O'Brien and Sullivan Communications 101

Last week David Cochrane interviewed Ministers Sullivan and O'Brien regarding - in part - the resignation of Kathy Dunderdale and what went wrong.

First off they both admitted that Kathy Dunderdale told them that she would resign before the next election. To the contrary Kathy Dunderdale told the people of the province and hundreds of PC delegates just a few months ago that she was staying put for the next election.

DO YOU SEE HOW THIS INFORMATION WAS NOT COMMUNICATED WELL?

Yes she told certain people she was going and others she was staying.

Second - Sullivan indicated that Kathy resigned mostly for the good of the party - to allow them to reorganize - regroup - and refresh. From what? Your party is not governed by polls is it? That's what you claim.

DO YOU SEE HOW THIS INFORMATION WAS NOT COMMUNICATED WELL?

Yes she said one thing one day and then did something contrary to that which was said the next. Further Sullivan's thought on refreshing - hardly seems likely when she and O'Brien remain. Why didn't they leave for the good of the party? They were as responsible for decisions - as Cabinet Ministers - as the Premier was. David referred to both O'Brien and Sullivan as strong supporters of the Premier - perhaps because they put forth just that. If you watch the interview however - if they are her friends - she doesn't need enemies.

Third - Kevin O'Brien claims that she was the first Premier who encountered social media. Really? I remember a significant load of it on former Premier Danny Williams. Be that as it may O'Brien exclaimed that it (social media) was used entirely against her.

DO YOU SEE HOW THIS INFORMATION WAS NOT COMMUNICATED WELL?

Yes - it is false and misleading. Actually it's a lie. It's doubtful Kent, Lane, and Collins have fingerprints left from Twitter presence - notwithstanding loyal Tories tweeting with vigor and venom.

Fourth - Then Kevin O'Brien adds that part of her problem was the "hostile media". Cochrane challenged him on that and then said "no not really".

DO YOU SEE HOW THIS INFORMATION WAS NOT COMMUNICATED WELL?

Guess that one's pretty simple. Propaganda - called on it - then withdrew.

Fifth - and Susan Sullivan should have plead the fifth instead of carrying on. Twitter and Facebook she said has been taken hostage by a "mob mentality". She compared it to a child's game whisper - where one child whispers to another down a chain of people and then they hear what comes out on the other side. She exclaimed that people under the cloak of anonymity made a statement which was partially untrue - and then others added to it and spread it - all the while changing the original point.

DO YOU SEE HOW THIS INFORMATION WAS NOT COMMUNICATED WELL?

The anonymous ones the Minister speaks of contain as many Tory hacks as those from any party. The most vocal opposition to this government's policy on Twitter - Facebook - and Blogs are not anonymous. The use of the words "mob mentality" is similar to other words they use to describe engaged citizens - such as "conspiracy theorists" and "naysayers". These words have been communicated so well - that even some media outlets use them.

So if the purpose of O'Brien and Sullivan was to reorganize - regroup - and refresh - they did nothing of the sort. I guess they should resign now as they also cannot communicate a message. If they did communicate what they meant - then we are in more trouble than we think.

Now just imagine having a conversation with them on Muskrat Falls?


The On Point interview can be found by CLICKING HERE

Take them by the scruff of their political necks and heave em out!

Somehow the Ottawa painted picture of Newfoundland and Labrador fishermen and stamps has become obscured by graffiti depicting overstuffed Senators with stamps and EI Referees doling money to the Conservatives.

My oh my and the right-wing fundamentalist Harper Cabinet would have Canadians believe that ordinary citizens are trying to bilk (Obtain or withhold money by deceit or without justification; cheat or defraud) Employment Insurance funds. There us some irony here, don't you think?

Take them by the scruff of their kiss-the-baby political necks and heave em out - is probably the best advice after a Victoria Day weekend filled with anything but Royal Protocol.

The Queen herself is being usurped as Senators and Senior Staff of the PMO flaunt their entitlements of riches whether the receiver or the giver.

Today comes word from the Canadian Press and CBC that many Chairpersons of the Board of Referees who adjudicate EI appeals are giving political contributions to the Conservatives both before and after their plum patronage appointment.

Now what chance does an unemployed have to successfully appeal a rejection by the EI crowd? How do we know if what plays into their demonstrated partisan and arbitrary minds when some poor soul seeks to collect a legal entitlement? How could we know? The perception of potential conflict is there - that's why there are rules.

Now Harper claims he wants to tighten up on EI claims and apparently quota's are attached to the catch. So what should an ordinary oilskin believe?

Well how about this little scunchion from the CP article

The government appointed John Buddy Wiens of Morden, Man., as a chairman of the EI referees board for the Winnipeg district in April 2008. Elections Canada records show Wiens made three donations — totalling $1,500 — to the Portage-Lisgar Conservative riding association in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

'You got me'

In a telephone interview, Wiens confirmed he made the donations, but said no one told him it was against the rules. He said he did not recall reading the section of the EI referees boards' handbook about political activities.
"No, I'm sorry. You got me," Wiens said. "I'm totally by surprise."

Rodney Balkwill of Brandon, Man., was named a chairman of the EI referees board in February 2009. Elections Canada records show Balkwill made a single donation of $250 to the 2011 election campaign of Conservative MP Merv Tweed.
It was Tweed's idea that he sit on the board, Balkwill said.

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If you look at the mandate - a key phrase is obvious:

The Employment Insurance Boards of Referees (EIBR) function as a first-level, independent, administrative tribunal mandated to provide fair and impartial quasi-judicial hearings of appeals of Employment Insurance decisions. (emphasis added)

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Donations to politicians both before and after appointments really squeezes the sticky filaments out of the quasi-judicial cucumber and leaves it more vulnerable to prey of the partisan.

And so the Harper Accountability Act continues as the three ring circus reaches new popularity. The addition of clowns, pigs, high-wire performances, and jugglers really seems to have caught the attention of the people. Everybody is just holding their breath for the next one to jump into the pool from about 50 metres up.

If Wallin, Duffy, or Wright had spent a week fishing the North Atlantic in a sea - I'd say they worked hard for their entitlements. But these pontificating buffoons should crawl back to the private sector and peddle their acts there. They should be joined by the Prime Minister - where his corporate buddies may hire him - but unlikely to really let him near projections.

Right now there should be an independent review of the "independent reviews" that were done for hard-working Canadians who were denied Employment Insurance.

I do not like Green Eggs and Kale - I do not like them Dunderdale

With apologies to Dr. Seuss
With grave concern for the future of our place.

So which is it Premier Dunderdale? Stop or Go?

The Tories - under the leadership of Kathy Dunderdale - are likewise swimming in circles like a goldfish on its last fins.

Which way Premier - they must ask - this way or that?

What to do Premier - they must ask - stop or go?

What to say Premier - they must ask - we agree or disagree?

Do we like Green Eggs and Kale ?

Do we like them Dunderdale?

Do we like them with a Tweet - do we like them extra sweet?

I do not like Green Eggs and Kale - for I am the floundering Dunderdale.

Do we like them in the House?

Do we like them with a Mouse?

Do we like them from a Can?

We must ask the Ross Wiseman.

Do we like them with Facebook?

Do we like them down the Lane?

Do we like them with a Kent?

Do we like them with Gin and Collins?

I do not like Green Eggs and Kale - for I am the floundering Dunderdale.

Not in a dory! Not on the dock!
Not on Facebook! Dunderdale! Let me be!
I would not, could not, in a tweet.
I could not, would not, with a skeet.
I will not eat them with a Kent.
I will not eat them down a Lane.
I will not eat them here or there.
I will not eat them anywhere.
I do not like them, Dunderdale-I-am.

BUT WAIT

WE do so like
Green Eggs and Kale!
Thank you!
Thank you,
Dunderdale.


Now as fickle as this may seem - after listening to the Premier and her legion of speakers - regarding Twittergate - nothing can be taken seriously.

That is the most serious problem we have. Just stop and think a minute - these are the people responsible for the Muskrat Falls deal.

To Engage or not to Engage - The Premier's Soliloquy

The quote below is from a Telegram story: 

The premier said her Twitter account hasn’t been active for a year — purposefully.
“I have decided to disengage from Twitter,” she said. “I don’t mind if my cabinet ministers or my ministers or other people do it, but as premier of the province, I have taken the position, personally, that I don’t want to be engaged.”
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Engaged or not engaged - that is the question.
Whether tis nobler in the Premier's mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune or to take arms against a sea of trouble.

Well fair Ophelia - when you wanted, erected, promoted, and pontificated on the Office of Public Engagement - you should never have yourself become disengaged.
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For who would bear the whips and scorns of time,

Th' oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely

The pangs of despised love, the law's delay,

The insolence of office, and the spurns

That patient merit of th' unworthy takes,

When he himself might his quietus make

With a bare bodkin? Who would fardels bear,

To grunt and sweat under a weary life,         "Shakespeare"

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Then Madame Premier - take upon yourself a real job,

unless thou layest thouself off. 

 

Turn to Hamlet - ask that he place you upon a throne in Dannyville - wherein Costco will be close at hand. In that you can learn to engage, start by tweeting and then perhaps show thouself on the book of face. In there you might find an image of distaste and certainly,

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Thus conscience does make cowards of us all,

And thus the native hue of resolution

Is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought,

And enterprise of great pitch and moment

With this regard their currents turn awry

And lose the name of action.                     "Shakespeare"

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Oh Ophelia of the lost Atlantica with power surging over the falls. Taketh and damn them all - make every last drop flow through your coffers so that your queendom will be secure. But do not seek the knight in shining armour for they all have political swords from which they will extract from you the bosom of your greatness. 

To engage or not to engage that is the question.

Burton Winters - Priority One - the Fifth Estate

The Fifth Estate became the voice of Burton Winters last night and walked another leg in his journey home.

The CBC program was respectful - revealing - and powerful.

There is no doubt that "assets" that are owned and paid for by Canadians were not used in the best interests of Canadians but rather were used in a manner prescribed by a Rear Admiral. That same Rear Admiral did not make himself available to Canadians who wanted to ask questions through their public broadcaster.

Both Peter McKay and the Rear Admiral David Gardam went missing when it came to answering questions that were not in a controlled environment. A Minister of the Crown who had no problem receiving the use of "assets" after a recreational fishing trip - did not respond when the question would be "why not use the 'assets' for a 14 year old young man from Labrador?"

Both men did not display one morsel of the courage displayed by 14 year old Burton as he valiantly tried to find his way home. A Minister and a Rear Admiral could not find their mouths or in the alternate were not allowed to use them.

One thing is for certain; the inconsistencies in the stories provided previously by both were revealed by the CBC investigative program and they do require answers.

Most people watching were moved emotionally as Burton's baby brother and parents were introduced to the program. As the program progressed that emotion would have turned to anger and then finally would have become resolve - to find real answers and to correct the problem.

It was a reminder to our provincial and federal government members that they must correct this. Peter Penashue and Kathy Dunderdale cannot hide or cower under the watchful eye of Prime Minister Stephen Harper. 

I particularly liked the scripting which said the people of Labrador and Newfoundland have come together to fight for what's right and to fight for Burton and the loss of that precious young life.

We will walk the rest of the way together and we invite you - whoever you are and wherever you may live to join us.

To participate in the "Burton Winters' Rescue Center in Labrador" Facebook group - PRESS HERE.
To view the Fifth Estate Program - PRESS HERE.

Investigation Needed! Fear of Retribution - Dunderdale's Administation

Take these three statements found in the Telegram in 2012:

- St. John’s lawyer Ches Crosbie said he doesn’t want to become a target for speaking on the Muskrat Falls project, but he’s doing it anyway.

“I don’t want to get pissed on by the government,” he said. “Like anyone, I don’t want to make myself a target.”

 - Fisheries Minister, Darin King, having just removed funding from the FFAW explains why.

"I've clearly learned that no matter what we do in this situation, the FFAW is always going to have a criticism to be lobbied at government. "There's no way they're ever going to be working with us for the betterment of the industry."

- Russell Wangersky on a letter the Telegram received wherein the person asked to remain anonymous.

Friday, a letter came in where the writer said “I would like to publish the attached as a letter to the editor but can't do it under my name.” 

Asked for the reasons for requesting anonymity, the writer mentioned concerns about government retribution against family members. 

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These are just a few examples of many wherein either people express their fear of government or the Premier and her Ministers describing bloggers, tweeters, and callers to talk-shows as naysayers, political hacks, ignorant, or foolish. 


Darin King on the Fisheries Broadcast yesterday went on to say that criticism (publicly) is not necessary just come sit at the table. Number one that is a lie - to stop criticizing government does not guarantee they will ever sit at a table. Number two - the desire of this Minister and others - including the Premier - that public discourse be halted is very disturbing. Number three - the continued labelling of citizens who criticize by using very negative adjectives or adverbs - in an attempt to shut them up - is the sign of a very weak government that is not confident in its policies.

Russell Wangersky is his piece says: 

"The fear of retribution is not new: whether it’s a reality or not is hard to know for sure. I know businessmen I’ve talked to in the province — and I’ve said this before — who are willing to talk a lot about Muskrat Falls in private, but who will never speak publicly.

And there have been cases where the province has removed people from positions for making comments the government didn’t approve of." 

Russell is one of the few journalists we have left in the province - however - he too questions the reality of retribution. Maybe it's time for Russell and his colleagues to truly investigate this hypothesis and determine once and for all whether this is the case or not.

I am certain it is - as I personally - have been and continue to be on the receiving end. 


The Dunderdale administration was trained like seals by Premier Williams on the art of attacking citizens and media who dare criticize. While the terribly weak MHA's who bless Danny Williams for their good fortune - continue to behave as told - in order to hang on to the best gig they will ever have; the media should not be so intimidated - that is unless there's something we don't know about their bosses.

The talk-shows on VOCM are NOT what they used to be - the rules are different - and they control the flow of what is debated or discussed. It is NOT a free for all. What Steele and the shareholders of Newfoundland Capital Corporation (headquartered in Nova Scotia) should understand - is that if this intimidation of intelligent citizens continues - the programs will be left with - Tony - Margorie - and Jack - accompanied by Tory Ministers and backbenchers praising the statue of Dunderdale or the inverted M archway heading into the promised Dannyland.