean the party expects the voters to elect another PC government based on the continued popularity of the former Premier. This also means the knives will be out within one month of the election - should the Tories win.

The debates are going to present a real problem for the Premier - for no matter how hard the handlers try Ms. Dunderdale cannot be managed LIVE.

So if Kathy Dunderdale wants to be defined by somebody other than Williams, Kennedy, Marshall, and King then she had better show up to something other than photo-ops and the blatant abuse of cheque giving witnessed last month. The convenient resignations of senior officials such as Ross Reid and Len Simms to run a political campaign also demonstrates that Dunderdale is weak and is following the Williams tactics.

If the only thing Dunderdale can point to is the change in the relationship with Stephen Harper - then shame on her. That newly minted friendship has cost us and will cost us dearly. This Premier is so weak that the promise of a loan guarantee has come with so many giveaways - generations of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will curse her leadership for decades.