Posts
I can't help thinking about the poor and downtrodden in our community and province as I sit looking out my window at the second blizzard this week that has been going on all day, making life cold and miserable for man and beast alike. The reason I'm having these thoughts is because I found out today from social services that a single person seeking social support in this rich province receives $583.00 a month. That's it!
Now $583.00 is not enough to put food on the table for a month, if you even have a table, considering there is no money for rent and other basic necessities from such a miserly amount, that can't possibly go far enough for food alone, never mind the rest that a human being requires in this modern age where we are no longer self dependent for our basic necessities, but reliant instead on corporations and government for everything these days.
Knowing the above it is not surprising to me there are so many homeless in our country today, living lives of quiet desperation, misery and neglect in the land of plenty.
How cold and miserable it must be tonight for those many thousands throughout our community and province who have no shelter because of the GREED and indifference to their suffering by those selfish few in our community and elsewhere, who think so little of their fellow man as to begrudgingly give him such a pittance as to make him a beggar and pauper, and unable to put a roof over his head in the great white north.
How much more hard pressed are our locals I wonder with no shelters, no affordable housing, no adequate transportation system, and a food bank that limits an individual to only 6 visits a year. Oh, and lets not forget that there are no real jobs here as well, and a provincial government social support agency (which is anything but) geared more to moving you out of your community than upwards in it, along with the fact of our municipal government and local establishment groups track record of wilful neglect of these people, and you have a community with an underclass and underbelly that boils with resentment.
Multiply this community by the thousands of others like it throughout the land and you have the makings of a revolution based on class warfare. With poverty at a record high and climbing, and with 1 in 7 children going to bed hungry in this country every night, along with a political system that serves solely the corporations and establishment in exploiting the masses by turning them into 'wage and debt' slaves, it is not hard to imagine the brush fire a tiny little spark can make, when all the ingredients are there for it.
Anybody got a match?
Poor people of all races now have little chance of ever making it up to the middle class - for a complex of reasons including economic: the loss of jobs as capitalism goes global; technological: the sudden demands of computer skills at work; and attitude: Americans are really unsure if they want to provide equality of opportunity, because they believe a market economy thrives better on inequality... they are going to let poverty be a goad.
... we practice inequality everywhere while pretending to equality.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
New Council in Crowsnest Pass, BBoys safe
There is a new thread (with the above title) going on about Bridgcreek (River Run) on the Canadian Business Forums site that is starting to prove interesting with a post today from cnpnews stating he/she is a reporter doing a story on the BBoys, and wanting info...
Little drops of water can make a mighty ocean.
Is anyone willing to talk to a reporter doing a major story on Bridgecreek in the Pass? Is there anyone who invested who's willing to go on record or has some inside knowledge of the company? If so, let me know - I'd like to talk.Check it out here.
Little drops of water can make a mighty ocean.
Monday, November 29, 2010
CANADA’S ECONOMY: “ON TRACK” TO WHERE?
Goodale commentary:
Whenever the Harper government is confronted with its economic failings – like repeatedly miscalculating its deficit, or presiding over 25% more poverty among senior citizens, or a massive escalation in household debt – it typically resorts to empty sloganeering.
A favourite is the glib Conservative line that, despite all evidence to the contrary, our economy is “on track”.
“On track” to where, pray tell?
The fact is, this government has missed every financial projection it has ever made. The “track” they’re on has taken Canada from a $13-billion surplus to a $55.6-billion deficit – the worst ever. And it began BEFORE (not because of) the recession.
Mr. Harper’s hand-picked Parliamentary Budget Officer says the current Conservative “track” will lead to more than $200-billion in new federal debt by 2015.
It’s a “track” of mediocre results, lost jobs, dwindling job quality, declining living standards, rising household debt, and indifference to the burdens of ordinary families.
The Conservative “track” is the wrong track.
But not to worry. Mr. Harper has other slogans at the ready, like – “we’re doing better than other countries”.
So what? Those “other countries” are handing in their worst economic performances since the 1930’s. It doesn’t take much to beat them -- we’re the “least bad” among a bad lot. And we’re certainly way behind emerging giants like China and India.
Canada needs a coherent, honest economic plan to help lift middle and low-income families out of a quagmire of household debt that’s threatening to swamp them, and a plan that simultaneously builds Canadian competitiveness and productivity.
There is a “track” for that, but Stephen Harper is NOT on it.
It would require investments in education, innovation, secure pensions and family care-giving. None of that matters to Mr. Harper; he’s interested only in extra corporate tax cuts, fighter jets and bigger jails.
goodale@sasktel.net
A conservative is a man with two perfectly good legs who, however, has never learned to walk forward.
Whenever the Harper government is confronted with its economic failings – like repeatedly miscalculating its deficit, or presiding over 25% more poverty among senior citizens, or a massive escalation in household debt – it typically resorts to empty sloganeering.
A favourite is the glib Conservative line that, despite all evidence to the contrary, our economy is “on track”.
“On track” to where, pray tell?
The fact is, this government has missed every financial projection it has ever made. The “track” they’re on has taken Canada from a $13-billion surplus to a $55.6-billion deficit – the worst ever. And it began BEFORE (not because of) the recession.
Mr. Harper’s hand-picked Parliamentary Budget Officer says the current Conservative “track” will lead to more than $200-billion in new federal debt by 2015.
It’s a “track” of mediocre results, lost jobs, dwindling job quality, declining living standards, rising household debt, and indifference to the burdens of ordinary families.
The Conservative “track” is the wrong track.
But not to worry. Mr. Harper has other slogans at the ready, like – “we’re doing better than other countries”.
So what? Those “other countries” are handing in their worst economic performances since the 1930’s. It doesn’t take much to beat them -- we’re the “least bad” among a bad lot. And we’re certainly way behind emerging giants like China and India.
Canada needs a coherent, honest economic plan to help lift middle and low-income families out of a quagmire of household debt that’s threatening to swamp them, and a plan that simultaneously builds Canadian competitiveness and productivity.
There is a “track” for that, but Stephen Harper is NOT on it.
It would require investments in education, innovation, secure pensions and family care-giving. None of that matters to Mr. Harper; he’s interested only in extra corporate tax cuts, fighter jets and bigger jails.
goodale@sasktel.net
A conservative is a man with two perfectly good legs who, however, has never learned to walk forward.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Moral Inertia
The following is an extract from the essay on Media, Corporations and GREED by Julian Edney on where the next revolutions will be coming from, by whom, and ending with a link giving an example of how this is playing out today with the arrest of the soldier who leaked information to WikiLeaks after joining the military (company), going in, behaving - and then taking over by rebelling against his employer (corporation). This is the trend of the future as man rebels against the machine (as I now admit I intended to do if successful in being elected :-) ).
------------------------------------------
So there is a moral cause here. But the average person hangs back from active protest.
The problem is, even if we are not personally greedy, we have connections to corporations that are. We are happy consumers. Challenging the company we work for - would that be hypocrisy? Second, activism, we think, is radical action, and what about all that street rant "if you're not with us, you're against us!" - but we cannot rebel because our corporation is also our rent, and we enjoy the good living we make, and we're not giving that up.
Perhaps that explains why our most articulate writers are so quiet on this topic. They also look within. So, bluntly, we need a whole new strategy for change, in which a person who feels he is part of the problem may also be part of the solution.
Enter some new thinking. Max Bruinsma is a sharp critic of the damage wrought by contemporary advertising in the service of relentless acquisition. But times have changed, he says, and he argues the polarizing slogans of past social revolutions (you're either with us or against us) don't apply. We're in a historical shift. The modern activist is different. The rationale: culture today is driven by commercial advertising. In it, a particularly worrisome new trend is for advertisers to soften up our thinking with billboard-size paradoxes. Building-size ads fill our view and state that buying a very mainstream computer (Mac) is 'thinking different'. Across the street another billboard shouts that acquiring a glossy SUV is a singular act of rebellion. Bruinsma quotes more examples: "Sometimes you gotta break the rules," (Burger King), "Innovate, don't imitate" (Hugo Boss), "Be an original" (Chesterfield cigarettes). The central insistence of these is that conforming = rebelling. And we remember the Orwellian slogans, Peace = War, Slavery = Freedom which, in 1984, reduced a future society's minds to value-free mush.
Well, we can follow suit. We can generate our own examples of contradictions. So, perhaps, commercial success and social responsibility are not incompatible anymore. Everything is possible if you use self-contradiction; you are able to both work for a company, and rebel against it. Corporate rebellion = loyalty.
This leads to a technique a 'Sixties activist, Rudy Dutschke, once called "the long march through the institutions." It is a long term and less bloody strategy: Go in, behave - and take over. The new culture agent is stylishly dressed, well paid, and works in an plush ad agency, designing resplendent ads which promote the return to honesty and social justice, humaneness, equity and the common good (68).
The next revolution will be inside corporations.
Conclusions
As the rich get richer and the poor get poorer we drop our pretenses to humanitarian democracy, instead salute material excess, accept Darwinian business ethics, and pin up as our national polestar the most powerful corporations.
Money and effort maintains a particular way of seeing and evaluating our society; we focus on the topmost members, cover current inequalities with a rotating blur of nearly a trillion dollars of advertising a year, and by not paying attention to the lowest, we deny them. But they are there. Inevitably, as our economic tree reaches up, its roots grow further down.
It is not enough to say hopefully we accumulate layers of experience from error and progress. Technology will not deliver us equity. Logic has not delivered us equity.
We want our morality back.
US embassy cables leak sparks global diplomacy crisis
The first duty of a revolutionary is to get away with it.
------------------------------------------
So there is a moral cause here. But the average person hangs back from active protest.
The problem is, even if we are not personally greedy, we have connections to corporations that are. We are happy consumers. Challenging the company we work for - would that be hypocrisy? Second, activism, we think, is radical action, and what about all that street rant "if you're not with us, you're against us!" - but we cannot rebel because our corporation is also our rent, and we enjoy the good living we make, and we're not giving that up.
Perhaps that explains why our most articulate writers are so quiet on this topic. They also look within. So, bluntly, we need a whole new strategy for change, in which a person who feels he is part of the problem may also be part of the solution.
Enter some new thinking. Max Bruinsma is a sharp critic of the damage wrought by contemporary advertising in the service of relentless acquisition. But times have changed, he says, and he argues the polarizing slogans of past social revolutions (you're either with us or against us) don't apply. We're in a historical shift. The modern activist is different. The rationale: culture today is driven by commercial advertising. In it, a particularly worrisome new trend is for advertisers to soften up our thinking with billboard-size paradoxes. Building-size ads fill our view and state that buying a very mainstream computer (Mac) is 'thinking different'. Across the street another billboard shouts that acquiring a glossy SUV is a singular act of rebellion. Bruinsma quotes more examples: "Sometimes you gotta break the rules," (Burger King), "Innovate, don't imitate" (Hugo Boss), "Be an original" (Chesterfield cigarettes). The central insistence of these is that conforming = rebelling. And we remember the Orwellian slogans, Peace = War, Slavery = Freedom which, in 1984, reduced a future society's minds to value-free mush.
Well, we can follow suit. We can generate our own examples of contradictions. So, perhaps, commercial success and social responsibility are not incompatible anymore. Everything is possible if you use self-contradiction; you are able to both work for a company, and rebel against it. Corporate rebellion = loyalty.
This leads to a technique a 'Sixties activist, Rudy Dutschke, once called "the long march through the institutions." It is a long term and less bloody strategy: Go in, behave - and take over. The new culture agent is stylishly dressed, well paid, and works in an plush ad agency, designing resplendent ads which promote the return to honesty and social justice, humaneness, equity and the common good (68).
The next revolution will be inside corporations.
Conclusions
As the rich get richer and the poor get poorer we drop our pretenses to humanitarian democracy, instead salute material excess, accept Darwinian business ethics, and pin up as our national polestar the most powerful corporations.
Money and effort maintains a particular way of seeing and evaluating our society; we focus on the topmost members, cover current inequalities with a rotating blur of nearly a trillion dollars of advertising a year, and by not paying attention to the lowest, we deny them. But they are there. Inevitably, as our economic tree reaches up, its roots grow further down.
It is not enough to say hopefully we accumulate layers of experience from error and progress. Technology will not deliver us equity. Logic has not delivered us equity.
We want our morality back.
US embassy cables leak sparks global diplomacy crisis
The first duty of a revolutionary is to get away with it.
RMR: Rick's Rant - Senate Defeats Bill with no Debate
A conservative government is an organized hypocrisy.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Shooting the messenger
Residents of Crowsnest Pass are a lucky bunch. Generally, if we are in need of emergency medical treatment, a physician at the Crowsnest Pass Health Centre will look at us relatively quickly.
Of course, there are always exceptions and, of course, there are some instances when medical needs exceed the capability of the facility. But, by and large, an emergency room physician is on hand and looks at waiting patients in short order.
Not so, hospitals in large city centres where wait times are alarmingly long and sometimes, fatally non-existent.
This week Raj Sherman, the Edmonton MLA and physician who specializes in emergency medicine, was booted out of the Stelmach government for calling a spade a spade.
Alberta health care is at a crisis point and Sherman, in keeping with his primary occupation and his conscience, dared to publicly point this out.
Clearly, speaking honestly is not permitted.
Rather than have a frank, honest discussion to address the problems of Alberta's health care crisis, Alberta Conservatives took fright by silencing the whistleblower, displaying their arrogance of majority rule once again.
Do they really think this move will inspire the confidence of the patients waiting in emergency rooms around the province?
our Editorial - Crowsnest Promoter
____________________________________
The above editorial by Joni MacFarlane of the Promoter was well done but unfortunately was not available on their website, so I have copied it here above in its entirety for my readers. (note: bold emphasis are mine)
I am not going to speak so much to our health care crisis here in Alberta, especially and in particularly in our emergency rooms in the major centres, but rather on how an honest politician these days is allowed to be ostracized and crucified, while the do nothings stay in power and in control.
There seems to be an epidemic of this sort of thing throughout our land (including here, with moi) which makes one think today's people are both masochistic and hell bent on self destruction. Can this be, and if so, why? They say misery loves company. Is there so much misery throughout the land that people desperately crave more of the same, provided they have someone to share it with?
When a people are at a stage where they condone ill-treatment by those entrusted to serve and protect, whether that be by our police, politicians or a medical system that is failing us, does that not mean a social revolution cannot be far behind? "God, give us a revolution and give it to us soon!" Because I for one am losing faith in a system that cares so little for its people... and a people who care so little about their system.
We live in a Newtonian world of Einsteinian physics ruled by Frankenstein logic.
In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.
Of course, there are always exceptions and, of course, there are some instances when medical needs exceed the capability of the facility. But, by and large, an emergency room physician is on hand and looks at waiting patients in short order.
Not so, hospitals in large city centres where wait times are alarmingly long and sometimes, fatally non-existent.
This week Raj Sherman, the Edmonton MLA and physician who specializes in emergency medicine, was booted out of the Stelmach government for calling a spade a spade.
Alberta health care is at a crisis point and Sherman, in keeping with his primary occupation and his conscience, dared to publicly point this out.
Clearly, speaking honestly is not permitted.
Rather than have a frank, honest discussion to address the problems of Alberta's health care crisis, Alberta Conservatives took fright by silencing the whistleblower, displaying their arrogance of majority rule once again.
Do they really think this move will inspire the confidence of the patients waiting in emergency rooms around the province?
our Editorial - Crowsnest Promoter
____________________________________
The above editorial by Joni MacFarlane of the Promoter was well done but unfortunately was not available on their website, so I have copied it here above in its entirety for my readers. (note: bold emphasis are mine)
I am not going to speak so much to our health care crisis here in Alberta, especially and in particularly in our emergency rooms in the major centres, but rather on how an honest politician these days is allowed to be ostracized and crucified, while the do nothings stay in power and in control.
There seems to be an epidemic of this sort of thing throughout our land (including here, with moi) which makes one think today's people are both masochistic and hell bent on self destruction. Can this be, and if so, why? They say misery loves company. Is there so much misery throughout the land that people desperately crave more of the same, provided they have someone to share it with?
When a people are at a stage where they condone ill-treatment by those entrusted to serve and protect, whether that be by our police, politicians or a medical system that is failing us, does that not mean a social revolution cannot be far behind? "God, give us a revolution and give it to us soon!" Because I for one am losing faith in a system that cares so little for its people... and a people who care so little about their system.
We live in a Newtonian world of Einsteinian physics ruled by Frankenstein logic.
In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Life Along the Livingstone
The Livingstone Range is part of the Front Ranges of the Canadian Rockies in southwestern Alberta. It's a spectacular landscape and one of the key headwaters for the South Saskatchewan River watershed. The area is threatened by a proposed open pit mine. This video looks at the potential impact the mine would have on the land and the people who live in the area.
College of Physicians & Surgeons forced to inform public because local media refused to do so
It seems once again 'outsiders' rather than our own media have to come to the rescue here in the Pass in telling us what is going on in our own community. This time by way of the Registrar of the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta in their letter to the editor in this week's Promoter.
Some may recall in earlier posts and comments of mine my and others speaking of this, and knowing as I do that both editors of our local newspapers read this blog 'faithfully' they still chose to sit on this story and then to have someone else spill the beans on our good doctor, rather than having the balls to do it themselves, as cowards and hypocrites are prone to do.
It still amazes me how over the years he and the old boys network were able to bamboozle so many of our local yokels into supporting him, only to have him run our municipality into the ground, despite individuals like myself and grass roots organizations like the Ratepayers clearly demonstrating time after time the folly and foolishness of what was being perpetrated on them by this 'dysfunctional' megalomaniac, who was running ramshod over this community at will.
To this day many of these same people still think he is a 'good guy', while I am considered to be the 'bad guy'? They still don't realize this 'good guy' and his old boys network still have control over this community through their 'new guy', and that nothing has changed... and nothing will. They're still running things and I'm still blackballed. Until that changes, there can be no real change.
You can never underestimate the stupidity of the general public.
Some may recall in earlier posts and comments of mine my and others speaking of this, and knowing as I do that both editors of our local newspapers read this blog 'faithfully' they still chose to sit on this story and then to have someone else spill the beans on our good doctor, rather than having the balls to do it themselves, as cowards and hypocrites are prone to do.
It still amazes me how over the years he and the old boys network were able to bamboozle so many of our local yokels into supporting him, only to have him run our municipality into the ground, despite individuals like myself and grass roots organizations like the Ratepayers clearly demonstrating time after time the folly and foolishness of what was being perpetrated on them by this 'dysfunctional' megalomaniac, who was running ramshod over this community at will.
To this day many of these same people still think he is a 'good guy', while I am considered to be the 'bad guy'? They still don't realize this 'good guy' and his old boys network still have control over this community through their 'new guy', and that nothing has changed... and nothing will. They're still running things and I'm still blackballed. Until that changes, there can be no real change.
You can never underestimate the stupidity of the general public.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
NEWS FLASH! John Prince lacks decorum
According to Brian Gallant's latest blog post (in response to my last post in which I take him to task for arbitrarily refusing to publish my comment on his blog in reply to his 'wishy washy' post on Municipal Advertising), John Prince lacks decorum. Well that's a 'shocking' revelation. :-) By way of contrast, I guess to Brian's way of thinking with his highly developed sense of moral indignation and insufferable self-righteousness, the Pass Herald has to be the epitome of decorum?
One needs only to see the following example Prince our "saviour" arrives in the Crowsnest Pass to see for themselves the type of 'business' Brian is so foolishly defending and supporting, in his zeal to get on good terms (I imagine) with what many in our community consider to be... the 'evil ones'.
The above is just one example of many over the years by this newspaper's 'lack of decorum' on local residents who are newcomers to this community, hold no public office (i.e. are private individuals), but dared to have the audacity to speak their minds and voice their opinions in what they felt was their democratic right and duty, only to be spuriously and viciously attacked for daring to do so. This paper's modus operandi over the years has not changed, and therefore goes to prove my earlier contention that they are a 'pox' on our community and as such are not deserving of being supported with our taxpayer money.
I feel any business that makes it their business, on an on-going basis, to personally attack councillors and especially local residents who disagree with them or their position on local matters, is not deserving of public support. As such, I find it offensive and ridiculous that council would even entertain or contemplate supporting those who actively work against the best interests of this community by constantly creating a climate of fear and intimidation, and by attacking those who have dissenting opinions from their own as exemplified by their editorial against me above.
Brian Gallant needs to wake up and smell the flowers and get off his high horse by doing his homework about this 'business', as it is obvious to me as it probably is to many others in our community that he knows not what he speaks of and does, making one wonder whether he has been living in some sort of bubble the last few years.
In addition, I also wonder if Brian with his superior sense of morality may have bitten off more than he can chew by entering into the world of Crowsnest Pass politics? Considering how dirty it can be, as it has historically been played out here in the Pass, with its lack of decorum, and all.
The problem with people who have no vices is that generally you can be pretty sure they're going to have some pretty annoying virtues.
One needs only to see the following example Prince our "saviour" arrives in the Crowsnest Pass to see for themselves the type of 'business' Brian is so foolishly defending and supporting, in his zeal to get on good terms (I imagine) with what many in our community consider to be... the 'evil ones'.
The above is just one example of many over the years by this newspaper's 'lack of decorum' on local residents who are newcomers to this community, hold no public office (i.e. are private individuals), but dared to have the audacity to speak their minds and voice their opinions in what they felt was their democratic right and duty, only to be spuriously and viciously attacked for daring to do so. This paper's modus operandi over the years has not changed, and therefore goes to prove my earlier contention that they are a 'pox' on our community and as such are not deserving of being supported with our taxpayer money.
I feel any business that makes it their business, on an on-going basis, to personally attack councillors and especially local residents who disagree with them or their position on local matters, is not deserving of public support. As such, I find it offensive and ridiculous that council would even entertain or contemplate supporting those who actively work against the best interests of this community by constantly creating a climate of fear and intimidation, and by attacking those who have dissenting opinions from their own as exemplified by their editorial against me above.
Brian Gallant needs to wake up and smell the flowers and get off his high horse by doing his homework about this 'business', as it is obvious to me as it probably is to many others in our community that he knows not what he speaks of and does, making one wonder whether he has been living in some sort of bubble the last few years.
In addition, I also wonder if Brian with his superior sense of morality may have bitten off more than he can chew by entering into the world of Crowsnest Pass politics? Considering how dirty it can be, as it has historically been played out here in the Pass, with its lack of decorum, and all.
The problem with people who have no vices is that generally you can be pretty sure they're going to have some pretty annoying virtues.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Councillor can't handle the facts... or the truth
One has to wonder where our new councillor Brian Gallant is coming from when he creates a blog and then censors any type of criticisms or points of view different from his own? Why bother having a blog if you are not ready to hear differing points of view? On the other hand this could explain why he has so few comments on his blog? Anyhow, I start to digress. Back to the subject at hand. The following is what I wrote on Saturday morning by way of comment on his Municipal Advertising post that he chose to blatantly censor. Judge for yourself if you think this is fair comment or not...
Or is it because I said the Pass Herald is a 'pox' on our community and as such they should not be supported with our tax dollars (when there is no justifiable reason to do so, other than FEAR of them, that is)? The truth of the matter is this paper does more of a disservice to our community than a service and for all intents and purposes is regarded by countless multitudes in our community as a 'rag' pushing their own political agenda at the expense of our community's well being. Now why would residents want to support an entity that works at cross purposes to what many progressives (including our newly elected council, one would think?) want to see for our community? Their track record has been and continues to be the biggest obstacle to our community moving forward while at the same time making us the laughing stock of Alberta, and in constantly doing so giving us a permanent black eye with respect to how others look at us here.
Now, again, why would a council that is supposedly working in the best interests of our community want to support with our tax dollars (and by way of censoring comments on individual councillor blogs) such an abomination to our community?
How a newly elected official can behave in such a manner as Brian has, baffles me? Trying to justify the unjustifiable while also using a big stick (censorship) to defend the indefensible in order to gain the support and goodwill of those who harm our community on a regular on-going basis, is not what I expected from one many of us had such high hopes for.
He and council should leave well enough alone while also being more tolerant of those who are not afraid to call a spade a spade and in doing so state what many know to be true.
In conclusion, let me say, since Brian ended his post with an old adage here's one back at him from me, "If a thing works well, leave it alone".
Don't ever take a fence down until you know the reason it was put up.
Brian,Did he take exception to my stating he and council are being 'wishy washy' on this issue? Lets talk about that for a minute. The facts are council has put the cart in front of the horse, so to speak, with respect to this matter (which in the long run will now cost taxpayers here more money (in addition to committing to advertising in two papers) at a time when we should be tightening our belts) due to they did not do their homework before stating their position and then going to tender, and as a result both newspapers are now in the drivers seat instead of our municipality. Trying to cover up that fact with a long winded blog post is not going to change that fact, nor is being 'wishy washy' about it either.
I agree with much of what you say (although, you do tend to come across somewhat wishy washy on this issue, as I suspect council as a whole is also) the bottom line is you left out one glaring factual omission. The Pass Herald is a ‘pox’ on this community and for that reason and that reason alone should not be supported with our taxpayer money.
Or is it because I said the Pass Herald is a 'pox' on our community and as such they should not be supported with our tax dollars (when there is no justifiable reason to do so, other than FEAR of them, that is)? The truth of the matter is this paper does more of a disservice to our community than a service and for all intents and purposes is regarded by countless multitudes in our community as a 'rag' pushing their own political agenda at the expense of our community's well being. Now why would residents want to support an entity that works at cross purposes to what many progressives (including our newly elected council, one would think?) want to see for our community? Their track record has been and continues to be the biggest obstacle to our community moving forward while at the same time making us the laughing stock of Alberta, and in constantly doing so giving us a permanent black eye with respect to how others look at us here.
Now, again, why would a council that is supposedly working in the best interests of our community want to support with our tax dollars (and by way of censoring comments on individual councillor blogs) such an abomination to our community?
How a newly elected official can behave in such a manner as Brian has, baffles me? Trying to justify the unjustifiable while also using a big stick (censorship) to defend the indefensible in order to gain the support and goodwill of those who harm our community on a regular on-going basis, is not what I expected from one many of us had such high hopes for.
He and council should leave well enough alone while also being more tolerant of those who are not afraid to call a spade a spade and in doing so state what many know to be true.
In conclusion, let me say, since Brian ended his post with an old adage here's one back at him from me, "If a thing works well, leave it alone".
Don't ever take a fence down until you know the reason it was put up.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Its Friday! Time for some light cheer
Wouldn't it be nice to get a singing reception when you arrive at the airport? No instruments were used in this film!
This sure beats the norm at airports these days with goverment(s) induced fear-mongering, ethnic profiling, body scans and pat-downs, now doesn't it?
H/T to Ken Chapman for bringing it to my attention.
You can cage the bird, but not the song!
This sure beats the norm at airports these days with goverment(s) induced fear-mongering, ethnic profiling, body scans and pat-downs, now doesn't it?
H/T to Ken Chapman for bringing it to my attention.
You can cage the bird, but not the song!
New Frank FasGas upgrade a downer
I am in receipt of the following email exchanges between Tim Grier of Bellevue and the Territory Manager of our newly renovated FasGas Service Station in Frank that I think more locals should be aware of.
Some of you may recall my earlier post from some months back (July) in which I voiced concerns that the price of gas at their station here in the Pass had been fixed at $096.9 for months (we are now in the month of November and the price is still the same. It has not changed!?) and that we were quite possibly being gouged by this corporate company that took over from former owner Suresh earlier this year.
Read for yourself the latest with respect to this company...
_________________________________________________
Dear Valued Customer:
Thank-you for your feedback regarding our newly renovated Fas Gas Plus station in Frank Slide, AB. We take all customer comments very seriously and appreciate you visiting our website to voice your concerns.
We are in the process of reviewing our change in service at this location.
Sincerely,
Karl Morrey Territory Manager
_________________________________________________
To: info FasGas Website
Subject: New Frank upgrade a downer
I have lived in the Crowsnest Pass the past four years and one of the most impressive social attributes upon moving here was the local employment provided by the full-service FasGas station in Frank; the station was a community pride providing work opportunities where there is little economic opportunity. It was this contribution to the community that compelled me to always purchase my fuel there, more so than the discount booklet. I will NOT continue to patronize the renovated station unless full-service is restored both for the traditional local employment opportunity but also for service to the elderly and others who need assistance. Your new station looks great, but aesthetics alone will not compel me to continue my support of this and other FasGas stations.
Sincerely,
Tim Grier
_________________________________________________
Note: I think Tim raises some valid concerns, and one certainly has to question also why it is, since the corporate takeover, the price of gas here in the Pass has been 'fixed' at the same high price (for at least 9 months now), when other gas stations in our region have been selling theirs for less, during this period. What do you think? Are we being gouged and taken advantage of by a corporate bully? Is there collusion among the gas stations in the Pass that the Competition Bureau needs to hear about and investigate into? (To anyone who says there is not collusion occurring in the pricing of gas, I say you've been sniffing too many fumes. There is most certainly something foul in the air when it comes to fuel charges.)
As long as people will accept crap, it will be financially profitable to dispense it.
Some of you may recall my earlier post from some months back (July) in which I voiced concerns that the price of gas at their station here in the Pass had been fixed at $096.9 for months (we are now in the month of November and the price is still the same. It has not changed!?) and that we were quite possibly being gouged by this corporate company that took over from former owner Suresh earlier this year.
Read for yourself the latest with respect to this company...
_________________________________________________
Dear Valued Customer:
Thank-you for your feedback regarding our newly renovated Fas Gas Plus station in Frank Slide, AB. We take all customer comments very seriously and appreciate you visiting our website to voice your concerns.
We are in the process of reviewing our change in service at this location.
Sincerely,
Karl Morrey Territory Manager
_________________________________________________
To: info FasGas Website
Subject: New Frank upgrade a downer
I have lived in the Crowsnest Pass the past four years and one of the most impressive social attributes upon moving here was the local employment provided by the full-service FasGas station in Frank; the station was a community pride providing work opportunities where there is little economic opportunity. It was this contribution to the community that compelled me to always purchase my fuel there, more so than the discount booklet. I will NOT continue to patronize the renovated station unless full-service is restored both for the traditional local employment opportunity but also for service to the elderly and others who need assistance. Your new station looks great, but aesthetics alone will not compel me to continue my support of this and other FasGas stations.
Sincerely,
Tim Grier
_________________________________________________
Note: I think Tim raises some valid concerns, and one certainly has to question also why it is, since the corporate takeover, the price of gas here in the Pass has been 'fixed' at the same high price (for at least 9 months now), when other gas stations in our region have been selling theirs for less, during this period. What do you think? Are we being gouged and taken advantage of by a corporate bully? Is there collusion among the gas stations in the Pass that the Competition Bureau needs to hear about and investigate into? (To anyone who says there is not collusion occurring in the pricing of gas, I say you've been sniffing too many fumes. There is most certainly something foul in the air when it comes to fuel charges.)
As long as people will accept crap, it will be financially profitable to dispense it.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Bridgecreek Legacy: Coal Dust Blowing in the Wind
Read this week's Pass Herald article titled Residents blame Bridgecreek for mess with interest, but wondered why it is being told now and not during or before our recent municipal election? Did the media sit on this story?
It bothers me, as I know it does many others in our community and especially investors, that to date we know little to nothing about the River Run status, in particular, as our elected leaders continue to keep us in the dark on this matter. In fact, I am downright mad that our councils past and present treat the subject as taboo! With so many rumours circulating, including the one that says our community could be on the hook for millions of dollars for the environmental mess created by this company, I find it unconscionable on the part of our elected leaders to not come clean by clearing up the misunderstandings, if in fact they are that, and in doing so setting the record straight.
Based on the number of comments I receive on my blog that deal with Bridgecreek (River Run) it is quite clear there is much interest in this subject, yet we remain in the dark as to any official statements from our elected leaders as to where we're at, what has actually transpired, and where we sit with respect to this matter? We receive 'nothing' in the area of concrete information. This River Run project has become both disturbing and frustrating to all concerned, and in my opinion the lack of communication is the culprit here.
In my previous post I gave kudos to our new Mayor for doing a far better job so far of communicating with the residents here on issues important to them than did his predecessor. With this in mind, he needs to step forward on this issue and continue along that vein by communicating with us by telling us what is going on? The people of the Pass and elsewhere want answers, but we're not getting any and as a result justifiable anger is growing. As demonstrated by our fellow residents in the Herald article above who feel they are innocent victims left on their own with no recourse but to go public with their story of having to deal with coal dust blowing in the wind... and into their yards, and into their homes, and into their lungs, etc.
Residents here should not feel they have no recourse when in fact their elected representatives are suppose to be their recourse, if only they would do their jobs. Although just recently elected this Mayor and council should keep the following quote in mind, as elections come around faster than you might think, and people here have long memories of what you did... and what you didn't do!
If you aren't fired with enthusiasm, you will be fired with enthusiasm.
It bothers me, as I know it does many others in our community and especially investors, that to date we know little to nothing about the River Run status, in particular, as our elected leaders continue to keep us in the dark on this matter. In fact, I am downright mad that our councils past and present treat the subject as taboo! With so many rumours circulating, including the one that says our community could be on the hook for millions of dollars for the environmental mess created by this company, I find it unconscionable on the part of our elected leaders to not come clean by clearing up the misunderstandings, if in fact they are that, and in doing so setting the record straight.
Based on the number of comments I receive on my blog that deal with Bridgecreek (River Run) it is quite clear there is much interest in this subject, yet we remain in the dark as to any official statements from our elected leaders as to where we're at, what has actually transpired, and where we sit with respect to this matter? We receive 'nothing' in the area of concrete information. This River Run project has become both disturbing and frustrating to all concerned, and in my opinion the lack of communication is the culprit here.
In my previous post I gave kudos to our new Mayor for doing a far better job so far of communicating with the residents here on issues important to them than did his predecessor. With this in mind, he needs to step forward on this issue and continue along that vein by communicating with us by telling us what is going on? The people of the Pass and elsewhere want answers, but we're not getting any and as a result justifiable anger is growing. As demonstrated by our fellow residents in the Herald article above who feel they are innocent victims left on their own with no recourse but to go public with their story of having to deal with coal dust blowing in the wind... and into their yards, and into their homes, and into their lungs, etc.
Residents here should not feel they have no recourse when in fact their elected representatives are suppose to be their recourse, if only they would do their jobs. Although just recently elected this Mayor and council should keep the following quote in mind, as elections come around faster than you might think, and people here have long memories of what you did... and what you didn't do!
If you aren't fired with enthusiasm, you will be fired with enthusiasm.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Catching up: random thoughts
My apologies, job searching has gotten in the way of my blogging the last week or so and I have fallen behind with respect to some local news stories. I will summarize my thoughts on some of them below:
Mayor addresses Chamber
To-date, I must say I think our new Mayor is doing an excellent job in communicating to the people in our community by telling us what we already know, but nevertheless need to hear from our leader, that we do have serious shortcomings and economic concerns and challenges that need immediate attention. Unlike his predecessor, he is giving off all the signs of one who is 'in-tune' with his surroundings. This is so 'refreshing'!
He is certainly coming across as a man who wants to get things done and I for one hope he does and wish him the very best in his and councils efforts to turn things around here.
Economic task force struck
As promised the Mayor is putting together an economic task force to "develop recommendations relative to improving the economy of the Municipality of the Crowsnest Pass". No word yet on who will be making up his 'magnificent seven' team but we have been lead to believe they will be local Captains of Industry. If this is the case, one has to wonder why over the years these wizz kids (economic guru's) have not invested in the Pass, themselves? Instead, they are going to make recommendations, only? I for one could have saved everybody some time as far as what we should be investing in but of course I have never been asked, nor have I ever been invited to join any of these illustrious groups of 'made men', such as our local Community Futures, Ad Hoc Committee or now this latest economic think tank that we are calling the Economic Task Force. I guess, if you were a 'made man' but lost it due to circumstances beyond your control, that don't count?
The concentration of wealth, knowledge and wisdom in this community is not being utilized because it is not allowed to be tapped. Instead, we always land up with the same 'chosen few' as our community's representatives, which 'reminds me of manure in the field. When it is in a big pile it makes a bad smell. But when it is distributed everywhere across the field, it makes the soil fertile'. Maybe if our leaders here stopped thinking these people were the be all and end all of everything in the Pass and allowed others (other than the regular and 'ordinary' establishment status quo types) at the table, some progress might actually be made in effectively dealing with our economic woes? Just a thought!
Social Deficit
Have not heard anything from Mayor or council on these matters. I wonder when we will?
Few people can see genius in someone who has offended them.
Mayor addresses Chamber
To-date, I must say I think our new Mayor is doing an excellent job in communicating to the people in our community by telling us what we already know, but nevertheless need to hear from our leader, that we do have serious shortcomings and economic concerns and challenges that need immediate attention. Unlike his predecessor, he is giving off all the signs of one who is 'in-tune' with his surroundings. This is so 'refreshing'!
He is certainly coming across as a man who wants to get things done and I for one hope he does and wish him the very best in his and councils efforts to turn things around here.
Economic task force struck
As promised the Mayor is putting together an economic task force to "develop recommendations relative to improving the economy of the Municipality of the Crowsnest Pass". No word yet on who will be making up his 'magnificent seven' team but we have been lead to believe they will be local Captains of Industry. If this is the case, one has to wonder why over the years these wizz kids (economic guru's) have not invested in the Pass, themselves? Instead, they are going to make recommendations, only? I for one could have saved everybody some time as far as what we should be investing in but of course I have never been asked, nor have I ever been invited to join any of these illustrious groups of 'made men', such as our local Community Futures, Ad Hoc Committee or now this latest economic think tank that we are calling the Economic Task Force. I guess, if you were a 'made man' but lost it due to circumstances beyond your control, that don't count?
The concentration of wealth, knowledge and wisdom in this community is not being utilized because it is not allowed to be tapped. Instead, we always land up with the same 'chosen few' as our community's representatives, which 'reminds me of manure in the field. When it is in a big pile it makes a bad smell. But when it is distributed everywhere across the field, it makes the soil fertile'. Maybe if our leaders here stopped thinking these people were the be all and end all of everything in the Pass and allowed others (other than the regular and 'ordinary' establishment status quo types) at the table, some progress might actually be made in effectively dealing with our economic woes? Just a thought!
Social Deficit
Have not heard anything from Mayor or council on these matters. I wonder when we will?
Few people can see genius in someone who has offended them.
Down and Out in the ‘beautiful’ Crowsnest Pass
Went to the social services office at the Provincial Building today to see about getting some help as my resources have dried up and the future looks dim and bleak with respect to job opportunities here in the Pass, due in large part to the on-going blackballing of my person because of my political beliefs and outspokeness on how this community has been (mis)managed. The solution offered to me was to get out of town. I told the worker there that her solution was the very reason I ran for Mayor in that this community offers no jobs, no support systems and no hope for those facing economic challenges. Our track record of shipping off to other communities and provinces those residents who no longer become 'economically viable' is a blight and pox on this community... but what else is new?
The long established solution to our community's social and economic deficit has always been to ship off its 'undesirables' and thereby relieve longtime residents and the establishment types from both unnecessary tax burdens and having to take responsibility for coming up with soc/econ initiatives to address our shortcomings. Which is pretty much what they did in Europe during the Middle Ages with their 'ship of fools'. A lot of water has gone under the bridge, so to speak, since the Middle Ages but they say the more things change, the more they stay the same. Nevermore so than here in the Pass.
In times of trouble, I have found that Lennon’s ‘Let it Be’ and the following quotes are good reminders to live life in the present, because the past is past and the future is not here yet...
Hopefully, the above acts as words of wisdom and offers some solace to those 1-1/2 million other Canadians like me and my wife who are going through difficult times this winter. Remember: remain focused, be true to yourself, stay in the present, and you will do well.
Below is my wife's contribution to this post (we have a cat that looks just like the one in the picture :-) )
There is always more misery among the lower classes than there is humanity in the higher.
The long established solution to our community's social and economic deficit has always been to ship off its 'undesirables' and thereby relieve longtime residents and the establishment types from both unnecessary tax burdens and having to take responsibility for coming up with soc/econ initiatives to address our shortcomings. Which is pretty much what they did in Europe during the Middle Ages with their 'ship of fools'. A lot of water has gone under the bridge, so to speak, since the Middle Ages but they say the more things change, the more they stay the same. Nevermore so than here in the Pass.
In times of trouble, I have found that Lennon’s ‘Let it Be’ and the following quotes are good reminders to live life in the present, because the past is past and the future is not here yet...
There is no past and no future; no one has ever entered those two imaginary kingdoms. There is only the present. Do not worry about the future, because there is no future. Live in the present and for the present, and if your present is good, then it is good forever.
If you have difficult times, if you suffer from the loss of loved ones or from fears about the future, remember that life exists only in the present and direct all your thoughts and memories to this present. All your anguish about the past and your worries about the future will disappear, and you will feel freedom and happiness.
Hopefully, the above acts as words of wisdom and offers some solace to those 1-1/2 million other Canadians like me and my wife who are going through difficult times this winter. Remember: remain focused, be true to yourself, stay in the present, and you will do well.
Below is my wife's contribution to this post (we have a cat that looks just like the one in the picture :-) )
There is always more misery among the lower classes than there is humanity in the higher.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Another Progressive Calls it Quits on Ottawa
Ken Chapman has an 'excellent' post on his blog that is worth a read by one and all...
... Rabid partisanship and the totalitarian governing style of Prime Minister Harper has convinced him that our democracy is dysfunctional.
... “The morale has sunk to new lows,” he said in an interview Wednesday. “If you want to drive innovation forward Parliament is not the place to do that any more.”
Another Progressive Calls it Quits on Ottawa
The marvel of all history is the patience with which men and women submit to burdens unnecessarily laid upon them by their governments.
... Rabid partisanship and the totalitarian governing style of Prime Minister Harper has convinced him that our democracy is dysfunctional.
... “The morale has sunk to new lows,” he said in an interview Wednesday. “If you want to drive innovation forward Parliament is not the place to do that any more.”
Another Progressive Calls it Quits on Ottawa
The marvel of all history is the patience with which men and women submit to burdens unnecessarily laid upon them by their governments.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Why they hate me so
A comment from a Chamber of Commerce director in my last post got me to thinking how I should once again speak out about this establishment organization that is similar in many respects to our Community Futures organization in that they are predominately made up of 'problem children'. These problem children are of course those Irwinite (noblesse oblige (sic)) types who have successfully managed our social and economic environment to what it is today... a disaster!
These are the same people who over the years have been successful in excluding me from any and all positions of importance (including earning a livelihood) in order to maintain their control and status quo. These are the people who care not about the lower spectrum in our society, only about their own kind. Their own kind of course being the professional and establishment types (many of whom are: teachers, doctors, small business owners, Masons, etc.) and many long time residents of the 4th and 5th generation variety, for the most part, who have a stranglehold on this community. They control all the important econ/soc levers in our community and now with our recent election control the political levers here once again as well, with their 'majority' on council. These are the do nothings and go nowhere people who like things here just the way they are, and their power and control is all consuming.
Remember the Ad Hoc Committee that so many people put their faith and hopes into that when first created ensured that I and members at large were excluded from? What have they achieved? Nothing! Nothing ever gets achieved here because they always deliberately exclude the achievers, or those who can make a difference.
With the above in mind, I now hear that our new Mayor wants to setup yet another business organization (Task Force) similar to the ones above (i.e. Chamber of Commerce, Community Futures, Ad Hoc Committee, etc.) to come up with economic initiatives to save our community from its disastrous ongoing economic slide into the abyss. More committees made up of the same 'old boys club' people, I'm guessing, from the above organizations whose mindset is of the go nowhere do nothing mentality (because we like things just the way they are), instead of those of us with vision, ideas, determination and a social conscience who have been relegated to the sidelines because we are too outspoken... and 'scary'. :-} And heaven forbid, might actually be successful, if given the chance. :-o
One has to ask oneself how can a community ever hope to get ahead when the people in control won't let go? When they continue to exclude people such as myself and work actively in ensuring only their kind are at the table running things. Or are the primary ones only in positions of importance to say yay or nay on important matters that affect the lifeblood of this community?
This community's establishment elite would rather sink than be saved by the likes of me, someone they have grown to hate because I speak the truth about our problems and about who and what these people really are. They are small minded, selfish, greedy, bigots whose years of inbreeding and skulduggery have left their ugly mark on this community that no amount of whitewashing can ever make clean. With this in mind, don't expect an investigation any time soon into the Bridgecreek fiasco. Not with this hand picked Mayor and council that this community's blind, dumb and obedient electorate were corralled into voting for, with the help of the Pass Herald of course.
I say the above because I have given up trying to work with these people in the best interests of this community and no longer harbour any illusions of ever playing an important 'official' role here. Therefore, I am now free to speak and act as I will regarding this wretched community and those in our society I feel are responsible, and who in my opinion are lying, cowardly, hypocrites deserving to be exposed for who and what they really are. It is now my mission in life to fight as an advocate for the poor and downtrodden in our community against the tyranny and exploitation by those who wear sheep's clothing but are no better than wolfs, who continue to feather their nests by feeding on the weak and defenseless in our community while at same time offering little to no succor to those in need, because they feel it is their right as long time residents to do as they please. A community that glorifies gangsterism and practices it still, must be brought to account... and it will be!
I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore! I take no prisoners and ask for no quarter. I'm on a mission from God!!
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.
These are the same people who over the years have been successful in excluding me from any and all positions of importance (including earning a livelihood) in order to maintain their control and status quo. These are the people who care not about the lower spectrum in our society, only about their own kind. Their own kind of course being the professional and establishment types (many of whom are: teachers, doctors, small business owners, Masons, etc.) and many long time residents of the 4th and 5th generation variety, for the most part, who have a stranglehold on this community. They control all the important econ/soc levers in our community and now with our recent election control the political levers here once again as well, with their 'majority' on council. These are the do nothings and go nowhere people who like things here just the way they are, and their power and control is all consuming.
Remember the Ad Hoc Committee that so many people put their faith and hopes into that when first created ensured that I and members at large were excluded from? What have they achieved? Nothing! Nothing ever gets achieved here because they always deliberately exclude the achievers, or those who can make a difference.
With the above in mind, I now hear that our new Mayor wants to setup yet another business organization (Task Force) similar to the ones above (i.e. Chamber of Commerce, Community Futures, Ad Hoc Committee, etc.) to come up with economic initiatives to save our community from its disastrous ongoing economic slide into the abyss. More committees made up of the same 'old boys club' people, I'm guessing, from the above organizations whose mindset is of the go nowhere do nothing mentality (because we like things just the way they are), instead of those of us with vision, ideas, determination and a social conscience who have been relegated to the sidelines because we are too outspoken... and 'scary'. :-} And heaven forbid, might actually be successful, if given the chance. :-o
One has to ask oneself how can a community ever hope to get ahead when the people in control won't let go? When they continue to exclude people such as myself and work actively in ensuring only their kind are at the table running things. Or are the primary ones only in positions of importance to say yay or nay on important matters that affect the lifeblood of this community?
This community's establishment elite would rather sink than be saved by the likes of me, someone they have grown to hate because I speak the truth about our problems and about who and what these people really are. They are small minded, selfish, greedy, bigots whose years of inbreeding and skulduggery have left their ugly mark on this community that no amount of whitewashing can ever make clean. With this in mind, don't expect an investigation any time soon into the Bridgecreek fiasco. Not with this hand picked Mayor and council that this community's blind, dumb and obedient electorate were corralled into voting for, with the help of the Pass Herald of course.
I say the above because I have given up trying to work with these people in the best interests of this community and no longer harbour any illusions of ever playing an important 'official' role here. Therefore, I am now free to speak and act as I will regarding this wretched community and those in our society I feel are responsible, and who in my opinion are lying, cowardly, hypocrites deserving to be exposed for who and what they really are. It is now my mission in life to fight as an advocate for the poor and downtrodden in our community against the tyranny and exploitation by those who wear sheep's clothing but are no better than wolfs, who continue to feather their nests by feeding on the weak and defenseless in our community while at same time offering little to no succor to those in need, because they feel it is their right as long time residents to do as they please. A community that glorifies gangsterism and practices it still, must be brought to account... and it will be!
I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore! I take no prisoners and ask for no quarter. I'm on a mission from God!!
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Post-election reflections
For those coming to my blog looking for my comments with respect to this week's Promoter article Post-election reflections and getting a broken link, you can read what I had to say here Honouring The Democratic Process in the Crowsnest Pass.
Afterwards, if you so choose, come back and read below what else I had to say on this matter.
.....................................................................................
Further to our recent flawed election process here in the Pass I have this to say regarding our one and only All-Candidates Election Forum that was hosted by our local Chamber of Commerce.
To begin with let me ask you this. What other community can you think of holds an election forum for their mayoral candidates in which no debate takes place? With not even an opening speech being allowed? In addition, our forum crowed in 19 council candidates into the mix. Mayoral candidates were given 3 questions (one of mine was on BearSmart?) from the public that had to be answered in 1 minute increments followed by a closing speech of 1-1/2 minutes. That's it! That is what the voters here got by way of engaging their mayoral candidates. I challenge anyone to tell me how it is possible for the electorate to make an informed decision based on such a crowed, restrictive and limited format? To put it bluntly, our one and only election forum was a farce!
Why did the people here settle for this is now the big question on many peoples minds today? Did the organizers plan it this way? Did it serve a certain relatively unknown establishment candidate's interests to not have to reveal himself and thereby be accountable to both the people and his fellow candidates?
The fact the media here said nothing about this sordid mess speaks volumes with respect to their culpability in this matter. But this does not surprise me, given their track record. In fact, their article above ludicrously glorifies our democratic process here. In addition, my fellow mayoral candidate who also lost blindly follows their lead, as do most of the council candidates including the incumbents who ran? Go figure?? (I think most want to be thought of as gracious losers in the hope of currying favourable public opinion and thereby leaving the door open for a possible election try again in the future. In my opinion, common sense and guts have left them, if they had any to begin with, that is? I got news for some of them, especially the incumbents. Experience has thought me, once they brand you and throw you out there is no coming back, in most cases (Choppy being a notable exception in the election before last)). The bottom line is the whole process was flawed and nobody said anything? How sad and truly pathetic!
Anyhow, getting back to our mayoralty race the following quote comes to mind...
"Get all the fools on your side and you can be elected to anything."
In conclusion, let me say, I personally feel robbed that I did not have the chance and opportunity to debate the issues and to put my platform forward and challenge the others to do likewise, and then see who had the best vision, plan and arguments. Who was the better debater? Who showed the most experience and had the most knowledge with respect to the issues and demonstrated the best leadership abilities? None of these questions were answered that night, because none of us were given the opportunity to stand up and be counted.
We were not given this opportunity which is the basic foundation of the democratic process elsewhere in this great country, and in other democratic countries around the world. Why was this? Is it because 'the fix' was in from the get-go and therefore democracy here in the Crowsnest Pass is anything but democratic?
Because of how our election process was handled here in the Pass we landed up with a leader most people still do not know, who just happened to get in by a landslide 'majority'. Now go figure?
It is a great ability to be able to conceal one's ability.
Afterwards, if you so choose, come back and read below what else I had to say on this matter.
.....................................................................................
Further to our recent flawed election process here in the Pass I have this to say regarding our one and only All-Candidates Election Forum that was hosted by our local Chamber of Commerce.
To begin with let me ask you this. What other community can you think of holds an election forum for their mayoral candidates in which no debate takes place? With not even an opening speech being allowed? In addition, our forum crowed in 19 council candidates into the mix. Mayoral candidates were given 3 questions (one of mine was on BearSmart?) from the public that had to be answered in 1 minute increments followed by a closing speech of 1-1/2 minutes. That's it! That is what the voters here got by way of engaging their mayoral candidates. I challenge anyone to tell me how it is possible for the electorate to make an informed decision based on such a crowed, restrictive and limited format? To put it bluntly, our one and only election forum was a farce!
Why did the people here settle for this is now the big question on many peoples minds today? Did the organizers plan it this way? Did it serve a certain relatively unknown establishment candidate's interests to not have to reveal himself and thereby be accountable to both the people and his fellow candidates?
The fact the media here said nothing about this sordid mess speaks volumes with respect to their culpability in this matter. But this does not surprise me, given their track record. In fact, their article above ludicrously glorifies our democratic process here. In addition, my fellow mayoral candidate who also lost blindly follows their lead, as do most of the council candidates including the incumbents who ran? Go figure?? (I think most want to be thought of as gracious losers in the hope of currying favourable public opinion and thereby leaving the door open for a possible election try again in the future. In my opinion, common sense and guts have left them, if they had any to begin with, that is? I got news for some of them, especially the incumbents. Experience has thought me, once they brand you and throw you out there is no coming back, in most cases (Choppy being a notable exception in the election before last)). The bottom line is the whole process was flawed and nobody said anything? How sad and truly pathetic!
Anyhow, getting back to our mayoralty race the following quote comes to mind...
"Get all the fools on your side and you can be elected to anything."
In conclusion, let me say, I personally feel robbed that I did not have the chance and opportunity to debate the issues and to put my platform forward and challenge the others to do likewise, and then see who had the best vision, plan and arguments. Who was the better debater? Who showed the most experience and had the most knowledge with respect to the issues and demonstrated the best leadership abilities? None of these questions were answered that night, because none of us were given the opportunity to stand up and be counted.
We were not given this opportunity which is the basic foundation of the democratic process elsewhere in this great country, and in other democratic countries around the world. Why was this? Is it because 'the fix' was in from the get-go and therefore democracy here in the Crowsnest Pass is anything but democratic?
Because of how our election process was handled here in the Pass we landed up with a leader most people still do not know, who just happened to get in by a landslide 'majority'. Now go figure?
It is a great ability to be able to conceal one's ability.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Council Committee Appointments
I see from going to the municipal website the Council Committee Appointments have been assigned. In this regard, I see several problems or shortcomings with these appointments.
First and foremost is councils obvious inexperience in giving the Mayor total control over the assigning of these appointments (which by the way have all the tell tale signs of having been greatly influenced (if not dictated to) by the former Mayor, in my opinion).
First off, knowing you ideally want your best and most qualified and experienced people in positions where they can do their most on behalf of our community, one has to wonder why Gallant is not sitting on any of the Recreation type boards? And why he is sitting on the Subdivision & Development Appeal Board, considering his on-going confrontation and dispute with one of our biggest local developers in the Pass (Ralph Tiegen)?
Next, is Larry really the best man to be sitting on the Management Negotiating Team? And why is the Mayor there as the second council rep when he is already there as an Ex Officio? Wouldn't Saidon have been the more logical and better choice, or Saje? With respect to Saidon, I think this man by far is the most under utilized considering the potential he has. In my opinion, his talents and abilities are being wasted on most of the boards (Library?) he has been assigned.
With respect to the Ad Hoc Committee, I would have thought you would want your young blood top guns in this most important 'economic' initiative i.e Sage, Saindon and Gallant (who is already there) if you want to really get serious about our economic deficit in this community.
The above are just some of my observations, and of course, these are my personal opinions only.
In addition, I have this to say about the Deputy Mayor position. It has been reported in this week's Herald that Mayor Decoux has been quoted as saying...
“Council is in the habit of deciding the role of deputy mayor on a two-month basis,” said Mayor Decoux, who proposed the schedule.
Most communities councils assign the position of Deputy Mayor for a period of 1-3 years (typically 3 years). The former Mayor arbitrarily came up with the unheard of 2 month schedule, which this Mayor is going along with because obviously it puts more power and control in his hands, instead of spreading it around as it is typically done. It's all about 'control'... isn't it?
In conclusion, I must say I feel things are not changing for the better but that we have more of the same old same old, but with a different face at the top having his strings pulled by another. Just as I said we would prior to the election if things played out as they have. More déjà vu all over again!
Not a very good start at all!
A committee can make a decision that is dumber than any of its members.
First and foremost is councils obvious inexperience in giving the Mayor total control over the assigning of these appointments (which by the way have all the tell tale signs of having been greatly influenced (if not dictated to) by the former Mayor, in my opinion).
First off, knowing you ideally want your best and most qualified and experienced people in positions where they can do their most on behalf of our community, one has to wonder why Gallant is not sitting on any of the Recreation type boards? And why he is sitting on the Subdivision & Development Appeal Board, considering his on-going confrontation and dispute with one of our biggest local developers in the Pass (Ralph Tiegen)?
Next, is Larry really the best man to be sitting on the Management Negotiating Team? And why is the Mayor there as the second council rep when he is already there as an Ex Officio? Wouldn't Saidon have been the more logical and better choice, or Saje? With respect to Saidon, I think this man by far is the most under utilized considering the potential he has. In my opinion, his talents and abilities are being wasted on most of the boards (Library?) he has been assigned.
With respect to the Ad Hoc Committee, I would have thought you would want your young blood top guns in this most important 'economic' initiative i.e Sage, Saindon and Gallant (who is already there) if you want to really get serious about our economic deficit in this community.
The above are just some of my observations, and of course, these are my personal opinions only.
In addition, I have this to say about the Deputy Mayor position. It has been reported in this week's Herald that Mayor Decoux has been quoted as saying...
“Council is in the habit of deciding the role of deputy mayor on a two-month basis,” said Mayor Decoux, who proposed the schedule.
Most communities councils assign the position of Deputy Mayor for a period of 1-3 years (typically 3 years). The former Mayor arbitrarily came up with the unheard of 2 month schedule, which this Mayor is going along with because obviously it puts more power and control in his hands, instead of spreading it around as it is typically done. It's all about 'control'... isn't it?
In conclusion, I must say I feel things are not changing for the better but that we have more of the same old same old, but with a different face at the top having his strings pulled by another. Just as I said we would prior to the election if things played out as they have. More déjà vu all over again!
Not a very good start at all!
A committee can make a decision that is dumber than any of its members.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Search This Blog
