Venison Tickle

More Polling Foolery

2011-10-06T06:50:00.000-07:00

Ok, so yesterday the Telegram said that the results were
NDP23% and Liberals 9%

Now today they're claiming
NDP18% and Liberals 12%

Read the story here...

I'll tell you one thing I expect: 2 NDP seats, and their placing second in about 12 ridings. Second place does not win in our electoral system.

I'm also expecting about 12 Liberals. Because they will come from rural, west-coast and Labrador ridings that don't count in MQO and CRA polls. Just like these rural west-coast and Labrador ridings don't count in the current alliteration of the once beloved party of Brian Peckford.

Opinions will vary!

Polling and other fairytales...

2011-10-05T15:56:00.000-07:00

The Telegram ran this news story...

Newfoundland Liberals distant third, Tories leading over NDP in Environics poll

A new opinion poll has found that the Newfoundland and Labrador Tories hold a strong lead over their rivals while the Opposition Liberals are in last place among those surveyed.

Thirty-eight per cent of respondents backed the incumbent Progressive Conservatives, compared to 23 per cent for the NDP and nine per cent for the Liberals.

Thirty per cent were undecided.

The online poll was conducted by Environics Research Group and provided exclusively to The Canadian Press.

Unlike traditional telephone polling, in which respondents are randomly selected, the Environics survey was conducted online from Sept. 29 to Oct. 4 among 708 people.

The respondents were chosen from a larger pool of people who were recruited and compensated for participating.
and get this!!
The non-random nature of online polling makes it impossible to determine the statistical accuracy of how the poll reflects the opinions of the general population.

The provincial election is Tuesday.

I had to respond.

Dear Editorial team (in reply to what 'Harvey' has written),
The bigger question here, is why is this news? If it is unscientific, unverifiable, unreliable then why is it news? I don't think of it as news, I believe it's fiction.

So then, why is the Telegram making news out of it? It hasn't appeared in other online news sources... why s the Tely giving it any space?

Unless there's another agenda here at work. Is it pandering to an audience, per chance? If so, who is the audience and does it read the Telegram on the 8th floor of a certain building?

Curiously yours,
Ward Pike

This Thursday, help make history

2011-09-04T18:39:00.000-07:00

I am running for the Liberal Candidacy for the district of Virginia Waters.

We don't have an effective or even present MHA here. We desperately need one.

Let me quote Peter Whittle for a moment...

Just a reminder, Virginia Waters MHA, Kathy Dunderdale allowed this mess to be inflicted on us despite recommendations to close the aging dump. Did I mention, she allowed this without as much as a single consultation with her constituents, who bear the loss of quality of life the most!

I'll say this much, as an MHA, she stinks. Perhaps, she will notice what we are forced to live with when she knocks on doors over the next month looking for votes.

Peter is referring to the stench we endure in this district thanks to Kathy Dunderdale, Premier and MHA extraordinaire!!! (end sarcasm)

And my reply...

Peter, you summed it up perfectly. This is the WHOLE reason I am vying for the nomination as candidate for the Liberals for The VW (Virginia Waters).

KD is a disgrace as an MHA. Totally disconnected and useless. I was out walking with my youngest today on the trails in the VW and met quite a few friends and long-time acquaintances. Not ONE knew that Kathy Dunderdale was their MHA, and that is disgraceful.

It's time for change.

Here's the info from the NL LIberal party:
Details of the Virginia Waters nomination meeting are as follows:

Thursday, September 8, 2011
4pm – 8pm
Salon F (lower level, wheelchair accessible), Holiday Inn, Portugal Cove Road, St. John’s

All persons who reside in the District of Virginia Waters, ages 14 years and older, are eligible to vote.

NOTE: Voters MUST provide photo identification.

Please come out and cast a ballot my way. Let's make history!

Announcement coming soon...

2011-08-23T18:23:00.000-07:00

I wish to announce that there will be an announcement coming very very soon! Please stay tuned.

On a side note, barely anyone in Virginia Waters knows who their MHA is or has been for the last 8 years. I hope that changes soon.

Stay tuned, parte deux...

2011-08-23T15:07:00.001-07:00

Your humble blogster has collected over 25 names and signatures and filled out forms...

Jack Layton passes away...

2011-08-22T13:26:00.001-07:00

Bob Rae

Stay Tuned...

2011-08-19T14:21:00.000-07:00

There may be news coming which will change the course of my blogging and commenting future... rumors are rampant about my taking a role in the upcoming Newfoundland and Labrador election, and they are not without merit.

There is an awful lot of smoke, and there is a tiny amount of fire...perhaps a flanker, a cinder or two.

The latest Blogisode from the Blogosphere, brought to you by the blockheads...

2011-08-15T14:42:00.000-07:00

Ok, I mean the NDP. When I was a little kid, a friend of mine and I would sit on a hill in Stephenville, just a mile away from where Kevin Aylward lived, and discuss political parties.

We were children of 6 years old, and did not much care for politics and so had names for each of them. The Lie-berals couldn't tell the truth... the Probably Can'ts because they didn't seem to get elected, and the NDP? We called them the National Dirty Pigs. LOL . . . I kid thee not, remember we were 6 year old children.

However, lately I've been noticing something in the NDP that I find most alarming - they are becoming the Liberal party of the past, at its worst. There was a time when the Liberals would stand for nothing and would take anyone who came along, they cared not for principles nor policies... they didn't care about much really, they would take all comers. Today's NL Liberal party is very different to this however...

This is starting to sound like the NDP, as if they are this kind of party and always have been. I guess it kind of rots me when I hear how wonderful certain moves are that bug the crap out of me such as the crass campaigning at Regatta. But it really starts to get questionable when I see Kurtis Coombs running for the NDP in Mt Pearl North... I mean seriously? Didn't the 19 year old almost-successful mayor of Paradise recently (as in just now, moments ago) run for the PC nod in nearby Topsail? Or was that somewhere in Paradise? It's all so confusing!

Speaking of which, take a look at the NDP slate... the source of the pride and braggadocio espoused in recent calls for a minority PC gov in NL. (I mean come on, calling for a minority government? Are you really that defeatist? Doesn't sound like the guy I once hired to run a newspaper I once owned)

It's a curious lot, to put it mildly. Will Craig Westcott take a place amongst them and run for the NDP on the southern shore or in the CBS general area? Who knows!! But he's free now as he takes his early departure from the Liberal party of Newfoundland and Labrador. A party with the best leader out there...

Where are the leaders? Well, Kevin Aylward is the latest official leader, and the only one with true grit and substance, at the moment.

New Leaders will have their hands full

2011-08-13T09:31:00.000-07:00

Always such a load of crap when it comes to Quebec. Reminds me of the constant disagreement and bickering in St. John's between leaderships of the various parties involved in the body politic.

Read this:
Quebec's Brave New Frontier, in French

Ok, what the heck... being functionally bilingual, I can translate from the second language of some of my 1st nations' ancestors:

From Pierre Arcand, the Qc Minister for Environment, sustainable development and parks (and yes, I'm rolling my eyes also)

The Charest government launches public consultation on environmental conservation and biodiversity for 50% of the territory covered by the "Northern Plan" by 2035.

Friday, at St. Helena, Environment Minister Pierre Arcand unveiled the consultation framework that will serve to introduce a bill to that effect. For this exercise, the government says it wants to allow everyone to express their views on the proposals submitted. (fantastic, I'll come straight round)

Eventually, an area of 600,000 square km (hectares, anyone?) should be protected in Northern Quebec. They'll have 12% of the territory protected by 2015, and there will be 5% more by 2020. (amazing 17% of the actual area will be protected in 9 years from now... at that rate it will all be protected by 2093 and not 2035)

Citizens and organizations can make their comments by October 12 by sending a paper or commenting on the ministry's website. They will also hold five public meetings to be held in the following areas:

North Shore (glad to be included)
Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean (what's that, the south of the North?)
Northern Quebec (isn't this what it's supposed to be about?)
Quebec (of course, wouldn't want to have to trouble those fat-arsed bureaucrats with leaving the comfort of their own digs and the bars along broadway)
Montreal (Wouldn't wish to cause discomfort to the empty suits that are actually in control here)

After consultation, the law will be submitted to the National Assembly. (that's what it says: LAW not proposal)

At the unveiling of its ambitious development program for Northern Quebec, the government was committed to ensuring the protection of the environment, noting that half of the area concerned would be used for purposes other than industrial. (so in other words, they plan on destroying 1/2 the wilderness and traditional hunting, trapping, fishing grounds of Northern Quebec...and that'll probably be like a cancer that destroys 1/2 of what's left and 12 of what's left of Labrador too)

According to Quebec Gov, the Northern Plan will generate and consolidate some 20,000 jobs on average per year, about 500,000 jobs over 25 years. There is more to allow the Quebec government to reap revenues of $ 14 billion.

Yes, you read that right! Another $14Billion for the Province of Quebec currently taking mass welfare from the Canadian Government whilst Newfoundland and Labrador has contributed over $35Billion to the Canadian government.... sustaining these megolithic welfare basket cases like Quebec who seems to have no end of sources of resources... especially if they belong to someone else.

Are they COMPLETELY insane?

2011-08-10T03:53:00.000-07:00
What a whack-job of a land we live in when "animal rights" tie up the court system and seem to take priority over human rights. I mean seriously people, they are CATS. And like all other animals they have young - not babies. And they are not people. They are not persons. They do not have personalities. They do not have human rights. True, someone maliciously hurting pets has obvious mental issues... but then it's a matter of dealing with the individual in a productive manner. Not a criminal trial.

This is a slippery slope. According to the VEGAN nutcases out there, I am a cruel animal rights abuser BECAUSE I EAT MEAT, EGGS and WEAR LEATHER!! You must remember, the same fringe element of society that has pushed us over the edge of insanity and past the age of reason are the ones who "fight for animal rights" would end our seal hunt.

THESE TWITS WOULD EVEN BAN FISHING!!!! It says so in their own literature. I have a copy of it here!

Now, in that context, read this story and notice the CBC is not allowing comments.

Cats' Abuse Trial

Who will LEAD us?

2011-08-08T21:47:00.000-07:00
A few important notes caught my attention these past 24 hours...

My very good friend Peter Whittle has been telling us for over a month now that Yvonne Jones was going to resign as leader of the Liberal party... well, leastwise he thoght it was likely. And despite all the denials, sure enough... he was right.
Yvonne Jones steps "aside" is the headline on VOCM, Telegram and the Canadian Brainwashing Corpse's sites... you guess it sounds nicer than saying she steps down or resigns? I guess along with you that you are correct and she has certainly garnered enough goodwill and respect in handling the toughest political job in NL history. AND fighting breast cancer whilst doing it too. Not for the weak or faint amongst us. I'm surprised she held on as long as she did and she is to be commended now.

But this begs the question... who is the next NLLP leader? Dean MacDonald? He's made it clear he's not quite ready for the job YET, so then the speculation turns to Lawyer Bern Coffey. He could very well be the nicest guy in the world and a smart feller too, but I can't help but roll my eyes and sigh loudly and then mutter under my breath
for God's sake! Not ANOTHER lawyer!!

Do you know what I mean? Clyde Wells, Danny Williams, half the cabinets from Joey Smallwood onwards. Actually, back farther than that. Why are there so many lawyers in politics, in government?? What about the rest of us in other professions? Don;'t we have just as much right to the chair?

It seems to be that the greatest accomplishments in the world are by under-educated self-made men and women. The entrepreneurs amongst us. Those who scrimp and save to get enough money together to start a small business and then sacrifice and put in every waking moment they can to make certain their business succeeds. That's what I'd rather have at the helm of any political party or government.

But the quest for real leadership doesn't stop there... hearken unto this:

Obama's Presidentialness, for want of a better word, wears off

And of course, they have trouble over there in Canada with their Liberal and NDP leaders and what-not as well.

Where are the leaders? What is keeping them out of running for political office? Could it be the media today? Could it be how nothing is sacred or private anymore and no one with any pride wants that kind of scrutiny or pressure on their family?

I suppose, it could be.

What is wrong with the "LEFT"?

2011-08-06T22:28:00.000-07:00
My most recent last post here in the Blog-o-sphere relayed to you my concerns about turning our national sporting event into a cheap political opportunity seized by unrealisitic...er...wingnuts...er... no that's not it... oh yes, the bleeding heart leftists amongst us.

This was almost scary, how prophetic it was to bellyache about their wayward ways in light of the fact that since then, it's all going downhill at 90 miles per hour.

Must read:
http://www.torontosun.com/2011/08/05/ndp-tanks-under-nycole-turmel
"Nicole Turmoil" is what she's being called these days. Yes, the same woman that Lorraine Michael and her NDP cohorts had the gall to bring to the Royal Regatta just this past week... one of the Kebec Pequists who is NOT one of our friends. One who supports the re-drawing of the boundaries of our Labrador to take thousands of hectares of OUR LANd from us.

And so, what do you expect happens under ons of her kind? Naturally, the NDP is staring to tank. Expect many of those new moronic MPs elected under God-knows-what brain fart by thew Quebec Electorate back in May, to migrate to their immediate left- the good old Block Q.

You know, I remember a day when I was very comfortable with how politics ran. The Conservatives were clearly just right of center, and the Liberals were just slightly on center wavering slightly right and left by a degree or two at times but not enough to upset anyone or any world power. It was a simpler time... a more stable time.

I certainly hope the Liberals seize this opportunity to come to their senses, toss out the special interests and not be just one of those lefty fringe parties in the group that admits the tinfoil hatted idiots amongst us. STAND UP for something again, dammit! If you wish to be the party of big business, so be it. But admit it and distance yourselves from the wing-nut pinko-commies in the orange crush who are really sky-blue and blood-red underneath.

It can't be just Steve and his idealogues on one side and a host of lefties on the other side. There has to be some common sense and moderation somewhere. It's a pretty extreme left leaning rabble of failed parties that make Harper's Conservative Party look almost center-left in today's political landscape but that's what's happening.

Look, I admit to being conservative in nature. Some would say I'm a blue-liberal. That's fine with me. But this pretense of the left has got to be exposed for what it really is. It's the fringe elements of society, all 5% of them huddled together fooling the disenfranchised 25% into believing they belong with them on the fringe and such is not the case.

Please, Liberals. Get your act together over the next 4 years and return to what you were under Pearson... and kick the trash to the curb where it belongs.

Regatta, a day at the... hustings????

2011-08-03T16:22:00.000-07:00
I was dismayed today. I took a brief few moments out of my visit at the Royal St. John's Regatta to walk around the lake and was met by Lorraine Michaels and candidates wearing orange NDP shirts. Heck they had people giving out their propaganda... politicking on a day of historic proportions to our small nation.

I was disgusted at their ease with which they took a family oriented, historic day at the races, a day of national pride and cheapen it into an opportunity to meet people who wouldn't bother to come within squinting distance of them normally.

And I don't care which political party would do the like... this was tasteless. Any party campaigning there was doing so in poor taste. I've never seen it before, I've seen politicians there enjoying the day and making an appearance, like Michael Ignatieff and others, but always in good taste. This was different to that, but if all three parties were at it? Shame on all three of them.

Some were quick to state that anyone opposed to this was "in fear of the NDP" as if that would equate to the testicle removing power of such a statement as "Homophobic". Such is not the case. Fear ≠ disgust at cheap political engineering.

One NDP supporter stated: "Dunderdale was there Ward front n' centre ...whatcha bitchin' about!?"

To which I respond...
Was she campaigning too? Was she handing out PC shirts? If so, she should be ashamed as that kind of behavior would be tasteless and not many folks wouldn't be happy about Steve Harper doing it - use that as your benchmark. And there in lies the problem... all is fair for the left, a clear double-standard! But should the normal middle of the road conservative majority ever lose their common sense and stoop to so low a tactic, the left would be screaming for their heads on silver platters!!

See, it can't be ok just because our personal favorite political group was at it. We have to have some principles about something... and to me, it doesn't matter who was at it. It was just plain wrong!

Oh sure, it's fine for Lorraine and cronies to be a part of the event. But leave the politics (and the religion, sorry fellow pentecostals) out of it!

It's a day of National Pride for ALL Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

Our Yvonne, she's not going to take it...

2011-02-19T04:53:00.000-08:00
Recent news flittering about certainly makes for good publicity. Although I've seen others claim to the contrary, in my mind there is no such thing as bad publicity. I believe a good fight is just what Yvonne needed right now to show the general public exactly what she's made of and bring to light how she has overcome so much and that if there is anyone who should be considered for Premier in the tradition of people like Brian Peckford, Clyde Wells and Danny Williams then it should be her.

I'm disappointed with my old friend John Efford's comments but I think they serve the purpose well in bringing out the fight in Yvonne and bringing it front and center to the general electorate.

The Latest bit of scuttlebutt from VOCM news...

When the Levee Breaks...(CYFS)

2011-02-17T03:29:00.000-08:00
For two reasons today, Child Youth and Family "Services" are in the news.

First, because they are seeking a publication ban on the whole Rodgers' family persecution, so they can cover their asses and not have their own incompetence exposed.

Second, again connected to the whole Rodgers' family discriminatory draconian action and psychological, because the very psychologist they are basing this abuse of the parents and children on is of questionable ability!!!

When the levee breaks and can no longer hold this back, it is CYFS who are going to get drenched and I certainly hope that includes the previous minister.

The only one guilty of "mental and psychological" abuse to those children and their parents is the very social workers from CYFS, their "managers" "supervisors" and "directors"... and the former minister, Joan Burke who was there when this began.

BTW, the psychologist in question is in Stephenville, where former Minister of CYFS Joan Burke "practiced" Social Work. This seems all a bit too tangly and close for comfort, at least for the comfort of any of us who are parents.

RNC needs to be NL wide

2011-02-15T07:24:00.000-08:00
Recent events in Bay Bulls, on the southern shore in Newfoundland, saw a local man under duress and stress barricade himself in the family home and face the wrath of the RCMP, Canada's police force as they tried every means possible to get him to leave.

No believable reason for his forced departure has been given as of yet. No reasonable explanation has really been offered, except the RCMP decided they wanted him out and they would do whatever it took to get their way...and "get their man". Which, as you probably all know by now, they failed to do.

So, this whole "cowboy" incident included a robot, tear gas, weapons drawn, lights flashing, SWAT team on standby. Why it was enough to make the most reasonable person panic. And panic, is what we expected of Leo Crockwell... except he didn't. After they turned the water cannons on him and flooded the house, they discovered Mr. Crockwell had quietly slipped out the side window of the house and went walk-about all the way to Petty Harbour.

In Petty Harbour, he was quietly and cooperatively picked up by an RNC officer who took him into custody and back to St. John's. There was no incident. It was peaceful. Mr. Crockwell was very calm and easily handled according to the RNC. A polite gentleman who was obviously just put through an ordeal that was completely overblown and unnecessary. Was the RCMP action necessary? Of course not. But hey, there's charges necessary!

Perhaps the greatest charge of all in all this is the $444,000 BILL we get from the RCMP for badly handling the whole affair. Mr. Crockwell faces a host of charges that are completely unnecessary and were provoked by the RCMP. Some might call that entrapment.

The RCMP are well out of control. This is tangible proof of the value of our very own police force and the need to have them all over Newfoundland and Labrador.

I have only praise for the RNC, and see them doing good work in Metro St. John's-Mt Pearl-CBS, greater Corner Brook and of course through the west in Lab City, Wabush and Churchill Falls. There are good men and women in both police forces, I have family in both of them, but I really believe it is time to have our own police force, connected to us all the way up, responsible for protecting us!!

Welcome Back, Yvonne

2011-02-15T02:50:00.001-08:00
It should hardly be news to anyone reading this blog, but south-coast Labrador MHA Yvonne Jones is back in full swing now. Yvonne's recent participation in the campaign leading up to today's bielection marked her return to full form... and then some.

Yvonne has always been a determined individual and one not to be messed with. Her list of political and personal triumphs are perhaps best summed up in this: She's a cancer survivor and the last one standing from the Liberal wars of the past decade.

Yvonne is no shrinking violet and I am certain will show all in our House of Assembly and those who are watching who the strongest woman or man in NL politics is...

Some recent words of praise:
From Peter Whittle at Polemic & Paradox
Yvonne Jones is returning to politics with a zeal, and purpose, that I do not think she possessed before, or at least has not shown in sometime. She thrives as the underdog. Ask Danny Dumeresque who underestimated her and found himself defeated in one of the safest liberal seats in the House of Assembly by an independent as the Tobin tidal wave rolled over the province. She transformed her Independent win into a seat at the cabinet table and circumstances have placed her at the head of the Liberal Party.

My recent comment on Peter's post...
I have long admired and respected Yvonne Jones and wish we had more like her (of either gender).

Yvonne is in her position because of her character and persistence, not because of her gender. I only mention this because I hear a lot of sheepishly laughed comments from members of the old boys' club talking about how it's now high time we had more women in politics because they're women.

That's the same as holding them down because they're women. When will society shed such patronizing attitudes and just measure individuals on the content of their character?

I'm not holding my breath.

From VOCM news...
Yvonne Jones says she will be back in the House of Assembly when it opens for the spring sitting. The Liberal leader missed the fall sitting, as she was undergoing cancer treatment.

Jones was in the district of Humber West this weekend in advance of Tuesday's by-election. She says it is great to be back to work and says she is feeling good after a six-month long break. She says she has been wanting to return to work for some time.

And from The Telegram
In an exclusive interview with The Telegram, Jones said it’s been tough sitting on the sidelines through the Muskrat Falls announcement, the resignation of former premier Danny Williams and the fall sitting of the House of Assembly. She’s not prepared to sit on the sidelines any longer.

“This is the biggest year of my political career,” Jones said.

Two weeks after her last chemotherapy treatment, Jones is back in the Opposition office for meetings and this weekend she’ll be in Corner Brook to campaign for Mark Watton in the Humber West byelection.

I like this next bit... What she likes best is serving other people. Those words would rign hollow from someone else, but from Yvonne? As sincere as can be.

When she makes it back into the House of Assembly it won’t just be health care that Jones wants to push.

“We’ve had the highest revenues in our history, and now we’re still forecasting deficits in the years to come,” she said. “We have people all over the province who feel that they have never gotten an adequate share of that wealth.

“In my opinion, there’s some accountability that this government needs to own up to, and my job is going to be to insure that they do that.”

This is expected to be a pivotal year for the Liberal Party, and for politics in the province.

She said with so much going on, there were days when she wished things could have been different; that the cancer hadn’t gotten in her way.

“But at the same time, you know, everybody is dealt a certain part in life and given challenges,” she said.

“Did I ever consider leaving politics? Never.

“Serving people is what I enjoy doing most.”

Department of CYFS out of control.

2011-02-09T15:20:00.001-08:00
Have any of you been following the latest on Child Youth and Family Services? You see, the latest publicly known victims of CYFS are the Rodgers family of Port Aux Basques. These poor folks had their kids torn from them. This is an all too ready familiar occurrence in Newfoundland and Labrador, although we all wish it were less common and familiar.

Here's the latest bits...
Rally Held for Family
SNIP...About 30 people stood bundled in front of the Family Services office. Some held hand-made signs. Others chanted, “Bring the kids home.” Most cars that drove up Main Street past the protestors honked their horns and waved.

“We just wanted to show everybody that the support of the public and the community is here with the Rodgers’ family and that we all feel there’s been an injustice done and in our hearts we would really like to have those children back home with their parents,” said Mrs. Pieroway, who came up with the idea of holding the peaceful protest.

And the Child and Youth Advocate Carol chafe is also taking a look into the matter, as reported by CBC. I will say one thing: When the Child and Youth Advocate looks into things - THINGS ARE OFF THE RAILS! The previous CYA and the current were both very vocal in their criticisms of the actions of the entire Department. And I'm not throwing stones at all Social Workers, there are some no many good ones and they have a very hard job. But the management right up to the director and the previous minister stinks.

I will keep the Rodgers' family in my prayers and ask you to do the same, and remember all families in Crisis throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Some thoughts I have shared on Peter Whittle's Blog.
As long as politicians like Joan Burke continue to act as if they are still social workers, and circle the wagons around the bad ones, all the mistakes, the institutionalized malpractice methods that are passed down from the old jaded, bitter, twisted, angry ones to the younger ones then things will never change. I know this first hand.

Social Workers don't think they are even capable of making mistakes. They have had a minister who was one of their own who actually believes this philosophy.
I know this first-hand.

They believe they can write whatever they wish to in their notes and it serves as "evidence" and "fact" to support any decision they make, and their supervisors will cite their notes as "facts" and this follows through right up to the Director.
I know this first-hand.

They make quick judgments and decisions based on their own personal lives and experiences and tar anyone who is not like them as undesirable.
I know this first-hand.

They are poorly trained and have very little life experiences of their own to draw on before being thrown into high conflict situations and considering themselves expert.
I know this first-hand.

Social workers as young as 23 years old, party girls on George Street, with no children of their own, no relationship experience even to draw on, will tell successful moms and dads of 20+ years that they are incompetent and will try (and sometimes) success to take their children from them.
I know this first-hand.

CYFS has a culture of entitlement and extreme arrogance and have the ability to (and routinely do) push even the RNC and RCMP around into taking actions that officers categorically state are wrong - officers with 20+ years experience who have seen it all.
I know this first-hand.

IF The Williams and now Dunderdale government has one overwhelming failure beyond ALL others, it is...
Child Youth and Family Services.

For that alone, they should all resign.

And then someone suggested our current Premier was a former Social Worker. That one really made me laugh!

Here's how I had to reply to that one:
Dear anonymous...

Kathy Dunderdale was never a social worker, DESPITE her claims to having been one. This is what you call in polite terms: A misspeak, an error, a falsehood, a resume embellishment, a mistake of facts...
I.E. a lie.

She was a financial facilitator and planner in the greater area of social economics in Marystown. Although she crossed paths with social workers and their "clients", she was never a social worker.

I seriously doubt my present MHA (the single most inept MHA I have ever had BTW) is capable of solving this or any other problem.

Regards!!

Keep following the news from all sources and watch this blog, and Peter's.

Double Standard?

2011-02-07T17:24:00.000-08:00
Anyone read this?

[url=http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2011/02/07/nl-woman-assault-207.html]NL Woman Sexual Assault[/url]

An eastern Newfoundland woman told provincial court Monday she repeatedly had sex with a 13-year-old boy because she felt trapped in her marriage.

The woman, 44, who pleaded guilty to sexual assault in December, said she had intercourse with the teen three different times.

The woman said she wasn't "thinking straight" at the time.

She told the court she is now ashamed of what she did. She also said she is sorry for the harm her actions caused the teen, and her own children.

A judge heard sentencing recommendations from Crown and defence lawyers Monday.

The defence asked for a sentence of less than two years in jail. The Crown said the woman should serve three years in prison.

There is a ban on the woman's name to protect the identity of the boy.

Does anyone else think the story would be slightly different if this were a 44 year old man having sex with a 13 year old girl?

Clever Headlines, CBC

2011-01-02T13:48:00.001-08:00
Well, it's started already... for those of you who follow the Canadian Brainwarshing Corporation's spin on what could be news, you'll get a kick out of this one"

Truck Slides off Wharf in Newfoundland

In related news...

"Car crashes in United States"
"Kangaroo dies in Australia"
"Someone said 'eh' in Canada"
"Person spilt their tea in England"

Is that as it good as it gets? Seriously? Dunderdale installed as Premier version 9.0 and news no longer cares about anything? Maybe it really is the Canadian Brainwashing CORPSE.

Merry Christmas everyone

2010-12-25T10:03:00.000-08:00
Let's all take a break from thinking of politics, social issues, strife, tribulation and turmoil and instead focus on what really matters: Family, friends and the gift of life from God above.

God bless you all, and special kind regards and wishes to Yvonne Jones... one of the nicest, bravest, most personable and giving people I know.

Merry Christmas to all,

Ward

Israel: The Truth isn't very popular

2010-12-21T08:55:00.001-08:00
A lot of my friends on the left side of politics often complain about Israel and point out what Israel Defense does as if unprovoked or not in defense at all.

Every day, civilian children women and men in Israel are under attack from Palestinian and Lebanese terrorists. If we were to endure even one day of this, I feel we would react in a much stronger way than Israel does. Shelling, bombing, sniper gun fire are all common.

The truth isn't very popular when it comes to the anti-Israeli/anti-Christian forces in the world...and sadly, some of the blindest of all are right amongst us.

For example:
• Gaza Rockets Hit Major Israeli City, Injure Child
• Large increase in rocket attacks from Gaza
• Israel Air Force retaliates to protect civilians
• Radical groups, affiliated with Hamas, spread violence

Plese click on the map for details of recent Gaza rocket attacks.
http://www.theisraelproject.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=hsJPK0PIJpH&b=4183369&ct=8971893

Jerusalem, Dec. 21 – A Qassam rocket fired from Hamas-controlled Gaza landed in Ashkelon today near a kindergarten, injuring a young girl. At least 13 rockets and mortar rounds were launched from Gaza since Sunday (Dec. 19), according to Israeli officials.
More than 200 Grad and Qassam rockets and mortar shells have been fired from Gaza this year. Iran-backed Hamas has controlled Gaza sinceIsrael withdrew from the area in 2005.
"The children were arriving at school this morning, at quarter to eight, when the siren blared. There was a code-red warning and everyone panicked and rushed for the safety of the bomb shelters," Aviva Fold, Ashkelon's kindergarten department manager told The Israel Project.
"You can wake up in the morning and feel happy and suddenly within a second everything changes. It is terrible and frightening," Fold added.

Gaza has stepped up its launching of projectiles over the past few weeks. In response, Israel launched pinpoint strikes against terrorists and their infrastructure in order to defend the residents of southern Israel.
There are several reasons for the recent rise in terrorist activity coming from Gaza, according to Ely Karmon, counter-terrorist expert at the Institute for Counter-Terrorism in Herzliya, Israel.
"Hamas is in a bind. It is trying to reconstruct Gaza to take more responsibility over the quality of civilian life. Yet there are reports that Iran is providing Hamas with more sophisticated weaponry, including long-range missiles," said Karmon.
"More radical members of Hamas are pushing for increased violence against Israel and Hamas is trying to keep the fire burning to appease those elements. It is very complicated,” he said.
When Israel withdrew from Gaza, Jerusalem hoped that would jump start the peace process and lead to atwo-state solution.
Expert Comment Available:

Ely Karmon
Affiliations: Senior Researcher, Institute for Counter-Terrorism (IDC Herzliya)

Fields: International terrorism, Strategic issues in the Middle East and beyond, Weapons of mass destruction
Fluent in English, French, Spanish, Italian
Tel: 09-952-7277
09-951-3768
Cell: 052-265-3306
E-mail: ekarmon@idc.ac.il

Lt. Nili Aharon
Coordination & Liaison Administration, Gaza Strip,

Tel: 08-674-1414
Cell: 050-624-6417

Major-General Ya’akov Amidror
Affiliations: Program Director of the Institute for Contemporary Affairs; former head of the IDF’s Research and Assessment Division; served as the military secretary of the Defense Minister.

Fields: Contemporary guerrilla warfare; Hezbollah; Lebanon security dilemmas; Gaza security dilemma
Contact via Adam Shay, JCPA Project Coordinator
Tel: 02-561-9281

Leah Malul
Spokesperson for Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon; Barzilai Hospital currently treating Palestinians injured in Gaza and Qassam rocket attack victim

Tel: 08-674-5766
Cell: 057-767-8766

Paz Reuven
Affiliations: Director, The Project for the Research of Islamist Movements (PRISM) (IDC Herzliya)

Fields: Ideological, cultural, political, and social roots of Islamic movements and terrorism, Impact of Islamic radicalism on Palestinian politics, Financing of Middle East terrorist organizations, Iran’s sponsorship of international Islamic terrorism
Home: 09-950-7317
Cell: 054-469-1777
E-mail: reupaz@netvision.net.il
pazlek@aol.com
http://www.ict.org.il/
http://www.e-prism.org/

Mark Regev
Prime Minister’s Office - Foreign Press Adviser,
Tel: 02-670-5555, 02-670-5354
Mobile: 050-620-3264

Maj. Avital Leibovitz
Head of IDF International Media Branch

To contact: 011-972-03-608-0238 (office)

Rock Solid Politics

2010-12-16T12:58:00.000-08:00
New blog recommendation:
http://rocksolidpolitics.blogspot.com

Brad Cabana has an interesting article on the OLD HARRY OIL & GAS FIELD over there.

Check it out!

Green Christmas?

2010-12-16T12:50:00.000-08:00
Hey all.

Wondering where all the snow is? Expecting a green Christmas? Yes, me too. The fact is, I can't remember it being this mild over every square inch of Newfoundland and Labrador for such a long time. Whilst it's normal for it to be this mild in the St. John's metro area right up through til New Year's Eve, for the rest of our beloved homeland, not so much so.

Today, for example, it's raining drizzling and fogging (just bear with my poor use of the Queen's native tongue) everywhere from Saglek (!) to Lab City to Port Aux Basques to (no surprise) St. John's. Normally, there'd be blankets of snow, sure beds up to 8 feet deep everywhere on the Labrador, and down the Northern Pen of Newfoundland all the way towards the Codroy Valley, and as far east as Gandah. But not this year. Raining in Lab City, the 16th of December. Really. Never expected this in my lifetime. Temps as high as 10º ion Western closing in on the Christmas week. Not enough white-stuff to make a snowcone even in the hills. Honestly, bizarre,

Sure it's even been freezing (literally) in Florida.

So where is all the snow?
West of us, South of us and yes... even east of us:
Read here:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10694873
Another 8" of snow forecast in ENGLAND.

My eldest son and I were planning on snowboarding and skidooing Christmas week. Doesn't look like that's going to happen unless we go to Canada, England or perhaps even the southern US.

Christmas Baking Season

2010-12-14T04:56:00.000-08:00
I acknowledge my last few posts have been very hard. some would say Harsh. Blogger William Murphy suggested I should be the "Justice Ombudsman" based on some of my remarks and perhaps one is desperately needed in this time of decreased civil rights and greater police authority... however... let's go to the lighter side of things.

I've been into my Christmas baking for a few days now, and yes, this is a man talking who's new to the whole baking thing... I've only dabbled in it each Christmas time sticking to making dark rum fruitcakes.

So this year, I've decided to get a little more adventurous. I've made my dark rum fruit cakes from my late maternal grandmother's recipes (actually, I think that one goes back two more generations) and as well have gotten hold of her cherry cake recipe from mom as well and made a couple of those. They didn't quite turn out like mom's, but they are pretty good. No complaints from the kids! Sugar cookies (easy but yet new for me) turned out perfectly as did tollhouse (you know, the American version of chocolate chip cookies... ones that again, mom used to make) also turned out well, although a little harder than mom's. But the kids aren't complaining. Heck, they're almost through them all which will mean another batch is soon in the offing.

Friends have been making other suggestions. Care to share any recipes or suggestions?

One thing about being a single father with 3 children, sometimes you have to be both mom and dad, and the mom part is really hard for a lot of us men. Ladies, you have my respect!

7 Day Stand-off in Witless Bay

2010-12-13T13:03:00.000-08:00
I suppose you've all read the news and heard how there was a stand-off in Witless Bay for 7 days, the forces of the RCMP poised against a lone individual inside his home. A man suffering from Mental Illness who posed a threat to no one, not even himself...a lonely gentleman of 55 years who had expressed concerns about his family's land. A man cut-off from the world voluntarily who was then placed under siege because the cowboys couldn't get their own way...

Let me put forward a few points for you to think about...

1. This man was wrongly imprisoned in the past.
2. This man launched a complaint against the RNC and won
3. This man suffers from mental illness that went untreated during his time under siege.
4. This man did not call in the RCMP or start the stand-off or hold anyone hostage.
5. This man wanted to be left alone.
6. This man was paranoid as it was, this only made it worse for him.
7. No offer of help from family members or friends was made to him.
8. No known psychiatric specialist was brought on site to deal with this medical issue.
9. The RCMP had the man under SIEGE! Hello, reality calling... what did they expect?
10. The RCMP fired FIRST! There was no threat from the man, this was an aggressive act.
11. Not one person from the community feared the man in any way, shape or form and said so publicly.
12. The RCMP fired TEARGAS into his HOME, as if it were a terrorist or hostage situation like a bunch of rogue cowboys.
13. No one is considering what this kind of stress would do to themselves.
14. He quietly "escaped the siege" and peacefully went on his way, harming no one, and not taking any weapons with him.

I see clearly who the aggressor was here and it is those in uniforms who should be charged with at least 16 offenses, not this poor beleaguered chap.

This was not law & order. Justice had no part in this. Power and control were what it was all about. And yes, I know his past history.

I'm just surprised he didn't end up dead

2010 Peace Prize Winner

2010-12-10T06:25:00.000-08:00
OK, I know I'm going to catch a lot of heat on this from the "left" and/or the "Politically Correct" but here goes anyhow.

Am I the only one amongst a sea of bloggers and political commentators who can see China's point-of-view with regards to the 2010 Novel Peace Prize?

The Chinese government says that Nobel Peace Prize is more about western politics than it is about actual peace efforts.

Let's just examine this for a minute, considering past NPP winners and their actual contributions to peace.

2010 LIU XIAOBO
They say...for his long and non-violent struggle for fundamental human rights in China.
Oh really now. China has increased the economic welfare of 1,300,000,000 people and increased civil rights in a democracy that is practically less than 20 years old, have changed their ways on a multitude of fronts in the face of a gigantic military and societal communist regime that is slowly dying off or crumbling. To throw this in their face YET AGAIN is tantamount to throwing oil on the fire and wondering why it isn't put out.
Read here: http://shanghaiist.com/2010/03/11/six_nobel_prize_nominees_that_will.php
According to the Nobel Foundation themselves http://nobelpeaceprize.org/en_GB/nomination_committee/nominations-2010/ there were 237 nominees this year.

Was their anyone this year who actually devoted their time to the larger goal of human rights? The manner in which winners are chosen makes one truly appreciate the satire at There Goes a Thought and wonder if those satirical candidates are almost as deserving.

How did they miss Ariane Inkesha of Rwanda who has been seriously working on re-building Rwanda for the past 50 years????

It certainly helps one see China's point of view that the Nobel Peace prize is just a western political tool and mutual admiration society full of self-praise.

2009 BARACK OBAMA
They say...for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.
Gimme a break. First year of his presidency, his time devoted to the bail-out of the richest of the rich in America and that extended to other countries and their bail-out needs for the fat-pigs syphoning off the economic comfort zone of the western world for their own largess... I don't recall ANY serious peace efforts, and ZERO NAUGHT NADA ZILCH in results. I guess everyone was just delighted to have a non-white President that nothing else mattered.

Let's just forget about Bill Clinton's missions to North Korea that single-handedly ended conflict, or his missions to Haiti and other places. Wherever that man goes, peace breaks out. But wait... he's white. And of course, let's not forget the man's sexual appetite, that surely voids all his efforts.

2008 MARTTI AHTISAARI
They say...for his important efforts, on several continents and over more than three decades, to resolve international conflicts.
I guess he was one of their own... let's forget about Ron Brown who actually gave his life on secret diplomatic missions flying in and out of Kosovo, and not just preaching from finland. Yes, I know that was 14 or 15 years earlier but it seems to be the basis for this one.

2007 INTERGOVERNMENTAL PANEL ON CLIMATE CHANGE (IPCC) and ALBERT ARNOLD ( AL) GORE JR.
They say...for their efforts to build up and disseminate greater knowledge about man-made climate change, and to lay the foundations for the measures that are needed to counteract such change.
Perhaps the FUNNIEST bumble ever by Nobel! This "joke" of an ex-VP made so many cackle with laughter it wasn't even funny. The lard-ass hypocrite was shown that same year to be the single biggest user of energy in the USA amongst individuals. Talk about environmental waste and largess. you know, there were actual peace efforts in 2007, and this propaganda wasn't even remotely connected to actual peace efforts.

2006 MUHAMMAD YUNUS and GRAMEEN BANK
They say...for their efforts to create economic and social development from below.
Are there no Linus Paulings left in the world???

2006 INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY and MOHAMED ELBARADEI
They say...for their efforts to prevent nuclear energy from being used for military purposes and to ensure that nuclear energy for peaceful purposes is used in the safest possible way.
Remember that bit about Mutual Admiration Society and self-praise? I'd say China has a right to underline this one as another point. did no one even think of Father Daniel Berrigan? See, he isn't politically correct but he is certainly a devoted peace activist.

2004 WANGARI MAATHAI
They say...for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace
Nice Lady. Environmental activist though. Not someone who actually achieved a significant increase in world peace. Were there no actual deserving people this year? Again, this is about politics.

2003 SHIRIN EBADI
They say...for her efforts for democracy and human rights
HALLELUJAH! Someone who actually deserved the prize! Although one has to wonder if an Irani winner was more about poking a stick in Iran's eye than anything else. Still, she was deserving.

2002 JIMMY CARTER JR., former President of the United States of America,
They say...for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development
I really like Jimmy Carter, but he was no Bill Clinton.

2001 UNITED NATIONS, New York, NY, USA KOFI ANNAN, United Nations Secretary General
FOR WHAT??
??? I never got this one. Not for one moment. If anyone deserved it, it certainly wasn't the UN. This was just political grand-standing and the kind of thing that validates China's claims. for Pete's sake. they had GEORGE W BUSH on the short list for nominees this year! That idiotic war-monger. Serioiusly? This was the year Nobel really lost credibility. They didn't know their ass from a hole in the ground.
Even Jean Chretien deserved this more, this year, for wanting to have his own say in world military efforts and not just knee-jerk reactions... and "not following the US blindly into illegally invading a sovereign country"

2000 KIM DAE JUNG
They say...for his work for democracy and human rights in South Korea and in East Asia in general, and for peace and reconciliation with North Korea in particular.
If ANYONE kept the Korean peninsula under control it was William Jefferson Clinton. How many times has he been back to keep the peace there? I just wonder.

1999 DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS (MÉDECINS SANS FRONTIÈRES), Brussels, Belgium.
FOR WHAT?
Umm...isn't there a Nobel Prize related to Medicine? Again, no one thought of Bill Clinton.

1998 JOHN HUME and DAVID TRIMBLE
They say...for their efforts to find a peaceful solution to the conflict in Northern Ireland.
Yes, They made efforts. But MORE SERIOUSLY... am I the only one who thought trying to stop India and Pakistan from testing and further developing nuclear bombs might have been just a tad more deserving? What about Arundhati Roy?

Ok fine. I've had my say. Bring it on.

What is Pm Dunderdale trying to do?

2010-12-07T07:05:00.001-08:00
I just finished reading an article on VOCM news about how Kelvin Parsons is unimpressed with the cabinet shuffle (as if he would speak positively about it, come on now people!). I've printed the article below...

But here's what occurs to me:
Is Kathy Dunderdale trying to so over-burden and bury Joan Burke in work that doesn't get done that she will quit cabinet altogether? Friends of mine in her riding suggest one of the best things that could happen to the Stephenville-Bay St. George area would be for her to quit politics altogether as they find her completely ineffective and out of touch with reality.

I concur. My few dealings with Burke have been nothing more than exercises in futility with someone who has the brain power of a 10th grader in "Special Education". I.E. Pointless circular discussions with someone who doesn't give a flying fig.

From VOCM's website...
Liberals unimpressed with Cabinet Shuffle
Shawn Skinner is the new Natural Resources minister, but Premier Kathy Dunderdale indicates she is keeping some hands-on involvement, especially in the Lower Churchill project. She says she's passionate about the Lower Churchill project and calls it an important project to the people of the province.

Skinner is also the Minister Responsible for the Forestry and AgriFoods Industry. Susan Sullivan is taking on Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, including Minister Responsible for the Rural Secretariat while also becomes Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. Sullivan will keep her responsibilities with Francophone Affairs. Joan Burke has been appointed the Acting Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, Minister Responsible for Persons with Disabilities as well as the Labour Relations Agency, Workplace Health Safety and Compensation Commission, and Youth Engagement. Burke will keep her role as Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services.

The Liberals don't think much of the cabinet shuffle. Party leader Kelvin Parsons is concerned that Joan Burke, who heads up the developing department of Child, Youth and Family Services, will also be taking on Human Resources, Labour and Employment. Parsons feels that's too much for one minister to handle.

NDP Leader Lorraine Michael would prefer to see Dunderdale distance herself from the previous PC administration and put her own stamp on the government.

The Fisheries Broadcast

2010-12-02T07:55:00.000-08:00
Yes, that was me who was read on the Fisheries Broadcast with John furlong on 30 November 2010. I was responding to a post on another blog and must have said something that made some sense...

Decide for yourself. The reference points are Rex Murphy, Newfoundland as he remembers it and thinks it still is.

Rex, like all ex-pat Newfoundlanders OR Labradorians, tends to fictionalize, romanticize, embellish the place where NL was when he left (that point in time in the course of its development).

In his mind, like all others, the NL he remembers is frozen in time and does reflect the true dynamically changing culture of Newfoundland and Labrador.

We see the same from the cartooned representation of Irish culture in the USA, Canada and Newfoundland. Imagine my shock when I first spent a fortnight vacation in the actual Republic of Ireland and found that what most they held in common with us (of Irish descent or otherwise) was a determination to get on with it: To grow and develop, to maintain their culture but not to let it stagnate or be frozen in a moment in time. The same is true for any strongly identifiable nationality in the world with a disproportionate diaspora to the resident population.

But I will not take from Rex his passion for prose nor his intellect. Nor his loyalty to this land, albeit one that doesn't exist as he remembers it.

Opinions will vary, this is just mine.

BTW, when I reference "Newfoundland" and not "Newfoundland and Labrador" I am actually making a distinction.

God bless you all, only 23 days 'til Christmas!

Ward

What a load of racket going on...

2010-11-29T06:35:00.000-08:00
First of all, let me take a moment to publicly thank Mr. Danny Williams for his years of public service and his dedication to our province. I am rather sad to see him leave so abruptly, considering the considerable power vacuum it leaves behind and the apparent lack of a real leader, and heir apparent, within caucus. I hope they give consideration to candidates outside the current political ranks. Ed Marin comes to mind, as do others.

On the lower churchill phase-1 development, I think its well past due. I do agree with the LMN's concerns about it being "our power" also and think that the best provision they could make would be to power the entire south coast of Labrador first and let it be free of charge, as a way of giving us our new dawn.

On blog scuttle... I continue to find certain bloggers who rarely leave the house or interact with normal life to have very little grasp on reality and spend most of their time shooting at others as if they are entitled to. Must be a Liberal thing, this sense of entitlement.

How about this year-long strike in Marystown? All this over "designation"? Come on, folks, be sensible. jobs are hard to come by. Be thankful you have one and that you even got a pay rise.

(Since we all have family in "town") And metro-bus in St. John's/Mount Pearl? I mean, really. Again, be thankful you have such a secure job... one that is subsidized heavily by the cities on the Avalon. This again, isn't about pay... but about status and benefits. Benefits most of us can only dream of. As I pay $200 for braces, hundreds for this that and the other thing that they already have...it certainly makes me a little upset, being one of those who subsidizes these bus drivers.

Also, one of my favorite blogs, Peter Whittle's "polemicandparadox.com" is currently inaccessible. If there's a blog you wish to read each day, make it that one.

Anyhow, I don't post very often here... I'm going to try and change that. I've neglected this due to personal reasons and my lack of stomach for trolls out there.

I trust you're all well and wishing for sufficient snow to get out on the machines soon!

She Ain't no Yvonne Jones!!

2009-10-06T12:50:00.000-07:00
JOKE OF THE DAY!
Siobhan Coady Given Shadow Cabinet Position
This is about the funniest thing I have heard in weeks!! Now there are several possibilities...

1.Siobhan is an empty vessel with no opinions of her own.
2. Ms. Coady is an automaton, who has yet to make a statement showing her to be anything but a LIberal Koolaid drinker and devout follower of all things red.
3. The position is hilarious because it means nothing.
4. Ms. Coady will do nothing with the position except read what questions Iggy's staffers ask her to.
5. Ms. Coady is the best NL has to offer and capable of doing a better job of taunting the Tories than Todd Russell...or Scott Simms.
6. All the above!
7. None of the above!

You can decide for yourselves!! But I'll tell you one thing: Ms. Coady is no Yvonne Jones or Todd Russell. And I'll tell you something else. I've been really impressed with Yvonne Jones the past 6 months.

There's at least one Honorable man in prison...

2009-10-03T14:28:00.000-07:00
Of course you know the news, our friend Wally Andersen has been sentenced to 15 months in prison on one charge, and 9 on the other (he plead guilty to) and both sentences will be served concurrently.

This means a maximum incarceration of 15 months, with parole eligibility usually occurring when 1/3rd the sentence has been served. This will likely mean Mr. Andersen's release will take place on 1st of March 2010.

As Mr. Andersen poses no risk to the public safety and as it would be a savings to the taxpayer, I believe house arrest or a suspended sentence would have better served the common good. The shame Mr. Andersen will carry with him is sentence enough. And if you knew Wally Andersen, you would certainly agree.

These are my thoughts, and I know opinions vary... but I think it is SICK beyond belief that violent offenders get a slap on the wrist and released back into the general population every day in Newfoundland and Labrador by the same judiciary who feels the need to incarcerate a man like Wally Andersen.

Wally Andersen is not the only one who should be feeling some shame.

Where are they now?

2009-10-01T14:27:00.001-07:00
Ever feel let down when you find out that not only are our former politicians living abroad but that they receive HUGE pensions from our tax dollars and spend them in other provinces? I do. I don't think NL Gov't cheques should ever be let go or spent outside NL.

So where are they now?
Brian Tobin Living in Rosedale, an affluent Toronto neighborhood where that $10,000 every month really helps pay for the natural gas.

Brian Peckford Vancouver Island. Was this island too big for him? Have not will be no more, perhaps, but we're sending a couple hundred grand a year to help Vancouver Island have not no more.

Bill Rompkey Ottawa. Year-round I believe. Care to guess how big the 5 figure pension is that we're sending up to Hottawar? Like Canada needed even MORE of our money.

JIm Walsh Yes, that same Jim Walsh on trial for fraud and theft. ALBERTA! Sure by, because why get a job earning $150K a year or more when the NL government will send you a cheque for the same!!

anyone have any more?

I knew Wally Andersen

2009-10-01T09:14:00.000-07:00
There's been an awful lot of attention paid to the former MHA for the North Coast, the Honorable Wally Andersen. Many bloggers and editors may postulate and pontificate and opine about how he got his hand caught in the cookie jar and how he defrauded you and me of our tax dollars. Wally himself, has pleaded guilty of taking money he should not have in a system that had all checks and balances removed under the supervision of then Premier Brian Tobin (Anyone notice how Mr. Tobin's been kept out of this?).

The cries of "get out your onion, Wally" and "Shame on you" ring very hollow and shallow to me when I recall in those days it was quite common to buy a button or two hundred off Wally knowing that the money would be in a bankroll that would be peeled off as soon as the honorable gentleman got to Hopedale or Davis or Nain. Anyone else remember seeing that? Surely I wasn't the only one!! I flew on aircraft with Mr. Andersen and watched as we'd get off the airplane in Hopedale and three or four needy mothers could walk up to him and tell how they didn't have their cheque or money to buy groceries and he would peel off $200 a piece to tide them through a difficult time. Or how he would slip some poor chap, down on his luck, $50 and state categorically "Now don't let me hear from one person here that you spent this on booze."

In the world of aboriginal peoples' the concept of community property is as natural to grasp as the concept of sharing the air we all breath. Why is that so hard to understand? Those in ivory towers point their fingers at Mr. Andersen and state "He bought a $10,000 skidoo for himself off the proceeds of crime. Who'd he share that with?"

Knowing the Wally Andersen I did? Every single person who needed it.

Welcome to the Tickle

2005-12-22T05:43:00.000-08:00
This is my opening post at my new blog, and I'll just explain the name.

Venison Tickle: Historic Community on the south coast of Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador. This is a place where my grandparents met, where my grandfather was born, where my great-grandmother (of Innu descent from Pakuashipi Quebec) met my great-grandfather (himself of mixed race with Labrador Inuit and Newfoundland settler roots).

I am 'Métis to the bone' as some of my fellow Labrador Métis brethren like to say, and believe that some day, like Newfoundland and Labrador, we shall overcome. Some day, we will be recognized for our legitimate first-nations' status claims.

Welcome!