POISON don't CUT Christmas trees on side of road

So the Department of Natural Resources is warning all you Newfoundlanders and Labradorians that if you are going to get a Christmas Tree - do NOT cut one on the side of the road. They tell you to measure out 102 metres from the centre of the road and then cut one.

You can however spray poison on everything on the side of the road - so you can see moose better - but you bad people don't dare cut one. Unless of course you have one of those giant whipper snippers that we see wiping out tracts and tearing up the ditches everywhere in the province.

For years Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who use wood for heat have been warned - not on the side of the road. No No No - naughty people. Yet poison away.

If you told people they could cut all trees on the side of the road - then we might not need to poison the land. All that wood that people could have used to heat their homes has been reserved for poisoning and ripping up by commercial operations.

Yes - it is time to warn the people who want a Christmas tree - mind you rules.

Poison a lake, a river, a forest, or a bog - but at no time can you cut a Christmas tree on the side of the road.

Does anybody notice the absurdity of this. Wake-up Minister Dalley - give me a break.

While you are at it - fix your regulations - they represent a paradox. Take some time and read the legislation and regulations you are responsible for as a Minister.

Who will be the next Premier? Do or Die Time!

There is little doubt that Dunderdale and Co. are on their way out - albeit a very long swan song. People across all walks are fed up with secrecy, arrogance, tribalism, and mismanagement. They are equally sick of the inept backbench and bumbling Ministers.

The costs to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador will be astronomical and potentially crippling within a decade. Those responsible - of course - will be long gone and pensioned. Probably Florida golfing in the winter - or taking residency in another Province - for many of them dreaming of the great Senate seat to come.

They know they are leaving a mess that they will not have to deal with. They know there will be no cash and mounting debt. They know there will be an aged population - with no ability to finance the basic social needs of health and housing. They know education will suffer as fewer and fewer schools remain viable - particularly in rural communities. They also know that urban cities and regional centres will be challenged even more with the lack of affordable housing filled aging seniors homes, and crime. They know the population will continue to decline and numbers of children will be way down as we lose our brightest from this and the next generation to jurisdictions with vision. They count on the inevitable province of Atlantica to ease the mourning Newfoundlanders - shattered by the loss of their beloved Island. They know that Labrador - the resource mecca - will either partner with their geographical mate Quebec or sit as a new Territory. They also believe it will not grow much unless that partnership is with Quebec - and thereby ensuring some resource wealth will actually be used in the Big Land.

I say "they" and I mean those with the real political power - the puppeteers - the ones who are not overly evident in day to day commentary, news, or the House of Assembly. They are the ones who pull "saviours" out of their hat - for the weary voters to "believe" in. They are the corporate elite who find democracy to be a hindrance however more civil than the dictatorship they long for. They are the ones with no political ideology rather an ideology based on finance - their own to be exact - and control of crown asset wealth. They are the ones who can trigger responses in politicians by having a cup of coffee with them, or a round of golf, or in most cases patting them on the head and telling them they are doing well. They are the ones who creep their way into the bureaucracy of governments - so they can guide their intellectually lazy political masters - in a direction that suits their real agendas. Every now and then one of "they" gets caught and some end up in jail - despite the throngs of underlings willing to cover or do time for them.

So what are we left with? Well unless something very drastic happens to our political system or somebody - who is not able to be bought or manipulated - accidentally wins a leadership and then government - we are stuck with the misfortune above.

Getting Newfoundland and Labrador back on the right track is going to take a lot of doing and the decisions are tough. It is going to take a backbone of steel to take the necessary actions. The next Premier would have to be able to say no to fish pirates, Ottawa, mining wannabes, oil companies, and individuals like Danny Williams, Ches Penney, Brian Tobin, Dean MacDonald and their ilk. The new Premier would have to use his/her vision to represent the electorate and have Mandela like integrity - to save this place.

The new Premier has to smarten-up the population and be exhilarated by public education and intelligent debate. The new Premier has to believe that smart people don't only reside in one Party but reside across the political spectrum. The new Premier must be confident enough that others may duly criticize and from that grow a more enlightened understanding. The new Premier must serve the people and Newfoundland and Labrador - not the multitudes of outstretched Party hands seeking their interests above all others.

The new Premier must return the ownership of information back to the people and believe that by doing that may bring opposition but in the end lead to right choices. The new Premier must lead by taking knowledge by the horns and understand when the bureaucracy has been infiltrated by special interests "they". The new Premier must encourage knowledge and understanding of policies, legislation, and contracts.

The new Premier must believe in and practice true democracy. The doors of his/her office are as open to one ordinary citizen as they are to the corporate elite (they) and Party players. The new Premier must insure integrity within our systems of advocacy and not seek the unnecessary protection of their office. The new Premier must believe in the freedom of the press, access to information, and the shareholders rights in a Crown Corporation. The new Premier should seek to uphold all democratic procedures both in the House of Assembly and the Elections process.

The new Premier must be willing to serve his/her Province first - not seek to make nice with a federal Party or other Provinces. The new Premier must be willing to turn his/her back on issues of save Canada, Ontario, Nova Scotia etc. - there is already a federal system for that. If by chance a development in our province benefits others as well - fair enough but the new Premier must seek the best deal for us.

The new Premier must respect the people and believe that he/she is working for them not the other way around. The new Premier must understand that he/she is spending our money and bartering our resources and not use these both as if he/she is doing us a favour. The new Premier must celebrate successes with the people - all the people - and be willing to take significant responsibility for costly errors made with the peoples money or resources.

Many people in politics come in for all the right reasons and before long succumb to partisanship, party brass, one political party whip or another. Many politicians start by feeling humble and end up hiding behind the sullied apron of an arrogant "leader". Many people get into politics because it's the best gig they will ever have and the time is right under a guaranteed win. These individuals will do and say whatever is necessary to keep such an undeserved windfall and chase the Cabinet carrot around the room until dizzy. There are others who get into politics through encouragement of Party brass - praising them as necessary to place another puppet onto their stage of manipulation.

If you really have it - if you really can serve, lead, and are out of manipulative reach - you should apply. Will the rest of you please leave?

1. Do you have the strength to stop this Muskrat deal?
2. Do you have the strength to employ the brightest of the bright without partisan filters?
3. Will you truly seek to strengthen the lives of our most vulnerable?
4. Will you conduct yourself through independent education, investigation, and thought?
5. Will you strip the bureaucracy of industrial insiders, resume distributors, and partisan nitwits?
6. Will you release information to the people without nonsense of "proprietary" interest?
7. Will you recognize all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians as shareholders of our crown assets?
8. Will you be the designer not copier of legislative templates?
9. Will you really maximize value of resource development for the people?
10. Will you recognize that native resources such as water, energy, forests, and minerals are stationary and therefore - those wanting to exploit them will pay maximum value?
11. Will you really be the CEO of our wealth and maximize profits for the shareholders - regardless that the shareholders are all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians?
12. Will you promise to deliver services from our revenues that are reflective of what the people want to spend their money on?
13. Will you seek to employ the best candidates for any position regardless of their perceived political leanings?
14. Will you truly consult with the people before making budgetary choices?
15. Will you protect democracy from those who wish to dismantle it?
16. Will you protect the integrity of our electoral system?
17. Will you take charge of the fishery and do what in necessary to offset the failure of Confederation regarding this wild resource?
18. Will you develop rural Newfoundland and Labrador through tourism, infrastructure, industry, and population?
19. Will you - in good faith - deal with pensioners, the public service, health professionals, educators, police, firefighters, correctional officers, safety officials, sheriffs and judicial staff, and Newfoundland and Labrador businesses?
20. Will you seek advice within your province when at all possible and not rely on "experts" who will deliver your desired outcome?
21. Will you give every Newfoundland and Labrador family an acre of Crown Land?
22. Will you give taxation breaks, grants, loans, and infrastructure to small local companies in the same manner you will to outside large corporate interests?
23. Will you end poverty for children and families? Will you protect children from abuse?
24. Will you seek to strengthen our democracy by passing whistle blower legislation, recall legislation, and legislation banning corporate and union donations?
25. Will you protect the environment for future generations?
26. Will you protect the people through the establishment of necessary search and rescue assets?
27. Will you do what is necessary to protect our province from Ottawa and refuse to give up anything else?
28. Will you demand a proper equalization system and demand inclusion in all federal government trade deals?
29. Will you demand compensation for mismanagement of the fishery and demand that Canada take custodial control  of the Grand Banks and Flemish Cap? Are you willing to do what comes next if they refuse?
30. Will you allow the media proper access to information? Will you tell the truth?

If you are not willing to do these things - what do you want? A job? We're not hiring!
If you are not willing to do these things - move over for those who will.
We are collapsing - right now we need a leader not a saviour.

Politicians are Seals We are Cod - Extinct?

What's happening with the land that used to be the Salmonier Prison Camp?

How does anybody get an acre of land in the St. John's metro for $300 an acre?

How does somebody get ownership of a river or the power it produces?

How does one miraculously get a time record setting land use change at City Hall?

How does one move so smoothly from a top public service or elected position to a corporation seeking things from the government?

How does one get to cheat and break the Elections Act and then immediately run again for office?

How do corporations that violate the Elections Act waltz around continuing to operate without punishment?

How do heads of these same corporations not suffer legal consequences for breaches of the law?

How do fish corporations in Newfoundland and Labrador continue to get permission to offload raw resources for their profitability while causing loss of jobs in the jurisdiction they harvest the resources from?

Where is all our money?

Why is the Auditor General's report not followed completely?

Why are political party bag men allowed to hold publicly paid positions - resign from them to politic - then return to those same highly paid positions?

Why indeed!

Why is Nalcor permitted to fund charities - then celebrate itself - like it's a private corporation?

What questions do you have?

How does a young man die on the ice - and no Inquiry, though needed, is called?

My stomach is still turning - I still have sleepless nights - they are still gutting us.

Fraud, Theft, Lies, and Giveaways - Politics 101

Lately we have suffered the consequences of a massive meat recall in Canada.

So many products recalled it was hard to keep track.

Health care in Newfoundland and Labrador cut at the front lines and always some problem relative to privacy of personal information.

Housing is in a mess leaving families and children homeless.

Failing submarines and over budget - unethical purchasing of F-35's.

Election fraud and deception abound in the House of Commons and in the House of Assembly, MHA's jailed for fraudulent collection and use of taxpayer dollars.

The transportation infrastructure in our province is crumbling, horrific highway in Labrador the rutted Avalon peninsula and failing aged pavement on the South Coast. The ferries are always down disconnecting people and communities and the Marine Atlantic crossings continue to eat away at our ability to attract tourists or move goods.

Search and Rescue downsizing or inadequacies failing to save lives while our oceans are littered with oil being dumped at will by passing vessels.

Federal - Provincial relations ruined by a Prime Minister who lies at will and refuses to hold a first Ministers conference.

Politicians diminishing access to information on how they are spending our money - then asking for your vote to continue.

Our aging corrections facilities now at a third world level - while one politician seemingly without discourse closing the only open facility for low-risk offenders in Salmonier.

Politicians handing their buddies contracts worth tens of millions without tender and further gaining access to public resources and land at prices not available to the average citizen.

Water problems in many communities persist while waste management policies have failed leaving our pristine woods full of junk metal, dirty diapers, and chemicals.

Foreigners developing personal properties with closed access to waters and beaches which are crown owned. Provincial parks - privatized and leased to particular people - some now unrecognizable and inaccessible to many.

The science needed to protect our fishery destructed by a federal government that managed the resource into commercial extinction.

All of the things noted above are what a government is supposed to do. It is the role of our elected representatives to insure that public safety, food safety and supply, transportation, recreation, education, health services, national defence, successful resource management, clean water, and our environment are taken care of through the tax dollars we provide.

Somewhere along the line - particularly over the past decade Conservatives have redefined their role in governing our country and province.

The Conservatives who believe in free enterprise and condemn anything with social in its economic heading have become the party and members that spoon feeds multimillionaires and large corporate interests. They have become the trough that feeds the hungry pigs every time they grunt for more.

Do not confuse this with small-medium sized business owners who make their way as best they can while employing and paying taxes in our province. These are the good ones.

What I am referencing are the private and publicly traded monstrosities that want to make money by using our natural resources without proper return to the shareholders - you and I. The same ones that cry "free enterprise and profit" to the top of their lungs while providing employment and selling their companies using our resources to state-owned China.

I refer to those "persons" who have to continually satisfy their global shareholders by taking more, processing less, and employing as few as possible.

It is time that we as the shareholders of mines, energy, fish, forest, and water take back control and demand to be satisfied as a society.

However - many millions and billions that are being funnelled to these big corporates and multimillionaires from our tax dollars and natural resources needs to be hauled back. It is time we asked for real vision for resource development and demanded proper use of our tax dollars for things that are essential to life and our future.

Conservatives don't want big government but they don't mind big tax dollars and massive debt loads to fuel the greed of corporations and individual elite and they don't mind turning everything we own as a society over to their buddies at the cheapest possible cost.

The proposed Muskrat Fall deal is the epitome of the Conservative ideology. It is the reason the government is trotting out the business elite to demonstrate support while we as citizens of the province and owners of the resource fail to see the benefits of the development.

If these elected Conservatives wanted to serve the corporate elite and the wealthiest people in our society - they should work their way to the top within a corporation, they should apply to be employed in the private sector, or they should spend their own money to invest. They work for us and it's about time we reminded them of that. They are spending our money and developing our resources. They are putting us in debt. They are refusing information to us about expenditures of our tax dollars - while more than happy to meet with corporate executives about the giveaway of our resources.

Minister Jerome Kennedy - Running Interference?

Let's look at the Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Mill situation using logic.

Minister Jerome Kennedy is accusing Gerry Byrne MP of escalating the situation. He says that what Byrne is doing is not helpful.

The Premier made her position clear - let the union and company work out their issues.

So when Kennedy stated that the mill was on the "verge of bankruptcy" - he demonstrated hypocrisy and absolutely acted contrary to the Premier's wishes.

First of all - Joesph Kruger the owner of the mill - did not state publicly that the mill was on the "verge of bankruptcy". This means either Kennedy was negligent and out of his authority when he made the statement - or Kennedy was speaking with the full approval of Kruger.

If it is the first - Kennedy has done more harm than anybody else could with respect to the continued operation of the mill and if it is the second - then the Minister is acting as an agent of the company.

If Joseph Kruger wanted to cause a panic in the workforce of the mill - in order to gain an unfair contract - he certainly was backed up by the Minister.

If the mill is - in fact - on the "verge of bankruptcy" then let that statement come from Kruger himself. In that way the bankers, the city, workers, and taxpayers will take note and judge their actions accordingly.

But the Minister was very cute what he said was "based on what we know" the mill is on the "verge of bankruptcy" - leaving the province clear in the event the statement was found to be false or misleading.

If the statement is misleading or false it serves only to pressure employees to accept something/anything in a panic.

If the statement is true then it should have been made by Kruger himself - followed by absolute direction such as entering a process with suppliers, banks, and the union to prevent bankruptcy and determine a long-term viability plan.

Instead the only thing Kruger did was to deliver an ultimatum which essentially said that a deal MUST be reached with the union by this Friday or the mill would close.

In normal circumstances the union may have seen this as a negotiation tactic of a hardball capitalist. But the circumstances were changed by ministerial interference when Kennedy made reference to bankruptcy.

There is no doubt the Gerry Byrne is a political animal from the Tobin era. He was raised by him (politically speaking) - and no doubt has learned how to talk to the electorate - like him. On this issue though what Byrne has offered up is probably helpful - at least to the workers. Byrne was discussing like he usually does - with reports and figures - a topic that is of great importance to his constituents.

I have no idea what Kennedy was doing - but I'm guessing based on the "information available to me" that he was running interference for Kruger. The Minister should know that Kruger is not a part of his electorate.

The Romance is Over - NL on Death Watch

As I sat down the other morning - looked at the beautiful blue sky and dancing ocean - something happened.

I was listening to CBC Radio to a story about Quinlan's fishplant in Bay de Verde. Primarily it was regarding the import of workers from Thailand to process crab.

The "shock" value is they could not find 20 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to take the employment - rate of pay $12/hr.

Here are my questions:

1. How much does it cost to bring 20 Thai workers to Canada?

2. How much does it cost to house and feed them?

3. Where is the FFAW on this story?

4. What is up people?

So I gulped hard and listened to another story about an Otto Young from Twillingate and how he has essentially turned an old beauty salon and couple of outbuildings into cabins for tourists looking for icebergs and scenery.

It also talked about Otto's later in life discovery that he was a model boat builder and artist. Very folksy, charming, and romantic - it really turned my stomach.

Yes that's right - it made me feel ill.

There is nothing charming, quaint, or pleasantly poetic about a place - my country - Newfoundland and Labrador becoming extinct.

I am actually tired - exhausted - from fighting for the survival of one of the greatest food baskets in the world - our fishery.

The story about Otto would have normally warmed my heart and promoted feelings of pride - but today - after a month where we've seen a half dozen fish plants were eulogized - it just rubbed me very wrong.

I watch Darin King - the latest political clone of ineptness - blabber on and on about nothing and everything. I - Darin - am a Minister - and may yet be the next Premier - thinks he.

The ladies, Kathy - Joan - and Susan are like a trio of hen peckers on a partisan journey of retribution. They have the power to destroy and so far a fine job is being done.

Kathy was muttering something the other day about Harper and the fact he represents all Canadians whether they voted for him or not. Well Kathy - if he took a page from your book he would learn he is not being vengeful enough. 

So now we are on death watch for the Corner Brook mill - time for the violinists to begin.

The same old garbage will spew - it is not the end for Corner Brook - we will recover - we will recover.

Meanwhile as more industries are lost weekly - the apparent need for power increases?

We must take our collective ostrich head out of the sand and boot these people out. We are going to leave nothing but debt and leave our children and grandchildren destitute.

Our culture so rich and unique - disappearing - under the watchful eye of the House of Assembly.

Fire appears to be out in Seal Cove - Fortune Bay

By visible consideration the fire in the hills behind Seal Cove - Fortune Bay appears to be extinguished.

As I get some additional pictures ready - I will post and do a citizen's review of the FES response.

Important Update on Seal Cove Fire

Smoke from a fire still burning behind Seal Cove, Fortune Bay is now enveloping the community.

The wind has shifted and the urgency has increased to put out this fire - now in it's 5th day.

Houses almost not visible as smoke envelops the community.

The Fire still Burns - Seal Cove - Day 5 - Wind has now Shifted

The fire still burns behind the hills in Seal Cove, Fortune Bay - day 5.

The water bomber returned this morning with another expected this afternoon.

This is a stubborn blaze that can still threaten the town.

The wind is now blowing the smoke into the community. It is essential that this fire gets knocked down now. 

Here are pictures of the helicopter today. I am also posting a couple of pictures of the scenery.

Seal Cove, Fortune Bay is one of the most picturesque communities we have - and that's saying something.

If you really want to see the ocean meeting the sky - this is the place to be.

A Lobster Fisherman at Work

Fire Bombers Continue to Tackle Fire - Day 4

The Fire behind the community of Seal Cove - Fortune Bay continues as it progresses toward the resettled community of Pass Island.

Eyes continue to watch the wind conditions - that fortunately have to date blown away from the town of Seal Cove.

Water bombers, the helicopter, and grounds crew continue the assault in an attempt to gain and keep control of the blaze.

Here are some pictures from today:

The water bomber collecting water in a pond behind Seal Cove heading to Pass Island

Lifting Off

Natural Resources Crew and Helicopter on Site

Little Miquelon in the Backdrop

Once again - it is important to the community of Seal Cove - Fortune Bay to knock this fire down before any shift in wind direction.

Fire Continues at Seal Cove - Fortune Bay

This morning behind the hills of Seal Cove - Fortune Bay the smoke continues to billow as the helicopter continues to assist in the fire suppression efforts.

This is not a fogbank - but rather a smokey horizon.

Two Water Bombers Take on the Seal Cove FB Fire

It's supper hour in Seal Cove, Fortune Bay and at this hour water bombers continue to battle the fire in the hills.

Friday, Saturday, and now Sunday the local fire brigade has been doing it's work alongside forestry workers, helicopter and water bomber pilots.

More pictures from the site an hour or so ago.

A water bomber attacking a fire just beyond the hill.

The Department of Natural Resource Assets at the site.

Water Bomber approaching hills.

Water Bomber returns to Seal Cove - Fortune Bay - Fire

The hills remain burning behind Seal Cove Fortune Bay at this hour.

A couple of wind shifts seen the fire start to burn back and up the peninsula.

The Water Bomber has returned to help in the ongoing efforts to quench the blaze.

Fire continues behind Seal Cove - Fortune Bay

Last night was a long one for some community volunteers who kept an eye on the stubborn fire in the hills.

This morning rang in with the return of a helicopter and grounds crew to continue to fight the blaze.

I have taken a series of shots to give you an idea of what's happening today.

Helicopter prepares to bring equipment to a ground crew behind the hill you see.

Hot spots continue to smolder in the hills directly behind the community.

Helicopter collects gear from the road leading to Pass Island - A resettled community.

Helicopter carrying fire suppression gear.

Charred hills behind the community.

Behind these hills the fire continues to burn and is where the fire suppression work continues.

The fire burned right to ocean's edge.

The local fire brigade, town officials and community are to be commended for their efforts and watchful eye. Forestry workers continue their efforts today to extinguish the fire and have given a tremendous effort to keep the community safe.

As you can see despite the charred hills - the community of Seal Cove Fortune Bay is a beautiful rural community and is the home of caring, hardworking, and friendly people.

Inferno on the Hills - Seal Cove Fortune Bay

It will be another night of concern for the people of Seal Cove - a beautiful ocean community in Fortune Bay.

Behind the community are rolling hills and tonight - once again they are ablaze.

The wind is still blowing away from the community - but some areas are burning back.

Here are the latest pictures:

Still Burning in Seal Cove - Crews on the Ground

Fire still burning aggressively at 6 p.m.

Crews on the Ground.

Burning down and behind another hill.

28 Hours of Burning - Water Bombers now on Site

The water bombers are now attempting to knock down the fire in Seal Cove - Fortune Bay.

Let's hope this is knocked down before sunset.

Using a Teaspoon on your Campfire

While I would like to commend the pilot of the helicopter and the grounds crew both local and from other parts - the government should have been able to get a water bomber in.

It is now forest fire season and the wind and people on the ground not forestry assets are keeping the town of Seal Cove safe - for now.

My understanding is there was a problem with the bomber in Deer Lake today and that a bomber could not leave Gander yesterday in fog.

The local fire brigade is tremendous and keeping an eye on everything.

Please look at the pictures below:

Now we need to know - is there a problem with our forest protection assets?

The House of Dis-Assembly - Get your Act(s) Together

Okay now maybe I get it. If the House of Assembly were opened now - the questions would be primarily about closures, downsizing, rationalizing, outsourcing, and generally the disassembling of Newfoundland and Labrador. 

Seal Harvest
Fish Plants
Shipbuilding
Fabrication
Old Harry
New Energy
Old Stephen
New Stephen
Lost Jobs
Lost Communities
Lost Plants
Abandoned Proposals
Federal Cuts
Marine Atlantic
Paper Mills
Aging Population

If Danny were Premier now would he admit the Hip and Coolest Province in this Country today is Nova Scotia? He should - he has been a real part of their growth. Try and compare the headlines over the past year for Nova Scotia and then do the same for Newfoundland and Labrador.

No worries the House of Dis-Assembly has more important things to deal with - like perhaps how much money each side gets to generate no ideas, no questions, and from our government - how low can we go? The reality is - they each have a compliment of staff - plenty to do what is necessary to keep this government in check. Is it fair? No probably not - but get on with it - with the numbers you have there is no trouble challenging this government.

They should remember all the bloggers - most have other jobs - look at the questions they generate, the news stories they cause, the talk shows they fuel and all that for what? Okay Stephen (NL Blogroll) we need you to head up a committee on this. The government spends more time on the local Bloggers sites than searching through the policy papers, News Releases, or studies generated by the Opposition parties.

And finally this recommendation: your new bedtime story should be a Chapter of the Auditor General's Annual Report. Happy Reading.

Choo Choo - Confederation a locomotive of Destruction

Where is the train?

Where are the fish?

Where is the forestry industry?

Where is our population?

Where is the ship building?

Where is the hydro-power?

Where are the minerals?

Where is the industry?

Just as soon as the last drop of oil is gone - a have not province will sound good.

Systematic destruction of our country, her people, and future.

At least the electronic time capsules might be available to generations after we are long gone - maybe.