Ice Cream Sundae

An 11 year-old girl entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of her. "How much is an ice cream sundae"? The little girl asked. "Four dollars," replied the waitress. The little girl pulled her hand out of her pocket and studied the coins she had. "Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" she inquired. By now, more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. "Three dollars" she replied. The little girl again counted her coins. "I'll have the plain ice cream," she said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away. The girl finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress came back, her face took on a new look. As she wiped down the table, there placed neatly beside the empty dish were three quarters, two dimes and one nickel. Believe it or not, this little girl made a hard choice. She couldn't have the sundae because she wanted to have enough money to leave a tip.


The petty economies of the rich are just as amazing as the silly extravagances of the poor.

Post Economic Task Force Report

Now that we have had the seers tell us what we should do, having recently presented their report after studying the entrails of mother goose that we call the Crowsnest, it would be helpful I think to remember the following as we move forward with today's and tomorrows challenges, and rewards.


"It is time to speak your Truth. Create your community, be good to each other. And do not look outside yourself for the leader. There is a river flowing now very fast. It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid. They will try to hold onto the shore. They will feel they are being torn apart and will suffer greatly. Know the river has its own destination. We must let go of the shore, push off into the middle of the river, keep our eyes open and our heads above water. Now, see who is in there with you and celebrate."

- Hopi Elder Prayer


As long as you say there is no hope, then there will be no hope, but if you go and take a stand, then there will be hope.

Friday Night Humour - The Country According to Rednecks

(Click on image to enlarge)


The truth will set you free, but first it will make you sick.

Senate page protester Brigette DePape supports the Canadian Boat to Gaza

The Canadian Boat to Gaza has been endorsed by Brigette DePape, the Senate page who protested the Speech from the Throne earlier this month, making a call for creative civil disobedience to "Stop Harper". Here are Brigette's words of solidarity for the Tahrir.

"To all those on board the Tahrir boat to Gaza: thank you. As you send supplies across the sea, you send the world a message that can no longer be ignored -- that the siege of Gaza must end. And as you set sail to work in solidarity with Palestinians to break this siege, your ship transports hope and possibility. The Harper government is failing us and a nation under occupation. But like the Egyptians of Tahrir Square who started a revolution, you show us where true power lies -- in the hands of the people when they are committed and fearless."

Canadian Boat to Gaza


Comment: Thanks to Liz (my fb friend) for this, showing once again how one little 21 year old is trying to do her part in making a difference in this world. Maybe more of us should try also, hey?

This brave young woman has more balls than most men (women) I know... with the exception, of course, of Gail Sygutek. :-)

UPDATE:
MEDIA ADVISORY - G20 Anniversary Rally to Feature Ex-Parliamentary Page Brigette DePape: Fundamental Freedoms Festival Calls for Independent Public Inquiry


In this life, one does not have to stand tall, but one does have to standup.

Mel Hurtig - The Truth About Canada

Excellent link to a video on how Canada is being screwed and sold out by successive governments over the last 30 years. Sums up pretty much what I have been saying on this blog for some time. Give your eyes and your mind a chance to see for yourselves how you have been lied to by msm and your politicians who for the most part have been nothing more than traitors for selling out our country, while decimating our middle class and reducing our standard of living and dramatically increasing poverty for those on the bottom rung in our society whose ranks are growing daily since we signed on to NAFTA.

As an aside, I still remember during the debates going door to door around my neighbourhood in Vancouver in 1988 warning people that NAFTA would be a disaster for Canadians... which it has proven to be more so than most people today still even realize.

'Edumacate' yourselves...


If anyone deserves the title "Captain Canada" it's Mel Hurtig. He gave us our own encyclopedia and for his entire career he's been fighting the good fight - against foreign takeovers, free trade and what he views as the sellout of our country. At seventy-five, he's still fighting - with a new book called "The Truth About Canada".

http://www.tvo.org/TVO/WebObjects/TVO.woa?videoid%3F24658105001


The Military-Industrial Complex is like "a great vampire squid wrapped around the face of humanity, relentlessly jamming its blood funnel into anything that smells like money.

Economic Task Force Report

Last night the Economic Task Force presented their report to the good people of the Crowsnest. You can view it here...

http://town.crowsnestpass.ab.ca/component/docman/doc_download/1090-final-report-of-the-mayors-task-force-june-20-2011

I'm not going to get into the meat and potatoes of this report because in essence there is nothing new in it that hasn't been said before by me and others over the years, except this time it is being said by the so-called professionals (which in this community carries a lot of weight in that most people here have an ingrained belief that nothing substantive could ever come from one of their own (the great unwashed) but only from the suits (doctors, teachers and their ilk), especially if the former are considered to be outsiders, while the latter are home-grown. Sad, but true.

In this regard, many of the recommendations such as hiring a Tourism Coordinator and converting the Crowsnest Learning Centre into a Hotel, (Casino) Convention Centre are just two examples of written proposals I made while on council at least a dozen years ago, and since, to this community that were rejected by the former mayor and his cronies. In fact, this report is nothing more than a summary report based on a pile of previous reports (studies) and other information that were shelved and left to collect dust by the previous mayor that has now been condensed and compiled into 24 pages and presented ‘a fresh’ as a blue print and 'final report' that this new mayor and council appear willing to act on.

The fact this mayor and council seem willing to act on this report is the only thing new... in my opinion. And that in itself is good news! If it comes to pass, that is?

Time will tell if our new mayor and council bring in some of us ‘progressives’ or continues past practices to shut us out? Despite the rhetoric, will we continue to see those of us who have stood up and fought for change having the door closed in our faces, or will we finally have a seat at the table is the question on my mind, as it is I’m sure on many other peoples minds as well? The days of backroom deals behind closed doors amongst the exclusiveness of the ‘old boy’s network’ have to come to an end if there is any hope of future success.

In my mind, if anything is to come of this report then openness, transparency and inclusiveness must take place which can only happen if all segments of our society are embraced and included as part of the solution.


An idealist is a person who helps other people to be prosperous.

Go Canucks Go!!!

thescottross

The riots in Vancouver are not caused by animals, they're caused by people like me.

I think I was too into the Canucks this season, I say that not because they lost, but because how I lost. I didn't lose a bet with a lot of money on the line, I didn't lose with bad sportsmanship, I lost with my head hung low, with a sad, sad feeling in my gut. I lost like I lost. I lost like it was a personal loss, as if I was a Canuck, as if I went three periods and I let myself down. The people rioting in Vancouver, I don't know how many or to what extent because it's early, but those flipping over cars, lighting fires, and breaking windows, they're not animals, they're people like me, people who don't see it's just a game.

The rioters are wrong for what they've done, but they're not evil, they're not vengeful, they just didn't see what those Canucks' fans watching tv saw, what those Canucks' fans in Rogers Arena did. For as the game ended and a Canucks lost was solidified, the 170,000 fans outside the arena in downtown Vancouver began to turn their backs to the closing moments of the playoffs, they missed something that was bigger than any game, that was bigger than any trophy.

Now I can only imagine what some of those rioters felt, like the loss was a personal defeat, a personal defeat they had no control over, a personal defeat that had become way too personal. But as they bore their knuckles, lit matches, and found rocks, they did not hear what I heard, they did not look up when I looked up. For as Boston celeberated on the ice and our boys sat demoralized in our box, those out on the streets did not hear the rumbling, the movement of Vancouver fans inside our most hallowed building.

While the tv cameras panned our players, recording how sunken were the eyes of the Sedin twins from dehydration, how crushed Kesler's spirit was, and how heavy Luongo's shoulders were from a city resting on them, I was forced to look up. I looked up, because here at this lowest moment, when the game of all games was lost, when I thought a whole season had been for nothing, I looked up to see thousands of Canucks fans inside the arena on their feet, looking down at their defeated heroes chanting, "Go Canucks Go".

Some may say it doesn't matter whether the Canucks won or lost, it's that we made it to the playoffs that we should all be proud of, but I disagree, hockey is about winning or losing. Last night's Game 7 wasn't about getting there, it was about winning or losing, but Game 7 is just that, a game. Hockey is itself about winning or losing, life is what comes after. Life is about standing there after a loss and being proud of your team, of standing there when your team feels worse than you do, and chanting, "Go Canucks Go".

Seeing those fans inside the arena made me realize how wrong I was in putting so much into a game and not enough into my team. I wish those outside the arena had learned the same lesson.


The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.

Dissent. No longer a dirty word in Alberta

Albertans slowly overcoming culture of fear
Published June 9, 2011 by Trevor Scott Howell in News

Trevor Scott Howell

For 40 years, the Progressive Conservatives have ruled Alberta with relative ease, quashing dissent through intimidation, fear and old-fashioned backroom politicking.

Political dissent led to resignations by Premier Ed Stelmach (l)

and former finance minister Ted Morton, says U of C professor.

Opposition, political or otherwise, has, for the most part, been ineffective in countering the Tory’s well-crafted narratives.

Former premier Peter Lougheed divided Albertans into “doers and knockers.” Ralph Klein built upon Lougheed’s mythos, creating the fictional, quintessentially normal Albertan characters known as Martha and Henry.

“Tories were ‘doers’ and ‘knockers’ were opposition people,” veteran political reporter Sheila Pratt told a crowd at a recent forum hosted by the Rocky Mountain Civil Liberties Association (RMCLA). “And you didn’t want to be in the knocker crowd.”

Pratt, along with University of Calgary political science professor Tom Flanagan, and RMCLA members Dan Shapiro and Kelly Ernst, led a discussion about dissent in the province.

Critics, or “knockers,” were cast as communists by the Tory government. Opposition party members were whiners and complainers. The downtrodden were tagged as victims of the week.

The not-so-subtle message: Be a team player, don’t rock the boat and everything will be all right.

“Arguments about how dissent disrupts harmony are often used by those in power to further entrench their power and suppress minority views,” says Shapiro, a director with the RMCLA.

“It’s no coincidence that the explicit policy of the Chinese Communist Party is to promote a harmonious society with themselves at the top and little or no resistance from those at the bottom,” he says.

Countries such as China or Libya exert more “formal” means of squashing dissent by restricting free speech and opposition parties, says Shapiro. “But in Alberta, it’s the informal forms of constraint that we should be most concerned with,” he says. Those “informal forms” include the threat of lost funding and perks to discourage people from speaking out.

Pratt contends the Tory government’s “informal” tactics ultimately created a culture of fear in the province. Sources inside and outside the government increasingly became reluctant to speak on the record, she says. It was by now well known that dissent was not tolerated. The “fear factor” was weaving itself into the fabric of the province.

“You wonder if it’s a deliberate tactic to silence critics, or is it just the natural evolution of a party that’s run the province for so many years?” says Pratt.

Even average Albertans — Marthas and Henrys if you will — attending political events hosted by emerging political parties, such as the Wildrose Alliance and the Alberta Party, have been fearful of having their names in print, says Pratt.

“If people are that afraid, a new party could never take hold here,” she says. “Then I thought, ‘Maybe that’s the point.’”

In fact, that is the point, or rather the result, of Alberta’s “peculiar pattern of one-party dominance,” which ultimately leads to “unattractive features,” says Flanagan.

“A party in that position tends to become complacent, and more than that it can become mean, vindictive and secretive, engage in a lot of nepotism and patronage, and can be intimidating,” he says. Though none of this should come as a surprise to anyone, he adds. “That’s what politicians do,” he says. “They are by nature mean, vindictive and given to patronage and intimidation when they get into power.”

But cracks are now showing in the Tory fortress. The Conservative party backtracked on its oil and gas royalty framework after outcry from the petroleum industry, the Tories’ prime benefactor.

Frustrated Tory MLAs, such as Rob Anderson and Heather Forsyth, jumped ship to the surging Wildrose Alliance, which has been sucking support from the Tories and now, according to polls, is within striking distance of the government.

Then along came Dr. Raj Sherman. Last year, Sherman, then a Tory MLA, openly criticized the government’s handling of the emergency room crisis in the province. Sherman’s Tory colleagues, in turn, openly questioned his mental stability before finally booting the dissident surgeon from caucus.

The Tories’ whisper campaign against Sherman began to take hold among some of the public and media. But soon the narrative began to crumble as former and current Alberta medical professionals emerged with similar concerns about Alberta’s health care system and tales of government threats and intimidation.

Meanwhile, in rural areas, the Wildrose Alliance, with the aid of a well-spoken lawyer, effectively capitalized on landowners’ fears about several land-use bills introduced by the government. Tory MLAs and cabinet ministers now face angry, booing crowds in what once was the Conservative motherland.

It all became too much for the Tories to handle. A whisper campaign of a different kind emerged: The caucus was ready to revolt against its controversy-prone leader, Premier Ed Stelmach.

Ted Morton, a die-hard fiscal conservative, resigned as finance minister rather than introduce yet another deficit budget. It was only then that Stelmach announced his resignation.

All this has happened for one reason, says Flanagan. “They are afraid of the Wildrose party,” he says. “You have to make politicians afraid of you and to do that you have to create an effective opposition that challenges them.”

Now with four opposition parties continually hammering away at the Tories — sometimes in unison — dissension may be in vogue. Even amongst the Marthas and Henrys.

“Look where we are today... this isn’t going to stick,” says Pratt. “We have four opposition parties out there today. We have a number of MLAs who left the Tory party and have gone to other parties. Maybe things are changing.”


The driving force in society is not love but fear.

In a society where most of the population is politically disengaged, speaking truth to power is something to be admired

The Mark
by Laura Kaminker

The barrage of criticism being heaped on former Canadian Senate page Brigette DePape's lone act of civil disobedience comes as no surprise, nor does the vehemence of some of the attacks. Naysayers’ statements range from the garden variety – "I agree with her statement, but she broke the rules and disrespected Parliament" – to the hyperbolic insinuation that her act bordered on terrorism. I have no wish to refute such histrionics. I simply want to try to articulate how I feel about DePape's actions, and why.

This sight filled me with joy, and with hope. I was incredibly moved by the spectacle of a young woman urging us into resistance amid the pomp and circumstance of the Speech from the Throne. The contrast between the institution of government – slow moving, conservative, designed to concentrate power in the hands of a professional political class – and the democracy of the people was extremely powerful. Imagine the courage this act required, and the poise.

Like much civil disobedience, DePape's action was symbolic, yet it immediately produced tangible results: The whole country – and, indeed, much of the world – was talking about it. My friends attending the International Peace Conference in Cairo, Egypt, said that Egyptians were cheering for DePape. And Canadians are now discussing if protest matters, why protest matters, and what should be done.

I've read that DePape's actions were not heroic because she didn't risk her life, or even risk arrest. Perhaps in some societies standing in the house of government holding a protest sign would not be a big deal. But in the Canadian context, DePape's actions stand out for their clarity and unique visibility.

DePape knowingly took an action that would cause her to lose her job, and that would place her at the centre of a media whirlwind, in order to make a statement. She used her position to give voice to the feelings of so many Canadians, and to put our agenda on a national and international stage in a way that no lawful protest could ever do.

By my observations, most Canadians are afraid to speak up, and many find the very act of speaking up distasteful. A common sentiment is that public protesters are objects of ridicule and disgust, and that they need to be controlled. Order is valued above all, at almost any cost.

Such attitudes do not create a climate in which a healthy democracy can flourish. They do, however, make it easy for elected officials to get away with nearly anything, from shutting down Parliament to avoid disclosing complicity in massive human-rights violations and possible war crimes, to allowing a Canadian teenager to grow up in a concentration camp.

As Canadians, freedom of political expression is supposed to be our right, yet we have seen with our own eyes how legal, peaceful protest is often met with brutality and mass arrests. Violent provocateurs are used as an excuse to discredit protest, criminalize dissent, and strip us of our basic civil liberties. For the last decade or so, police forces and governments on every level (municipal, provincial, and RCMP) have carefully managed public protest and kept it in pens, or “free-speech zones,” with security used as an excuse. Furthermore, corporate media minimize protest, and often portray protesters as loopy fringe elements, or focus on one violent protester out of thousands of peaceful ones. One of the commonly heard arguments against DePape's actions was, "Protest is fine, in the proper time and place," to which many activists sarcastically added, " ... when no one will see or hear you."

We live in a society where the majority of the population is complacent, apathetic, and politically disengaged. Around 40 per cent of eligible voters don't bother to vote, and too many who do seem to believe that voting, in itself, is sufficient democratic engagement. In that context, DePape's actions were heroic. In a society where people are even afraid to ask their employer for a raise, DePape stood up – alone – and spoke truth to power. She knew her protest would have grave consequences, but she did it anyway, and in an elegant and peaceful way.

DePape's bold actions affirm that merely acting, as expected, through institutional channels such as city councils, provincial parliaments, and the House of Commons is insufficient. We can be well-behaved, quiet children and meekly ask our elders in Parliament, "Please, sir, can I have some more?" Or we can remember that Parliament is supposed to represent us, not dictate to us.

Calling a country a democracy does not make it so. In a healthy democracy, great masses of votes are not wiped out when voters happen to be the minority voice in their geographic location. In a healthy democracy, people are not afraid to protest. In a healthy democracy, people do not express horror and anguish at the sight of a young woman holding a sign.

Below is the statement that DePape released on the day of her protest. I fully agree with her, and I pledge to do what I can to support the same goals.

Harper's agenda is disastrous for this country, and for my generation. We have to stop him from wasting billions on fighter jets, military bases, and corporate tax cuts while cutting social programs and destroying the climate. Most people in this country know what we need are green jobs, better medicare, and a healthy environment for future generations.

Contrary to Harper's rhetoric, Conservative values are not, in fact, Canadian values. How could they be, when three out of four eligible voters didn't even give their support to the Conservatives? But we will only be able to stop Harper's agenda if people of all ages, and from all walks of life, engage in creative actions and civil disobedience.

This country needs a Canadian version of an Arab Spring, a flowering of popular movements that demonstrate that real power to change things lies not with Harper, but in the hands of the people, when we act together in our streets, neighbourhoods, and workplaces.


With realization of one's own potential and self confidence in one's ability, one can build a better world.

John's Rules

Following in the steps of Dean Ward's Rules I think it’s time to lay down some ground rules here too.

In addition to what Dean said so well above (which applies here also), I would just add the following three points:

First, if you don’t agree with my opinions and stands on issues you don’t have to be insulting, it’s a free world (so they Love saying) go get lost in it... and leave us alone. I’m not interested in childish and immature BS games... go to the comments section of msm outlets for that. Now on the other hand, if you have an argument you want to make based on something more than baseless convictions or biases unsupported by any type of logic and reason as a bare minimum, then lets get it on! :-) I do have an open mind, knowing as I do that "men of fixed convictions do not count when it comes to determining what is fundamental in values and lack of values. Men of convictions are prisoners", and therefore I always try to remember that the best thing for a man to do is to hold all of his beliefs lightly and to reject them whenever they begin to appear as errors.

Second, I believe our municipality and province’s 'status quo' is in desperate need of change, for reasons best summarized here Dissent. No longer a dirty word. Federally, I think most people know where I stand STOP HARPER! (btw, this one area is *not* open to debate – don’t even go there! This blog is a 'Harper Free Zone', please respect that)

Third, I’m just a guy with opinions who recognizes that “few people are capable of expressing with equanimity opinions which differ from the prejudices of their social environment. Most people are even incapable of forming such opinions”. So being ‘red in a sea of blue’ here in Alberta, statistically I will 77.6% of the time have views 'different' from yours, if you are an Albertan. I recognize that and so should you, by remembering the rules above.

Amnesty is hereby granted to all past transgressors to the above rules. The slate is wiped clean, and hence a new beginning for those who would like a fresh start here.

Thank you,

John Prince


The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right place but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.

Last night's muncipal council meeting

At the invite of Councillor Brian Gallant I attended last night's council meeting at municipal hall here in the Crowsnest for the first time since the last election. Aside from the fact Brian totally ignored me by not acknowledging my presence, never mind failing to welcome me for taking him up on his personal invite, the following were my observations of that meeting.

Upon entering the building I went to the washroom and was followed in shortly after by Mayor Bruce Decoux who I shared a few friendly and pleasant words with while we did our business. Afterwards, while walking down the hall towards council chambers I passed Councillor Gallant who snubbed me? When entering the chambers I sat myself down between two fellow residents I know quite well who were there for the Bellevue Library issue, who when this issue came up could not believe how council handled this matter in that no one on council said anything except for the mayor who simply acknowledged receipt of the letter informing them of the closure, stated council had little influence with respect to this matter and then dropped it like a hot potato. Not even the council rep on this board (who ever that is?) said a word with respect to this matter?

One of the things I found both intriguing and disturbing at the same time was how this council seemed so uptight like a man and wife can be at times when unexpected company arrives just after they were having an argument. I got no sense whatever of camaraderie amongst them. A stiff forced civility is what I saw, totally lacking in warmth and friendliness.

The Mayor who I have only spoken to a couple times but who nevertheless I feel is a good and decent man ran the meeting in a soft-spoken, professional and competent manner but seemed uncomfortable and at times unsure of himself in his role. The others likewise, seemed nervous and uneasy doing their job which after being in it for 6-7 months now, you wouldn't think that would be the case.

Maybe all this unease and uncomfortableness was because of my presence. :-) Or maybe it was because the gang of four (the infamous four horsemen) were in attendance, as I understand they are at most council meetings since losing to those who now fill their seats at council chambers?

Imagine the scene if you can of four former seasoned and experienced councillors sitting in council chambers meeting after meeting scrutinizing with a fine toothcomb the work of newbies on council. I personally have never heard of this happening before?

In any event, as the meeting progressed one glaring observation of mine was how little debate and discussion there was. In fact, there was absolutely none when it came to passing Bylaws of which there was 10 dealt with under that section that evening. Not one word amongst any of them? Of course, this suggests council business is being done elsewhere and not in council chambers in front of the people they were elected to represent, as it is suppose to be done?

When it came to 'other business' there was some discussion (luke warm at best) with the highlight of the evening being for me when they discussed Rescinding the Endorsement Policy which is the one the last council brought in in response to former Mayor John Irwin taking it upon himself (without council's blessing and with disastrous results for both investors and this community) in publicly endorsing the Bridgecreek (River Run) developments. Instead of waiting until the new policy was brought forward as Councillor Gallant so wisely adviced and which is standard procedure, council voted instead to immediately rescind this Bylaw?

One other matter that was dealt with at this time under 'other business' that I felt was noteworthy was the notice of motion on public transportation, which because I became distracted I was unable to follow what the end result was on this matter and will therefore leave it up to the media and or Dean to give us the full details.

Another noteworthy comment I will share with you here was a comment made to me by a member of the public who frequents these council meetings on a regular basis saying this council has difficulty in making decisions. That was pretty apparent to me as well having only attended this one meeting. What's going to happen I wonder when the Economic Task Force Report gets handed down on June 20th. Will it take months, or even years, if ever, for those recommendations to be acted on and followed through?

All in all I must say I found this meeting to be boring but at the same time I did learn a lot about this council and the former members of the last council who were in attendance at this meeting. What I learned is this community is still divided and at risk of going nowhere again, unless a bridge (catalyst) can be found to bring us all together. I still feel I was that catalyst but Irwin, the Syguteks, and the Pass Herald thought differently and therefore the shepple here in this community now has what it has, which I'm sorry to say is not very much from what I saw last night.


The price one pays for pursuing any profession or calling is an intimate knowledge of its ugly side.

STOP HARPER!

UPDATE: Brigette DePape Speaks at Anti Harper Rally in Ottawa June 10 2011




Join the Canadian Revolution


Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.

‘Stop Harper’ placard gets Senate page turfed from Throne Speech

By Judy Rebick Brigette Marcelle

Senate page explains her brave Stop Harper protest on floor of Senate today

In an unprecedented protest Parliament page Brigette Marcelle (aka Brigette DePape) holds up a "Stop Harper" sign during the throne speech. Below is her explanation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, June 3, 2011

Senate Page disrupts throne speech Harper's disastrous agenda needs to be stopped with creative action and civil disobedience

Ottawa -- During the reading of Prime Minister Stephen Harper's throne speech today, a young page was yanked from the Senate Chamber as she tried to hold up a stop-sign placard reading "Stop Harper."

"Harper's agenda is disastrous for this country and for my generation," Brigette Marcelle says. "We have to stop him from wasting billions on fighter jets, military bases, and corporate tax cuts while cutting social programs and destroying the climate. Most people in this country know what we need are green jobs, better medicare, and a healthy environment for future generations."

Brigette Marcelle (aka Brigette DePape), 21 and a recent graduate from University of Ottawa, has been a page in the Senate for a year, but realized that working within parliament wouldn't stop Harper's agenda.

"Contrary to Harper's rhetoric, Conservative values are not in fact Canadian values. How could they be when 3 out of 4 eligible voters didn't even give their support to the Conservatives? But we will only be able to stop Harper's agenda if people of all ages and from all walks of life engage in creative actions and civil disobediance," she says.

"This country needs a Canadian version of an Arab Spring, a flowering of popular movements that demonstrate that real power to change things lies not with Harper but in the hands of the people, when we act together in our streets, neighbourhoods and workplaces."

A New Hope? The Future is Not Lost


Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.

What's in a contract you can't see, but must pay for

Upon hiring our soon to be former CAO Tully Clifford, Clearlake City Council made the details of his contract public information, as one can see for themselves here...

Clearlake City Council appoints new city administrator

Details such as...

Clifford's three-year contract includes an annual salary of $120,000 the first year, with 3- and 5-percent raises in the second and third years, respectively, Luiz said. The contract also will give Clifford a $10,000 relocation allowance and a 12-week severance package, according to Luiz.

Now this begs the question, why are we here in the Crowsnest kept ignorant about these matters by our former and present council? Surely there was some sort of contract and this contract must of been for a minimum of at least one year, and therefore with at least 6 months to go Tully has clearly broken it.

With the States and Canada having pretty much similar laws with respect to these matters the answer can only be that our current and former councils just think they can treat us like mushrooms by keeping us 'ignorant masses' in the dark and feeding us BS, because they think, feel and know based on past experiences that they can get away with treating us in this manner. Obviously, they are not fearful enough of being held to account by an overly complacent media and public (I can remember not to many years ago when we hired a Rec Director who left us after only being here a few months and what an uproar that caused in both the media and public. Yet a CAO is now doing the same thing and nothing, not even a murmur of discontent and outrage? Makes one wonder are the masses here only driven to rise up and speak out when a certain print media outlet tells them to, and if they are not told to they stay quiet? If so, then people here really are sheep deserving of nothing but contempt for being blind fools and tools of self-serving interests).

If people expect council to be prudent with their money then they have to start asking questions and demanding answers, only then will we have a council that is both transparent and accountable.

They can start by demanding answers to the details of Tully's contract. Without, as Councillor Gallant's simplistic and evasive solution with respect to these matters seems to be, forcing residents to have to resort to unnecessary expense and inconvenience in having to go through FOIP to find out how their money is being spent. Clearlake City Council voluntarily shared this information with its residents, why does the Municipality of Crowsnest not do likewise?

What are the details of his contract and what if any penalties has Tully incurred with his quitting, and leaving this municipality in the lurch?


He who will not reason is a bigot; he who cannot is a fool; and he who dares not is a slave.