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Saturday, February 11, 2012
"HELP!"
When I was younger, so much younger than today,
I never needed anybody's help in any way.
But now these days are gone, I'm not so self assured,
Now I find I've changed my mind and opened up the doors.
Help me if you can, I'm feeling down
And I do appreciate you being round.
Help me, get my feet back on the ground,
Won't you please, please help me.
Note: The Beatles lyrics above pretty much sum up my feelings today on whether to keep going with this blog or not?
Here I sit on a Saturday morning feeling bone weary and dog tired after another long hard work week, wondering if the time and effort I put into this blog is worth it anymore? Considering at times, from the lack of comments I have been receiving lately on important local matters, whether they are resonating with people, or not?
This week's newspapers have several issues that are worth debating here but why bother if the end result is that I am basically talking to myself? Aside from my regular commentators who I thank and appreciate are the rest of you simply 'peeping toms' afraid of your own shadow, scared you might have your head served to you on a platter, or that word will get out that you visited and commented on 'Prince's' blog that anti-establishment scourge of a fellow who fears no man and bows down to none either, making him an outcast to be avoided at all costs for fear of reprisal or punishment by ones own peers?
"On you it rests whether I quit forever the neighbourhood of man, and lead a harmless life, or become the scourge of your fellow-creatures, and the author of your (establishment's) own speedy ruin."
Today, words are all I have. Sharing them with you is up to you? But I need to know whether anybody is listening?
I read a lot compared to the average North American of the 21st century, and very little compared to the average North American of the 19th. In addition, life's experiences and school of hard knocks have given me what I think is a unique perspective on life in general, and modern society in particular. From what I have read and experienced I can honestly say I do not like what I see and as a result I have tried to do my part in making a difference. For when we study the work of the idealists of yesteryear, and come to know the players on history’s stage, we see ourselves. In seeing ourselves, we are awakened to a sense of purpose to make things right, or at least try. Which is what I have attempted to do time after time, including here on this blog.
I long ago abandoned my ideals for a quiet life. But now I welcome it with open arms, knowing I have done my bit and that maybe it's time to sink into the shadows, and become a man of few words...
The purpose of a fish trap is to catch fish, and when the fish are caught, the trap is forgotten. The purpose of a rabbit snare is to catch rabbits. When the rabbits are caught, the snare is forgotten. The purpose of words is to convey ideas. When the ideas are grasped, the words are forgotten. Where can I find a man who has forgotten words? He is the one I would like to talk to.
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42 comments:
And I thought that was the best way for me to participate, because standing in the crowd and listening is a fantastic education, but its not my nature. I need to be involved. So i did that instead.---Andre Braugher
Keep up the fight John there are very few left that will publicly question councils or government in general for they are afraid of reprisals
John,I can certainly understand your frustration given the current political climate in the CNP. As an outsider, I appreciate the views you present on a wide range of topics. I don't always agree, but you certainly have given me many 'pause for thought' moments. The continuing stench of the BBoys/River Run coverup hangs in the air. The duly elected council can't spend your hard earned money fast enough while dismissing your rights and views on a regular basis. Lastly, maintaining a blog requires a huge block of time. I would definitely miss your blog but given the limited responses of late may I suggest that intimidation is afoot at the local coffee shop. As always, my best to you and Diane and to the good folk of the CNP that have been sold yet another phony scheme. Take care.
could be good
could be bad
that rant and rave of yours is something i follow
my site closed
that hollow rant and rave against the darkness
just another interweb back water .....unread as it were
the web is the way i feel
not much other can bind us
and yet
if there is a path for you
other as it were
blessings
but i will keep reading
until the lights go out
thank you
for the pleasure so far
and if that's it
hey
it's been enough
the forces greater than us
are well........ greater
bit of a bitter pill to swallow
the world will go on
and my contribution just means nothing
either choice you make
works
blessings
and thanks again
at least you respond John...it seems if you ask Saindon or Gallant a tough question, they decide to disappear...a more transparent council?? i think not...oh well, back to the RCMP...see how they're doing with the Bridgecreek case...havea great day John.
Now I know why I watched Help! last night. I'd read this post in the morning. It's one of my fav movies.
I read your posts John. I rarely leave comments though.
John
A few comments from a fellow blogger.
I know sometimes it gets really frustrating with the blogging and the lack of interest via comments on my blog as well.
But there are three things that keep me doing it.
1. I have a great love of politics in general and in particular at the municipal level, this community is where I plan to spend the rest of my days.
2. You have a sitemeter just like I do, mine provides me with a lot of information so has long as people keep visiting my site. Even though they are not commenting I know they are reading the blog (unless they are staring at the screen for an average of 3:26 per visit)
3. If the blogs and what we have to say were irrelevant why would Buddy go to the pain of mentioning blogs almost every week in his editiorial? Maybe he's talking about some other blogs!
Any way John don't give up in my short six years in politics I learnt very quickly that the thing politicians like more than anything is when nobody is paying attention.
Dean Ward
Hi John,
Never feel alone when they consider you an outcast. Here, one of the past Editors of our local rag called me a Mavriock because I refused to go along with a status quo. By the end of our arguement he was moved to another town with the same company that owns all the so called "Community Newspapers" on Vancouver Island and they're all as bad as yours. Not much news but lots of BS.
I don't respond to your blog everyday, I was told, "Mind you own business, you don't live here." But my day is not complete until I read some of your blog. I'm begging you John, don't give up now. We will win and finally control the shysters. I can't explain it any better than Dean Ward. We would be lost without you. We need a person in control. We can't pay you, not because you aren't worth it. We can't pay you because you are priceless.
John I'm very disappointed that your not writing has many blog, I do depend on you for all the information that Mayor & Council are not telling us or the News Paper are saying.
One thing I must say about you John you are blunt,to the point,tell the truth and tell all the facts has you see it.
Keep up the good work and if people don't like it that his to dam bad.
DB
like i said John there are very few who will voice their opinion and attach their name to it. The anon group always claim to support you until you seek their support Believe me i have found out this many times in the union movement as well. Most people dont want to get any mud on themselves and their beliefs change to suit the occasion or the crowd they are with. Dont buy their bull$%&^*
More reason why the Pass needs people like you John to watch our backs and speak out...
Infrastructure commitments kick-start massive Crowsnest Lake Resort project
p.s. Heard on the radio today Mayor Decoux wants to name the Coleman Sports Complex in former Mayor Irwin's name. Will there soon be a dedication for Bill Bradley and Colin Becker as well? Who knows, in this town anything is possible, isn't it?
Stay with us John, we really do need people like you to keep the crooks in this town honest.
anon 4:18
What happened to the $500,000? Maybe our mayor should look into this before he makes a bigger fool of himself than he already has with this 'ludicrous' recommendation? In the meantime, lets play it safe and rename a street after him instead? We can call it Mayor John Irwin Way a.k.a. 'Mugger's Alley'.
Bridgecreek (or I should say, THE RIPPED OFF INVESTORS) have already donated $500,000.00 to the local government for.....WHEREEVER IT WENT???.....and this council is thinking about kicking them again with property tax penalties that is no fault of their own, because their hard earned money that was invested to go towards things like property tax, development, was stolen by hardened criminals....WOW, thats what you call "a lack of humanity" on both parties.
Here's an idea Mr Decoux...fish out that half million dollar cheque (because its obvious it wasn't spent on water and sewer upgrades, maybe Gary Tage or Irwin knows where it is) and put that cheque in their propert tax account "in arrears" on behalf of Becker's and Bradley's VICTIMS!!!
Ya, Mayor Decoux, where's the half mil? i.e. $500,000! When you find it do the right thing and as anon 8:13 says, put it towards the investors property tax arrears.
Well John looks like you have stirred a hornets nest i wonder if all these ANON people concerned about the half million dollars will follow you to the next council meeting to ask. Maybe they want you to do that for them for gods sake grow a set you people.
Peter, I have been threatened by Becker and Bradley before, telling me they would sue for libel, defamation, etc...They are criminals, yet they hide behind our justice system...and we both know how our justice system works Peter. The criminals get away with crime, the little guy gets burned. I cannot afford to lose any more money and Bradley and Becker CAN afford a good lawyer ...using my money,,,what a system.
That is why I remain anonomous. THE CRIMINALS, and the system got the sh!t kicked out of me.
Decoux, do the right thing.
i fully understand your frustration and do feel sorry for the people who got screwed there but should we be asking John to also stick his neck out to where it could be chopped off. Isnt he under the same scrutiny as the rest of us. something to consider
Why not ask these questions about the 500,000$ to Dean ward on his blog.He was on council at the time.Maybe he knows something. Also why not ask these questions on the blogs of current council members, Emile Saindon and Brian Gallant.Why not write letters to council and to the newspapers asking for answers. Why not call all of the current council and demand answers.If you ask the question where did the municapality spend the 500,000$ they received from Bridgecreek, they should be accountable and I do not see how Bradley or Becker could sue anyone for asking a simple question.GL
Hi John,
I believe this is beyond redicule. When you talk about project of this magnitude and you come up with only $500,000 it's like if you want to buy a car that is valued at $15,000 and you come up with $500 for the down payment. Who do you think would accept that, except someone that lives on "Mugger's Alley"? And it looks like no one knows where the down payment disappeared to.
Is this the case?
What a mare for mayor!!! :)
Anonymous 10:08
Why don't you ask those questions yourself? How hard is it? And then you can post the answer on this blog. Why does someone else have to do all the work for you?
Fred, No one has to do the work for me.If it was my money that had been lost I would have demanded answers long ago.I am just making some suggestions to the investors to try and help them get answers to their questions.
Thank you Peter for your words..You are correct, John does stick out his neck by use of his blog to get the truth out there...and for that I will be eternally grateful to him. He has been trying to expose the corruption that has been happening for years now. I really appreciate his help and I look forward to actually meeting him face to face someday. He has helped me for years now through his blog. Unfortunately the threats from Bradley and Becker (not only financial threats) and their clean lawyers have my hands tied..It is probably only words on their part. They are cowards afterall..have they faced the music from investors and Crowsnest townspeople?? No, instead they decided to disappear into the sunset...They are gone. They will be found.
Personally, I am working with the RCMP to get to the bottom of this. There will eventually be a forensic audit done and we will see what happened to the $500,000.00 and the other 40-50 million dollars tht disappeared in thin air..Seems this situation is no smaller than the Earle Jones fiasco. The problem is the relatively small budget within our national police force, especially when it pertains to commercial crime. If this was the United States there would be several people in prison already, for sure Bradley and Becker would be there...it is a slow drawn out process. But it will be uncovered. I would be willing to bet the white collar criminals will say the 500 grand was spent on underground (invisible) constuction...well, better break out the invoices and receipts, construction contracts, procuremnt documents, purchase agreements, and requests for quotations (or maybe the "work" was somehow sole sourced??? stanteck??)...oh the stench..
We has councilors at the time were told that the $500,000 was spent on preliminary engineering for the two sites.
My advice send a letter to the CAO and Mayor asking for a detailed break down of those expenditures.
If they fail or refuse to give it to you file a FOIP request.
If I was you I would demand that information.
Not on this issue, but I am surprised there is not more questions being asked about the amount of money being spent on consultants in the municipality.
Dean Ward
Hi John,
Anonymous 7:40:
I am sorry. After reading your comment, I assumed you live in the Crowsnest Pass and pay taxes there. Then it would be your duty to ask questions like "How come your Council is opperating so 'loosey-goosey'?"
Now I realize you are just making suggestions to the investor as an outsider like me.
My sincerest apologies.
PS
Very hard to read anonymous.
Dean, what's the matter with you asking? Are you not an 'advocate' for the people?
Dean should not have to do it anymore than JP or anyone else for that matter.Dean has told the investors exactly what they need to do, I think that is plenty.I am pretty sure the money is gone but it would still be nice to know if it is documented where it went.
You will find the money is gone and it will be accounted for.
Dean Ward
Dean, please enlighten us, as to the eye nothing got done so how could $500,000 just disappear?... unless this is another in-and-out scheme?
anon 7:32
The onus should not be on investors alone to get to the bottom of this matter. After all it is our community and therefore our money as well. Me thinks, some accountability to our municipality's taxpayers by council and our administration is in order here.
Oh I'm sure the money will be "acounted for"..they are professional crooks afterall. $500,000.00 represents approx 5000 manhours of engineering. That is alot of damn hours for "preliminary design" of a water / sewer arrangement for residential don't you think? wow
As for the 40-50 million dollars of other missing money...I guess the authorities will have to clean up that mess... This is crazy..What a complete and utter disaster. How can 2 people cause so much turmoil for so long? Judgement day will come eventually I suppose.
anon 10:22
It wasn't just two people. Don't forget our illustrious former mayor who the current mayor now wants to name a building after??? :-(
As JP said in a post sometime back "the big thieves hang the little thieves but don't hang each other", now do they?
$100 a hour for an engineering firm you must have had a quote from the 70's
Dean Ward
anon 10:16 You are right.Go ahead and do it yourself.Nothing stopping you.
Even if it is 300/hr that equates to one man working full time for over 40 weeks.That must be quite the report.
11:47
Nor is there anything stopping you either. Is there? So easy to bitch and complain and then pass the buck while doing nothing constructive yourself, isn't it?
I guess we are equals. And just so you know or if you could read I really did not bitch or complain. I was offering simple straight forward advice to those that are the most affected, the investors.
Okay, I can’t stay out of the fray any longer. I think this $500,000 is the smoking gun that ties all the players together. From Irwin and administration to Stantec and of course to the Bridgecreek Boys. Follow the money, and paper trail and then we’ll see what is what and who is who. And I’m betting it ain’t going to be pretty. The big question right now is… who is going to play investigative reporter and do the work necessary to get to the bottom of this matter? Including appearing before council demanding answers to questions we as taxpayers have the right to ask… and expect.
JP
p.s. To all my friends who posted earlier asking me to solider on. I hear you and thank you but am still undecided. Maybe, we’ll see?… In the meantime, I am quite busy these days with work and life commitments so if I do continue on here the quantity of posts might not be quite like they use to be, but hopefully, the quality of what you have come to expect from me will still be there. Thank you all! That means you Peter, Chloe, Fred, Dean, DB and also to you several anonoymous’, including the poet. You’ve given me pause to reflect, along with hope and inspiration that maybe there still is some light at the end of the tunnel (especially now with Robocalling on the table being quite possibly a federal game changer for our country) to change our world for the better. In this regard, we must all do our part. Maybe my part is to give voice and a platform for those of us who still believe a better future for all is still possible.
Mr Ward...I made a couple of phone calls.The
charge out rate for engineering servises at my brother's engineering company is apprrox $100.00 to $120.00 per manhour..and that is in oil and gas, not commercial, where it is even cheaper..
This was a "preliminary design" of a simple water and sewer system....i can't see any more than one engineer and one draftsperson required for that little job...at 5000 manhours that would have kept those two workers busy for a yaer and a half or more...again...wow!! I smell a kickback..
p.s...strange for you to appear to be justifying this crazy expense ...500 grand!!!! WHERE ARE THE DRAWINGS??? WHERE ARE THE DESIGN CALCULATIONS?? Can they be used in the future?? Should we not expect something tangible from the $500,000.00?? or should we just shrug our shoulders and say oh well, its all a loss????????
Hi John,
That's so funny, the bunch of do nothing anonymous' are pulling a tantrum with each other, this is useless because you don't know who they are and you don't know if they mean what they say. Like Mr Dean Ward said, "We were told."
Told is not good enough, you were part of the Council. Mr Ward, you should have known what you were getting for the tax dollars. You knew king Irwin was not to be trusted. This is the result of trusting some of those irresponsible politicians. You ask them for paper and you take those papers to the lab to make sure they aren't fake. You can't take their word, most of them are criminals.
http://www.injusticenorthisland.com/
..and a member sitting on council at the time, Mr Gary Tage, was actually employed by the b@stards, Becker and Bradley..What exactly did he do for Bridgecreek for his paycheck??
In essesnce, he was puttng groceries on his table, going out, maybe taking a vacation or 2....using my hard earned money....my retirement funds and my children's education funds....sickening to my stomach...GARY, WHAT DID YOU DO AS AN EMPLOYEE OF BRIDGECREEK TO BE RENUMERATED WITH MY MONEY!! What was your job description and responsibilities??
Hello Everyone,
When and where are the weekly council meetings held. Are they open to the public?
Thank You.
anon 7:22
http://www.town.crowsnestpass.ab.ca/council
http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/earl-jones/index.html
I don't live in your community, so I don't often comment here. I do however visit about once a week to see what you're going on about most recently. I do that for several reasons. One is the sheer entertainment value of your semi-gonzo style of writing. Another is to have a more complete picture of the issues in your community. Another is, whether I agree or disagree, and I do both from time to time , you certainly leave no doubt as to what your opinion is, and you're not afraid to illustrate it.
I primarily follow you for the same reason I follow an Iranian blogger of interest. You illustrate quite boldly the newfound power of the self published opinion. It's a new sort of freedom, a frontier, and I appreciate your boldness in pursuing it.
I for one hope you continue, because this is one of the most entertaining reads in the region.
Pincher Voice,
'Gonzo Style' is a term I never heard before but according to the definition by Wikipedia, I guess Gonzo journalism is what I'm all about. :-)
Thank you for your honest and frank assessment of why you visit here and what my efforts mean to you. And thanks for taking the time to share and please continue to do so in the future.
Honesty is a rare commodity these days and should be encouraged at every opportunity. Many are afraid to comment here and therefore I treasure those who do, for I know quantity of comments does not always equate to quality. On this post alone, I have been blessed with both quantity and quality with your particular comment being icing on the cake. Again, Pincher Voice, thank you!
JP
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