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.
Showing posts with label politicians. Show all posts
Showing posts with label politicians. Show all posts
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Of Polls - Mice - and Wo"men"
Safe bet to say that most people support developing Muskrat Falls - so the polling question was carefully written and produced a predictable result.
The Tories and their absolute waste of dollars that could be used for health, education, housing, clean water, and roads - is also predictable.
It is this project at whatever cost.
Sure look at the Penashue fiasco and how hard he would fight to keep his Cabinet post while dismissing the calls for an Inquiry on the death of Burton Winters.
Look at the likes of Keith Russell who should not be near a hockey rink let alone the House of Assembly.
Then there's the potential for conflict all over the place as Tories do as they wish with our money and then refuse to give us the details.
How about a poll that asks the following:
1. Should the proposed Muskrat Falls deal be reviewed by the Public Utilities Board?
2. Do you agree that a referendum should be held before the sanctioning of the proposed Muskrat Falls project?
3. Do you support the proposed development of Muskrat Falls if it costs 8 billion dollars?
4. Do you support the proposed development of Muskrat Falls if it costs 9 billion dollars?
5. Do you support the proposed development of Muskrat Falls if it costs 10 billion dollars?
6. Do you support the subsidization of mining companies in the form of cheaper power if your power bill goes up as a result?
7. Do you support further exploring other alternatives for power supply before the proposed Muskrat Falls development is sanctioned?
8. Do you believe we will run out of power if we do not proceed with the proposed Muskrat Falls development?
9. Why do you believe the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is developing Muskrat Falls?
10. Who is the power being developed for?
The Tories are out of control - they are getting away with "blue murder" as my grandmother would have said.
They are shutting down debate - they are closing off information - they are dictating terms of review - and generally they are playing around with our money like they are playing a game of monopoly in the shed while having a beer.
The Opposition parties had better start doing more than preening themselves for shots on cable. This is one mess of a deal and it will have consequences that will make the Upper Churchill look like a gem.
Everything is a big Tory party - blue blue blue - ya hooo hooo. The big boys - the business elite are wringing their paws as they drool at the thought of the billions they could get part of. They are NOT responsible to the people and they are NOT responsible to do what is best for us.
Ches Penney's company believes in the Power of Newfoundland and Labrador right? Well after looking at the Penashue election fiasco who gives a shit about the law or rules?
Martin and Bennett appear to be running the province - driven by the business elite - while the politicians party. Poor Kathy, Susan, and Joan are hard pressed to keep up with the social engagements afforded by their temporary power.
Stop this fiasco.
The Tories and their absolute waste of dollars that could be used for health, education, housing, clean water, and roads - is also predictable.
It is this project at whatever cost.
Sure look at the Penashue fiasco and how hard he would fight to keep his Cabinet post while dismissing the calls for an Inquiry on the death of Burton Winters.
Look at the likes of Keith Russell who should not be near a hockey rink let alone the House of Assembly.
Then there's the potential for conflict all over the place as Tories do as they wish with our money and then refuse to give us the details.
How about a poll that asks the following:
1. Should the proposed Muskrat Falls deal be reviewed by the Public Utilities Board?
2. Do you agree that a referendum should be held before the sanctioning of the proposed Muskrat Falls project?
3. Do you support the proposed development of Muskrat Falls if it costs 8 billion dollars?
4. Do you support the proposed development of Muskrat Falls if it costs 9 billion dollars?
5. Do you support the proposed development of Muskrat Falls if it costs 10 billion dollars?
6. Do you support the subsidization of mining companies in the form of cheaper power if your power bill goes up as a result?
7. Do you support further exploring other alternatives for power supply before the proposed Muskrat Falls development is sanctioned?
8. Do you believe we will run out of power if we do not proceed with the proposed Muskrat Falls development?
9. Why do you believe the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is developing Muskrat Falls?
10. Who is the power being developed for?
The Tories are out of control - they are getting away with "blue murder" as my grandmother would have said.
They are shutting down debate - they are closing off information - they are dictating terms of review - and generally they are playing around with our money like they are playing a game of monopoly in the shed while having a beer.
The Opposition parties had better start doing more than preening themselves for shots on cable. This is one mess of a deal and it will have consequences that will make the Upper Churchill look like a gem.
Everything is a big Tory party - blue blue blue - ya hooo hooo. The big boys - the business elite are wringing their paws as they drool at the thought of the billions they could get part of. They are NOT responsible to the people and they are NOT responsible to do what is best for us.
Ches Penney's company believes in the Power of Newfoundland and Labrador right? Well after looking at the Penashue election fiasco who gives a shit about the law or rules?
Martin and Bennett appear to be running the province - driven by the business elite - while the politicians party. Poor Kathy, Susan, and Joan are hard pressed to keep up with the social engagements afforded by their temporary power.
Stop this fiasco.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Paddy Daley & Randy Simms VOCM Broadcast Licence
Radio talk shows are part of everyday life in Newfoundland and Labrador. In some respects it's a continuity of the Gerald S. Doyle News Bulletin that combined news with personal messages. In this way people from all over could send messages to each other particularly about how somebody might have been doing in hospital or if somebody made it on a trip from one community to another.
We love to talk to each other - we love to discuss our place and the politics that affects it. We have gone through various economic challenges and chronic poor resource deals. Our province should enjoy a few million in population and significant industrial presence; yet we do not. There have been many reasons for this lack of regeneration and growth; transportation, corrupt or inept politicians, ill advised industrial/commercial ventures, and inferior or absent economic planning.
Generationally we witness very outspoken patriots who believe in Newfoundland and Labrador and are willing to stick their neck out - despite the predictable partisan political attacks. For those of you who keep your heads down and go about your business or those who take advantage of partisan connections - this post will be a nuisance. You will prefer to tune out, reject, or worse not even enter into thoughts of bettering our lot and the lot of the children and grandchildren.
There are large numbers of the population who care not only for their own immediate well being but also for community, region, and the generations who will follow. Getting them together is the challenge - not unlike other challenges we face due to geography.
Newfoundland is an island while Labrador is connected to the larger North American mainland. In our history and particularly since the "great" confederation we have not managed to connect our people through affordable and reliable transportation. For politicians - this has served well. Labradorians blame the theft of their resources on Townies or Islanders while Newfoundlanders have been taught to use Labrador as their resource well. Essentially Islanders blame Canada and Labradorians blame Islanders. Perfect for slick MHA's and MP's who are not capable of or interested in doing anything more than securing a pension after years of perks and privileges.
Time to get back to the topic - hard not to digress when talking about the less than stellar performance of our leaders.
VOCM and CBC provide talk shows - where residents can voice their opinions, concerns, and support of one policy or another or one resource development or another. The public broadcaster's provision of this is minimal while the private sector radio station fills its programming with it.
VOCM's openline, backtalk, and nightline provide some 24 hours a week during various times of the the day for radio talk - and that should be a good thing. There was a time when it was. Today the quality of the hosts has diminished and more reflect American style partisan slight of hand.
Paddy Daly and Randy Simms are more interested in listening to, laughing at, praising and pontificating on their own ideas - with careful avoidance of annoying the powers that be. Pete Soucy more reflects the purer form of talk shows where he thoughtfully raises issues of the day, provides some sincere reflection on his own thoughts and genuinely encourages people to call.
Both Paddy and Randy are brave when they rip through those who may be vulnerable or wrong side partisan and enjoy taking pokes at people after the conversation has ended or in their absence all together. Randy's focus changes from - "here's what I think" and "you know I'm right" to interrogating inappropriately - somebody who calls with a significant social problem. You see there is no need to ask - what does your husband do - or why is he or she not working - or how do you treat your children - or what was your family like.
Both Paddy and Randy would do very well to turn the mic on and talk to each other for hours on end and then let's see if that would be commercially viable. The other desire of these hosts is to hear from politicians - particularly cabinet and leaders of the political parties. This they feel is success and a confirmation that their programs are "important". Both fall short of really challenging the government and the so called "tough questions" are tempered with laughter or softballs tossed in between.
VOCM talk shows used to be open - call in - and if you got through - get in the line and wait for your turn. If you wished to remain anonymous that was a given unless you identified yourself. Nowadays it's call in - leave your number and advise what issue you want to talk about. Then depending on the whim of the host and after the endless line-up of politicians - you may get a call back. Make no mistake about it - the time you get may be very short or limitless depending on the message the host is after.
Minnie, Tony, and Marjorie have an opinion. Do you know what that opinion is? Do you think you need to hear it again? Will you learn anything by listening to another call from them? Can you guess who they support and who they do not? Do you know who they love, adore, and idolize? I will not be hypocritical here - they should be entitled to call and as often as they like. the problem comes when hosts allow greater access to the program than those who are calling with new information or opinion on issues - things that impact our lives and for generations of lives that follow.
Sometimes I think VOCM could better serve their listening audience and by extension their advertisers if they prescribed the nature of the shows. Perhaps the mornings and evenings could be geared to socio/economic issues affecting our province and leave the afternoon for lost things, birthdays, anniversaries, and those who want to do an unpaid or paid political announcement. The afternoon could also accommodate sitting politicians at the provincial or federal level. Let's see how commercially viable the afternoon show would be - and what advertisers would be interested in that audience base.
Here's the thing VOCM - you have a broadcast licence and you should be careful not to abuse the privileged position you are fortunate enough to have and make a profit on. Permitting and then not correcting slanderous statements about a member of the public does not demonstrate the respect for your licence - you should have.
One of course is entitled to get a lawyer and keep suing until you stop - however that is beyond the reach of the average citizen - yet your shows rely on those same people.
I for one will instead contact the Board of Newfoundland Capital Corporation (headquartered in Nova Scotia), tweet and blog about your activities, and further address the CRTC during licence renewal.
For a station that relies so heavily on talk shows to generate revenue - it seems folly to take the easy route of generating controversy by allowing slander towards those who have participated for years on the shows.
While we can say it's a great service to provide the medium - that good is eliminated when irresponsible hosts and management do not moderate obvious egregious behavior. If that's what the company relies on for revenue - perhaps they should stop patting itself on the back for "public" service and "community" involvement.
Next up the VOCM Cares Foundation.
We love to talk to each other - we love to discuss our place and the politics that affects it. We have gone through various economic challenges and chronic poor resource deals. Our province should enjoy a few million in population and significant industrial presence; yet we do not. There have been many reasons for this lack of regeneration and growth; transportation, corrupt or inept politicians, ill advised industrial/commercial ventures, and inferior or absent economic planning.
Generationally we witness very outspoken patriots who believe in Newfoundland and Labrador and are willing to stick their neck out - despite the predictable partisan political attacks. For those of you who keep your heads down and go about your business or those who take advantage of partisan connections - this post will be a nuisance. You will prefer to tune out, reject, or worse not even enter into thoughts of bettering our lot and the lot of the children and grandchildren.
There are large numbers of the population who care not only for their own immediate well being but also for community, region, and the generations who will follow. Getting them together is the challenge - not unlike other challenges we face due to geography.
Newfoundland is an island while Labrador is connected to the larger North American mainland. In our history and particularly since the "great" confederation we have not managed to connect our people through affordable and reliable transportation. For politicians - this has served well. Labradorians blame the theft of their resources on Townies or Islanders while Newfoundlanders have been taught to use Labrador as their resource well. Essentially Islanders blame Canada and Labradorians blame Islanders. Perfect for slick MHA's and MP's who are not capable of or interested in doing anything more than securing a pension after years of perks and privileges.
Time to get back to the topic - hard not to digress when talking about the less than stellar performance of our leaders.
VOCM and CBC provide talk shows - where residents can voice their opinions, concerns, and support of one policy or another or one resource development or another. The public broadcaster's provision of this is minimal while the private sector radio station fills its programming with it.
VOCM's openline, backtalk, and nightline provide some 24 hours a week during various times of the the day for radio talk - and that should be a good thing. There was a time when it was. Today the quality of the hosts has diminished and more reflect American style partisan slight of hand.
Paddy Daly and Randy Simms are more interested in listening to, laughing at, praising and pontificating on their own ideas - with careful avoidance of annoying the powers that be. Pete Soucy more reflects the purer form of talk shows where he thoughtfully raises issues of the day, provides some sincere reflection on his own thoughts and genuinely encourages people to call.
Both Paddy and Randy are brave when they rip through those who may be vulnerable or wrong side partisan and enjoy taking pokes at people after the conversation has ended or in their absence all together. Randy's focus changes from - "here's what I think" and "you know I'm right" to interrogating inappropriately - somebody who calls with a significant social problem. You see there is no need to ask - what does your husband do - or why is he or she not working - or how do you treat your children - or what was your family like.
Both Paddy and Randy would do very well to turn the mic on and talk to each other for hours on end and then let's see if that would be commercially viable. The other desire of these hosts is to hear from politicians - particularly cabinet and leaders of the political parties. This they feel is success and a confirmation that their programs are "important". Both fall short of really challenging the government and the so called "tough questions" are tempered with laughter or softballs tossed in between.
VOCM talk shows used to be open - call in - and if you got through - get in the line and wait for your turn. If you wished to remain anonymous that was a given unless you identified yourself. Nowadays it's call in - leave your number and advise what issue you want to talk about. Then depending on the whim of the host and after the endless line-up of politicians - you may get a call back. Make no mistake about it - the time you get may be very short or limitless depending on the message the host is after.
Minnie, Tony, and Marjorie have an opinion. Do you know what that opinion is? Do you think you need to hear it again? Will you learn anything by listening to another call from them? Can you guess who they support and who they do not? Do you know who they love, adore, and idolize? I will not be hypocritical here - they should be entitled to call and as often as they like. the problem comes when hosts allow greater access to the program than those who are calling with new information or opinion on issues - things that impact our lives and for generations of lives that follow.
Sometimes I think VOCM could better serve their listening audience and by extension their advertisers if they prescribed the nature of the shows. Perhaps the mornings and evenings could be geared to socio/economic issues affecting our province and leave the afternoon for lost things, birthdays, anniversaries, and those who want to do an unpaid or paid political announcement. The afternoon could also accommodate sitting politicians at the provincial or federal level. Let's see how commercially viable the afternoon show would be - and what advertisers would be interested in that audience base.
Here's the thing VOCM - you have a broadcast licence and you should be careful not to abuse the privileged position you are fortunate enough to have and make a profit on. Permitting and then not correcting slanderous statements about a member of the public does not demonstrate the respect for your licence - you should have.
One of course is entitled to get a lawyer and keep suing until you stop - however that is beyond the reach of the average citizen - yet your shows rely on those same people.
I for one will instead contact the Board of Newfoundland Capital Corporation (headquartered in Nova Scotia), tweet and blog about your activities, and further address the CRTC during licence renewal.
For a station that relies so heavily on talk shows to generate revenue - it seems folly to take the easy route of generating controversy by allowing slander towards those who have participated for years on the shows.
While we can say it's a great service to provide the medium - that good is eliminated when irresponsible hosts and management do not moderate obvious egregious behavior. If that's what the company relies on for revenue - perhaps they should stop patting itself on the back for "public" service and "community" involvement.
Next up the VOCM Cares Foundation.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Message to Premier Dunderdale from the Peanut Gallery
“The criticism can sometimes be relentless, and from a small handful of
people, but they tend to be very loud and scathing, and personal, and
mean”
These words from Kathy Dunderdale during a recent media interview.
These small handful of people - which she points out does not include the official opposition - are bothering the Premier.
Relentless: Yes that is due to the House of Assembly being closed. There is no role for the people - the electorate if their legislature is not operating.
Relentless: Yes in that the Premier is unable to defend policy positions that will affect generations to come.
Relentless: Yes in that the Premier is - herself - a hypocrite - in that she personally attacks those who legitimately oppose her.
What is Criticism? Why are there severe judgements, comments, or unfavourable reviews of the Premier's policies?
This is not hyper criticism - this is not just a fault-finding mission - or an act of unjust or unreasonable criticism.
We are people - intelligent people - who are able to use our own minds and our own knowledge to form an educated opinion.
What the Premier demonstrates is fear - fear of being challenged or tested. She is guilty of hyper criticism and desperately trying to find fault with those who fairly criticize her in her professional capacity.
I know very little of Kathy Dunderdale's personal life and am not interested in knowing it. The Premier's commentary presumes she knows something of the personal lives of her critics. In this respect I would hope that these are just statements of ignorance or rumour and not from misusing a data-base.
The problem this Premier has is two-fold. Clearly the thought of a "loud" "relentless" democracy is not what she signed up for - too bad wrong country if that's the case and second - her inability to articulate and defend her policies leaves her vulnerable - which she attempts to correct with insults and not education.
As an employee of mine the Premier should understand that when she says that the job is humbling - it might help to look up the word first - prior to such an utterance.
As an employee of mine and yours - she should understand that her "favorite" people are not to receive partisan preference.
Her job entails that she listen to criticism fairly and with an open-mind as she is responsible for making very important decisions regarding resources we all own. I am a shareholder of Nalcor and I have a right to say that Ed Martin is not doing a good job - and is not putting the best interests of the people first.
I have a right to criticize an energy deal - when I am certain - that I know more than she does on the issues. Perhaps - I suggest again - she should debate some of her critics - and see how she feels about a subject when ordinary Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are talking instead of failed senior bureaucrats.
I further suggest to the Premier that she tries the private sector for employment and let others meddle in her affairs in an effort to have her fired. She might then feel the wrath of the power brokers she so relies on.
Perhaps the media would offer some time for those Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who have been speaking publicly about policy issues long before some of her Cabinet thought they would like to try politics as a career.
I am not being paid by the taxpayer or electorate - the Premier is.
I would suggest she grow up - but I would prefer that she wise up.
These words from Kathy Dunderdale during a recent media interview.
These small handful of people - which she points out does not include the official opposition - are bothering the Premier.
Relentless: Yes that is due to the House of Assembly being closed. There is no role for the people - the electorate if their legislature is not operating.
Relentless: Yes in that the Premier is unable to defend policy positions that will affect generations to come.
Relentless: Yes in that the Premier is - herself - a hypocrite - in that she personally attacks those who legitimately oppose her.
What is Criticism? Why are there severe judgements, comments, or unfavourable reviews of the Premier's policies?
This is not hyper criticism - this is not just a fault-finding mission - or an act of unjust or unreasonable criticism.
We are people - intelligent people - who are able to use our own minds and our own knowledge to form an educated opinion.
What the Premier demonstrates is fear - fear of being challenged or tested. She is guilty of hyper criticism and desperately trying to find fault with those who fairly criticize her in her professional capacity.
I know very little of Kathy Dunderdale's personal life and am not interested in knowing it. The Premier's commentary presumes she knows something of the personal lives of her critics. In this respect I would hope that these are just statements of ignorance or rumour and not from misusing a data-base.
The problem this Premier has is two-fold. Clearly the thought of a "loud" "relentless" democracy is not what she signed up for - too bad wrong country if that's the case and second - her inability to articulate and defend her policies leaves her vulnerable - which she attempts to correct with insults and not education.
As an employee of mine the Premier should understand that when she says that the job is humbling - it might help to look up the word first - prior to such an utterance.
As an employee of mine and yours - she should understand that her "favorite" people are not to receive partisan preference.
Her job entails that she listen to criticism fairly and with an open-mind as she is responsible for making very important decisions regarding resources we all own. I am a shareholder of Nalcor and I have a right to say that Ed Martin is not doing a good job - and is not putting the best interests of the people first.
I have a right to criticize an energy deal - when I am certain - that I know more than she does on the issues. Perhaps - I suggest again - she should debate some of her critics - and see how she feels about a subject when ordinary Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are talking instead of failed senior bureaucrats.
I further suggest to the Premier that she tries the private sector for employment and let others meddle in her affairs in an effort to have her fired. She might then feel the wrath of the power brokers she so relies on.
Perhaps the media would offer some time for those Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who have been speaking publicly about policy issues long before some of her Cabinet thought they would like to try politics as a career.
I am not being paid by the taxpayer or electorate - the Premier is.
I would suggest she grow up - but I would prefer that she wise up.
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
"Talk with Sue" - A new Online Talk Show
Hi all - I am starting a new radio talk show "Talk with Sue"
The introductory show will take place this evening at 8 o'clock.
To listen in please go to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/talkwithsue
This is a test this evening - so who knows how it will go.
This program will talk openly about issues important to Newfoundland and Labrador.
Let's see what happens when commercial and political party interests are not at play.
The introductory show will take place this evening at 8 o'clock.
To listen in please go to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/talkwithsue
This is a test this evening - so who knows how it will go.
This program will talk openly about issues important to Newfoundland and Labrador.
Let's see what happens when commercial and political party interests are not at play.
Friday, April 01, 2011
Teach your Children Well - To Lie like Hell
Last Election PC's were not Conservatives - Today they are one family - right?
After watching the events of yesterday - the spectacle of our Province's and Canada's leaders clap and cheer for each other - while knowing full well the betrayal they were perpetrating - I find it necessary to at least acknowledge the following:
In our society today - if you are to succeed in either business or politics - you must learn to lie and lie convincingly.
We should all stop and think about exactly what is taking place in front of us - and responsibly look at our children and grandchildren and explain the realities of their world.
Politics and politicians suffer the disinterest of almost half our population due primarily to the broken promises, deceitful and unlawful behaviors, self-serving manipulations, and the incompetence of our leaders and representatives.
Many people simply brush off the promises of politicians as just that "promises of politicians". We expect them to lie, anticipate they will lie, and believe they will continue to lie for a vote. The problem we have as parents, grandparents, and caregivers of children is that they observe and learn from what they see.
A lie is the act of deliberately deceiving the audience you are speaking to by telling them something you know is not true. If somebody makes a mistake - they acknowledge it and explain what is was they were trying to do and say and take ownership of the hardships or repercussions the person who believed you will now have to endure. This was absent yesterday - it was absent after the last two federal elections - it was absent when government was found in contempt - and it was absent when Bev Oda did her deed.
Kathy Dunderdale, Danny Williams, the Cabinet and Caucus of the PC's lied to Newfoundland and Labrador when they asked that people in this province stand together under ABC and punish Stephen Harper for perpetrating an extremely costly lie on our people. How do we know they lied? Well they used ABC for political expedience until they needed to completely reverse their position and now they and they alone will end ABC for political expedience.
Nothing has changed you see - Stephen Harper and Fabian Manning did nothing to admit their lie, nothing to correct their lie, and to date not apologized for their lie. Therefore nothing has changed since the lie - yet our provincial leaders now want us - the sheep - to believe that the behavior is okay now and "we" can move on.
If Harper had told the truth and delivered the truth this province would not need a loan guarantee to develop our own wealth of natural renewable resources - we would already have the money from our non-renewables to do it. The cost to our children - if the project goes ahead - will be a generational atrocity that these lies would have caused.
It is irresponsible for us as parents and grandparents not to teach our children how to lie and lie convincingly if we would like to see them rise to the top. It is irresponsible to punish our children for lying while we vote for and reward our nations and provincial leaders who do lie. It is irresponsible of the Universities and Colleges not to include course work in deception and lies in business and political science programs - that is to say teach the students the benefits and successes of lying and lying convincingly.
Our society currently rewards, praises, and otherwise idolises the liars we elect and to look at your children - after having supported these liars and not teach them that lying is the quickest and most successful method of rising to the top we do them an injustice.
On the other hand - we could teach them that lying is wrong by throwing the bums out.
After watching the events of yesterday - the spectacle of our Province's and Canada's leaders clap and cheer for each other - while knowing full well the betrayal they were perpetrating - I find it necessary to at least acknowledge the following:
In our society today - if you are to succeed in either business or politics - you must learn to lie and lie convincingly.
We should all stop and think about exactly what is taking place in front of us - and responsibly look at our children and grandchildren and explain the realities of their world.
Politics and politicians suffer the disinterest of almost half our population due primarily to the broken promises, deceitful and unlawful behaviors, self-serving manipulations, and the incompetence of our leaders and representatives.
Many people simply brush off the promises of politicians as just that "promises of politicians". We expect them to lie, anticipate they will lie, and believe they will continue to lie for a vote. The problem we have as parents, grandparents, and caregivers of children is that they observe and learn from what they see.
A lie is the act of deliberately deceiving the audience you are speaking to by telling them something you know is not true. If somebody makes a mistake - they acknowledge it and explain what is was they were trying to do and say and take ownership of the hardships or repercussions the person who believed you will now have to endure. This was absent yesterday - it was absent after the last two federal elections - it was absent when government was found in contempt - and it was absent when Bev Oda did her deed.
Kathy Dunderdale, Danny Williams, the Cabinet and Caucus of the PC's lied to Newfoundland and Labrador when they asked that people in this province stand together under ABC and punish Stephen Harper for perpetrating an extremely costly lie on our people. How do we know they lied? Well they used ABC for political expedience until they needed to completely reverse their position and now they and they alone will end ABC for political expedience.
Nothing has changed you see - Stephen Harper and Fabian Manning did nothing to admit their lie, nothing to correct their lie, and to date not apologized for their lie. Therefore nothing has changed since the lie - yet our provincial leaders now want us - the sheep - to believe that the behavior is okay now and "we" can move on.
If Harper had told the truth and delivered the truth this province would not need a loan guarantee to develop our own wealth of natural renewable resources - we would already have the money from our non-renewables to do it. The cost to our children - if the project goes ahead - will be a generational atrocity that these lies would have caused.
It is irresponsible for us as parents and grandparents not to teach our children how to lie and lie convincingly if we would like to see them rise to the top. It is irresponsible to punish our children for lying while we vote for and reward our nations and provincial leaders who do lie. It is irresponsible of the Universities and Colleges not to include course work in deception and lies in business and political science programs - that is to say teach the students the benefits and successes of lying and lying convincingly.
Our society currently rewards, praises, and otherwise idolises the liars we elect and to look at your children - after having supported these liars and not teach them that lying is the quickest and most successful method of rising to the top we do them an injustice.
On the other hand - we could teach them that lying is wrong by throwing the bums out.
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
We are so Lucky that the Filthy Rich will work for Free
Have we really sunk this low?
Our democracy in both Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador is at risk - and ironically at a time when countries that have suffered decades of dictators are struggling, fighting, and giving their lives to achieve freedom.
Oh we should be ashamed as our people have already paid the price to achieve this precarious assembly of rights and freedoms that we allow our politicians to so recklessly dismantle it. And what is our response? Apathy and a feeling of hopelessness or just laziness - as we let others make decisions so threatening to our future.
We are lead around by a partisan harness ready to jump on anybody for trying to protect the future of our children - who are depending on our participation for their very survival. Whose responsibility is it to ensure proper development of precious natural resources? We cannot respond - that is what we elect governments for - what if that government is not acting in our best interests? How would we know?
Today - we are witnessing such abhorrent behavior like the patronage appointment of Elizabeth Matthews - following a string of many years of such appointments to various government posts. We are witnessing contracts to Williams old law firm and fibre-optic presents. Federally we have a Prime Minister who lied to this province and now a Prime Minister who leads a party that broke the law - regarding of all things the Elections Act.
These people - your governments and political representatives no longer respect the people. They treat us like fools - they treat us with disdain - they treat us as an unfortunate blockage between natural resources we own and the multi-millionaires who want every piece of it.
Who do you believe would get a meeting first - one of us people or a corporation wanting a piece of the action?
We are only necessary to flock like sheep to the polling booth election after election - so that when the polls close the faceless nameless greed can start up again and enjoy sipping from our wealth served in great portions by the people we elect to represent us.
How much is enough? It is never enough - these leaches will not stop sucking until every drip of life is taken from this wonderful place. They will not stop - they will send in lobbyists, or set-up one of their own to do their bidding in the peoples House of Assembly. They will crawl around in the backrooms of arrogant power - at all times trying to separate you from your future in order that they may take it.
We have people in this province who do not have two nickels to rub together - struggling week over week - but will trip over each other to go cheer for some politician or another.
We have half a million people living here and probably many times more than that who have been forced to leave their home to find work while filthy rich "shareholders" sit in ivory towers somewhere counting our wealth - that has been shuffled to their pockets.
We have been stripped of our forests, fish, water resources (hydro), minerals, communities, and people. We have been stripped of our pride and through social experimentation by people like Dr. Doug House slowly disappointed - just slow enough to avoid a political uprising.
I remember when the Liberals privatized a good number of our provincial parks. Natural areas of leisure for our families - built by the taxpayers and then unceremoniously dumped to the private sector who now treat these vast tracks of land and natural wealth as their own. Oh boy - Tom Osborne went off his head - he vowed to get them back. I guess that did not happen - I'm surprised the rest of the pristine areas have not yet been turned over to golf enthusiasts.
How much did it cost to buy the Southlands? How much was the Wilds turned over for? How much is enough? They will never have enough and now they are after more rivers - more power - they will want money from you to fish in a pond or pick a berry on the barrens. They will take and take and take - while we are expected to worship the filthy rich while they continue to work for "free". Free indeed - stop this now or you will not own the bit of ground you walk on - or the water that either surrounds you wholly or as a peninsula.
Any body catch the Minister of Fisheries today? Every day - day in - day out - they continue to walk over us until there is nothing left. Are you sure you want that outcome?
Our democracy in both Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador is at risk - and ironically at a time when countries that have suffered decades of dictators are struggling, fighting, and giving their lives to achieve freedom.
Oh we should be ashamed as our people have already paid the price to achieve this precarious assembly of rights and freedoms that we allow our politicians to so recklessly dismantle it. And what is our response? Apathy and a feeling of hopelessness or just laziness - as we let others make decisions so threatening to our future.
We are lead around by a partisan harness ready to jump on anybody for trying to protect the future of our children - who are depending on our participation for their very survival. Whose responsibility is it to ensure proper development of precious natural resources? We cannot respond - that is what we elect governments for - what if that government is not acting in our best interests? How would we know?
Today - we are witnessing such abhorrent behavior like the patronage appointment of Elizabeth Matthews - following a string of many years of such appointments to various government posts. We are witnessing contracts to Williams old law firm and fibre-optic presents. Federally we have a Prime Minister who lied to this province and now a Prime Minister who leads a party that broke the law - regarding of all things the Elections Act.
These people - your governments and political representatives no longer respect the people. They treat us like fools - they treat us with disdain - they treat us as an unfortunate blockage between natural resources we own and the multi-millionaires who want every piece of it.
Who do you believe would get a meeting first - one of us people or a corporation wanting a piece of the action?
We are only necessary to flock like sheep to the polling booth election after election - so that when the polls close the faceless nameless greed can start up again and enjoy sipping from our wealth served in great portions by the people we elect to represent us.
How much is enough? It is never enough - these leaches will not stop sucking until every drip of life is taken from this wonderful place. They will not stop - they will send in lobbyists, or set-up one of their own to do their bidding in the peoples House of Assembly. They will crawl around in the backrooms of arrogant power - at all times trying to separate you from your future in order that they may take it.
We have people in this province who do not have two nickels to rub together - struggling week over week - but will trip over each other to go cheer for some politician or another.
We have half a million people living here and probably many times more than that who have been forced to leave their home to find work while filthy rich "shareholders" sit in ivory towers somewhere counting our wealth - that has been shuffled to their pockets.
We have been stripped of our forests, fish, water resources (hydro), minerals, communities, and people. We have been stripped of our pride and through social experimentation by people like Dr. Doug House slowly disappointed - just slow enough to avoid a political uprising.
I remember when the Liberals privatized a good number of our provincial parks. Natural areas of leisure for our families - built by the taxpayers and then unceremoniously dumped to the private sector who now treat these vast tracks of land and natural wealth as their own. Oh boy - Tom Osborne went off his head - he vowed to get them back. I guess that did not happen - I'm surprised the rest of the pristine areas have not yet been turned over to golf enthusiasts.
How much did it cost to buy the Southlands? How much was the Wilds turned over for? How much is enough? They will never have enough and now they are after more rivers - more power - they will want money from you to fish in a pond or pick a berry on the barrens. They will take and take and take - while we are expected to worship the filthy rich while they continue to work for "free". Free indeed - stop this now or you will not own the bit of ground you walk on - or the water that either surrounds you wholly or as a peninsula.
Any body catch the Minister of Fisheries today? Every day - day in - day out - they continue to walk over us until there is nothing left. Are you sure you want that outcome?
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Politicians on a Polygraph continued - why we need this!
Looks like Politicians on Polygraphs would be a popular CBC reality series.
Exceptions to The Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) USA
Lie detector tests can be administered under the following circumstances:
Then of course there are military jobs requiring the test depending on security clearance.
So let's make the argument.
First be it the House of Assembly or the Parliament of Canada - it is clear that these members are involved with legislation that impact financial markets or policies that may benefit one corporation over another. Then there have been instances around the country at various levels of government - where elected members have served jail time or found guilty of impropriety with tax payer dollars.
Then there is this bit about the protection of corporate proprietary information - when your government is dealing with a private or publicly traded company on the development of a resource. This means you and me - the people and owners of the resource do not get to take part in negotiations or perhaps pick up on details that would leave us holding the short end of the stick. You must admit that happens all too frequently.The politicans got clever and even subject Nalcor to this - and we own the company!
You see we must not see an election as a replacement for polygraphs. How many of you have been mislead or lied to during an election campaign? Newfoundland and Labrador is 10 billion dollars short as a result of the Harper lie. If our Prime Minister - while campaigning can lie as easily as this - no doubt they all can.
Up until a few years ago they would not even allow the House of Assembly to be audited - look what the results were.
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have been shafted too many times - to go blindly under the cape of a political leader or party. We require more information if they want the legislative right to negotiate assets worth hundreds of billions of dollars. Based on what I seen out of the West Coast the other day or various instances in our past - banks should consider the same thing.
Finally - these people who want to get elected - say anything - do anything - just to get your vote and an unearned lucrative pension. They are all excited about going on open-line for the first time - going to weddings, funerals, christenings, and anniversaries - and all excited to show you how sincere they are and how entering politics is a sacrifice on their behalf. Well then - they should have no problem answering all that under a polygraph examination. How many of them do you think might volunteer to do this?
This type of reality show would be a smash hit - so CBC should consider spending some of our tax dollars on it. They might not get corporate support via commercials - as many advertising would end up being cut-off from the public welfare trough.
Lies - Lies and how much has this cost us?
Exceptions to The Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) USA
Lie detector tests can be administered under the following circumstances:
- Polygraph (a type of lie detector) tests to be administered to certain job applicants of security service firms (armored car, alarm, and guard) and of pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors and dispensers.
- Subject to restrictions, the Employee Polygraph Protection Act permits polygraph testing of certain employees of private firms who are reasonably suspected of involvement in a workplace incident (theft, embezzlement, etc.) that resulted in specific economic loss or injury to the employer.
Then of course there are military jobs requiring the test depending on security clearance.
So let's make the argument.
First be it the House of Assembly or the Parliament of Canada - it is clear that these members are involved with legislation that impact financial markets or policies that may benefit one corporation over another. Then there have been instances around the country at various levels of government - where elected members have served jail time or found guilty of impropriety with tax payer dollars.
Then there is this bit about the protection of corporate proprietary information - when your government is dealing with a private or publicly traded company on the development of a resource. This means you and me - the people and owners of the resource do not get to take part in negotiations or perhaps pick up on details that would leave us holding the short end of the stick. You must admit that happens all too frequently.The politicans got clever and even subject Nalcor to this - and we own the company!
You see we must not see an election as a replacement for polygraphs. How many of you have been mislead or lied to during an election campaign? Newfoundland and Labrador is 10 billion dollars short as a result of the Harper lie. If our Prime Minister - while campaigning can lie as easily as this - no doubt they all can.
Up until a few years ago they would not even allow the House of Assembly to be audited - look what the results were.
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have been shafted too many times - to go blindly under the cape of a political leader or party. We require more information if they want the legislative right to negotiate assets worth hundreds of billions of dollars. Based on what I seen out of the West Coast the other day or various instances in our past - banks should consider the same thing.
Finally - these people who want to get elected - say anything - do anything - just to get your vote and an unearned lucrative pension. They are all excited about going on open-line for the first time - going to weddings, funerals, christenings, and anniversaries - and all excited to show you how sincere they are and how entering politics is a sacrifice on their behalf. Well then - they should have no problem answering all that under a polygraph examination. How many of them do you think might volunteer to do this?
This type of reality show would be a smash hit - so CBC should consider spending some of our tax dollars on it. They might not get corporate support via commercials - as many advertising would end up being cut-off from the public welfare trough.
Lies - Lies and how much has this cost us?
Saturday, February 24, 2007
The best Politicians money can buy...
So you want to talk to your MP or even the Prime Minister or a Federal Cabinet Minister - no problem. What Joyce Hancock and the women that staged a protest in the fed status of women's office - were missing - was an elite membership in the Council of the Americas.
Instead of being escorted out by the police they could have been meeting with Bev Oda - they could have been dining right next to her at the head table.
Sometimes you know - we have to check that our combined intelligence even registers on the scale. How stupid or lazy we are - is measured by our inability to direct those people we elect and pay to represent us.
The Council of the Americas is:
If one becomes an elite member the benefits are:
Elite Level
- Exclusive invitations to the majority of small, private programs, events, and conferences with world leaders
- Preferred Head Table seating at select programs, events and conferences
- Complimentary admission to the annual Latin American Conference
- Complimentary admission to the annual Latin American Economic and Financial
Predictions Conference
- Complimentary admission to the annual NABC Plenary (held every other year in Washington, DC)
- Private annual briefing by Council of the Americas/Americas Society (AS/COA) President and Senior Staff to Corporate Member Board of Directors or Senior Management Team
- Opportunity to rent AS/COA HQ facilities at a reduced member rate plus overhead expenses, once per year, based on availability, and thereafter at member rates.
Now Joyce and the women who joined here were only ordinary Canadians and "voters" because you see corporations can't vote - and apparently they don't need to.
So last week we witnessed Peter MacKay tripping over himself and he stood next to Condoleeza again - and Stockwell Day - almost unable to control his excitement being with the Corporate Elite and officials of the US and Mexican governments.
When asked by a reporter when - let's say ordinary Canadians would get to speak to this North American Union concept - Stockwell - shoulders shifting all over the place - squeaked something about "other venues for that". At least Lou Dobbs had the guts to call it as it was - an elite gathering of politicians and corporations scheming in private. He at least called it dispicable. Our news people - appeared to be excited enough just to be included.
Anyway the group was reviewing a report prepared for them by the North American Competitiveness Council (NACC)- now who are they you ask...
Well they are:
The Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP) provides the framework to ensure that North America is the safest and best place to live and do business. It includes ambitious security and prosperity programs to keep our borders closed to terrorism yet open to trade.
The SPP recognizes that our three great nations are bound by a shared belief in freedom, economic opportunity, and strong democratic institutions. Since June 2005, the Canadian, Mexican and U.S. governments have worked under its auspices to strengthen economic growth and competitiveness and enhance security in North America.
That’s where the NACC came in.
So who is determining the priorities of Canadians?
Then there is a similar list from Mexico...
This is what is setting priorities for our government. And these few lousy numbers are kicking the crap out of democracy and denying our participation in this process. As parents we are supposed to have an innate need to protect our children. Well the typical lazy "lead me to wherever" is trumping the basic parental responsibilities in spades.
So if you got money - you have politicians whenever and wherever you want.
Instead of being escorted out by the police they could have been meeting with Bev Oda - they could have been dining right next to her at the head table.
Sometimes you know - we have to check that our combined intelligence even registers on the scale. How stupid or lazy we are - is measured by our inability to direct those people we elect and pay to represent us.
The Council of the Americas is:
A business organization whose members share a common commitment to free trade and open markets throughout the Americas. Our programming and advocacy aim to inform, encourage, and promote free and integrated markets for the benefit of the companies that comprise our membership, as well as of the United States and all the people of the Americas.
The Council supports these policies in the belief that they provide an effective means of achieving the economic growth and prosperity on which the business interests of its members depend.
If one becomes an elite member the benefits are:
Elite Level
- Exclusive invitations to the majority of small, private programs, events, and conferences with world leaders
- Preferred Head Table seating at select programs, events and conferences
- Complimentary admission to the annual Latin American Conference
- Complimentary admission to the annual Latin American Economic and Financial
Predictions Conference
- Complimentary admission to the annual NABC Plenary (held every other year in Washington, DC)
- Private annual briefing by Council of the Americas/Americas Society (AS/COA) President and Senior Staff to Corporate Member Board of Directors or Senior Management Team
- Opportunity to rent AS/COA HQ facilities at a reduced member rate plus overhead expenses, once per year, based on availability, and thereafter at member rates.
Now Joyce and the women who joined here were only ordinary Canadians and "voters" because you see corporations can't vote - and apparently they don't need to.
So last week we witnessed Peter MacKay tripping over himself and he stood next to Condoleeza again - and Stockwell Day - almost unable to control his excitement being with the Corporate Elite and officials of the US and Mexican governments.
When asked by a reporter when - let's say ordinary Canadians would get to speak to this North American Union concept - Stockwell - shoulders shifting all over the place - squeaked something about "other venues for that". At least Lou Dobbs had the guts to call it as it was - an elite gathering of politicians and corporations scheming in private. He at least called it dispicable. Our news people - appeared to be excited enough just to be included.
Anyway the group was reviewing a report prepared for them by the North American Competitiveness Council (NACC)- now who are they you ask...
Well they are:
The Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP) provides the framework to ensure that North America is the safest and best place to live and do business. It includes ambitious security and prosperity programs to keep our borders closed to terrorism yet open to trade.
The SPP recognizes that our three great nations are bound by a shared belief in freedom, economic opportunity, and strong democratic institutions. Since June 2005, the Canadian, Mexican and U.S. governments have worked under its auspices to strengthen economic growth and competitiveness and enhance security in North America.
That’s where the NACC came in.
The three governments established the NACC to collect guidance from the private sector. Members were charged with helping the governments focus their efforts by applying a cost-benefit analysis to the ideas on the table in order to “prioritize the priorities.”
So who is determining the priorities of Canadians?
Representing Canada are:
- Dominic D’Alessandro, President and CEO, Manulife Financial
- Paul Desmarais, Jr., Chairman and Co-CEO, Power Corporation of
Canada
- David A. Ganong, President, Ganong Bros. Limited
- Richard L. George, President and CEO, Suncor Energy Inc.
- E. Hunter Harrison, President and CEO, Canadian National Railway Company
- Linda Hasenfratz, CEO, Linamar Corporation
- Michael Sabia, President and CEO, Bell Canada Enterprises (BCE)
- James A. Shepherd, President and CEO, Canfor Corporation
- Annette Verschuren, President, The Home Depot Canada
- Richard E. Waugh, President and CEO, The Bank of Nova Scotia
Representing the United States are:
- Campbell Soup Company
- Chevron Corporation
- Ford Motor Company
- FedEx Corporation
- General Electric Company
- General Motors Corp.
- Kansas City Southern
- Lockheed Martin Corporation
- Merck & Co., Inc.
- Mittal Steel USA
- New York Life Insurance Company
- The Procter & Gamble Company (joined in 2007)
- UPS
- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
- Whirlpool Corporation
Then there is a similar list from Mexico...
This is what is setting priorities for our government. And these few lousy numbers are kicking the crap out of democracy and denying our participation in this process. As parents we are supposed to have an innate need to protect our children. Well the typical lazy "lead me to wherever" is trumping the basic parental responsibilities in spades.
So if you got money - you have politicians whenever and wherever you want.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)