Leila Houle (left) after the evening Town Hall meeting in Edmonton.
Michelle walked into the green room at CITY-TV on Jasper Avenue in downtown Edmonton. It was 6 am, and she looked far better than anyone should at that hour.
“I’m the weather girl,†she bubbled. But I knew that. I’d just watched here on the monitor saying breathlessly the high today will be 8 degrees, with stiff gusts giving negative windchill readings and, of course, afternoon showers.
The perfect day for a cross-province motorcycle odyssey. I am already wishing I’d brought my winter riding gloves – a thought which would have seemed bizarre in the 32-degree swelter of Kelowna yesterday. This afternoon, without a doubt, will be an interesting one, and a test of personal endurance. From sunrise TV in Edmonton I go into events in Red Deer, then the ride into Calgary on an unknown Harley, followed immediately by an afternoon Town Hall meeting, a few more events, then another Town Hall at night. Tomorrow morning, off to Lethbridge.
But no complaints. I asked for this. As the trip nears its conclusion, I’m more than satisfied at what’s transpired. There was no telling how people would react to a string of public meetings across four provinces. No predicting who would turn up. No constant other than my petite wife with the stormtrooper constitution.
The meetings, of course, are studies in unpredictability. In Alberta, I hear, it’s a rare event to have a go at an MP, so anything was likely to well up in our conversations. In Edmonton there was a top-of-the-lung rant by a pesky senior, decrying all things Conservative; a dire prediction I ‘ll be tossed out of the Liberal party by Stephane Dion within 30 months for my unique pain-in-the-ass qualities; an anti-immigrant tirade that almost caused a dustup in the audience; several pleas that oil come second to the environment; and the intervention by a pack of young Liberals who showed up to argue Nine Eleven was an inside job, and Canada is morally bankrupt to be fighting George Bush’s illegal war in Afghanistan.
Actually, that last group was persuasive. Not that I buy the conspiracy theory – not yet, anyway. But I was struck by their fervour and commitment. They loaded me up with literature and CDs, and made me promise I would blog about this. And I did.
Another interesting moment came with my introduction to Leila Houle, a striking young woman I later learned had been Miss Edmonton and a Miss Canada contestant. But that was just the surface stuff. She’s also a successful entrepreneur and businesswoman, who promised her community she’d return to the reserve to start a company after her university education. And she did – where, like her neighbours, she has no potable water in her house in St. Paul. It is this injustice that led her, in part, to seek, and win, the federal Liberal nomination in Westlock-St. Paul. I’d love to see what that woman does to the House of Commons.
Hey, I’m off now. At least I brought my chaps. Pray for me.
129 comments ↓
In Edmonton there was a top-of-the-lung rant by a pesky senior, decrying all things Conservative; a dire prediction I ‘ll be tossed out of the Liberal party by Stephane Dion within 30 months for my unique pain-in-the-ass qualities; an anti-immigrant tirade that almost caused a dustup in the audience; several pleas that oil come second to the environment; and the intervention by a pack of young Liberals who showed up to argue Nine Eleven was an inside job, and Canada is morally bankrupt to be fighting George Bush’s illegal war in Afghanistan.
Your town hall meetings are starting to sound like the ‘comments section’ of your blog.
Thanks for all this — if more politicians had the nards (and energy) to their jobs like you, this would be a better country.
My thoughts will be with you as you travel south on your motorcycle this afternoon. Be safe!! I look forward to meeting you and your wife this evening in Calgary.
Hey, I’m off now. At least I brought my chaps. Pray for me.
posted by Garth Turner on 09.12.07 @ 10:07 am
………………….
Dear Lord, please not another Liberal prime minister from Quebec.
You’ve lost it. — Garth
Watching your tour with interest from the safe weather of Ontario – although it’s cool here today too!
Good luck on your ride – hope all is safe. Watch out for wayward vehicles driven by angry Tories looking for the lost Tory tour.
If the Albertans get half the message that you delivered in St. Thomas in March, you’ll have given Liberals half a chance at electing a Liberal in that fair province.
Hogs to the rescue.
Ya, that sounds about right for Edmonton.
Actually, that last group was persuasive. Not that I buy the conspiracy theory – not yet, anyway. But I was struck by their fervour and commitment. They loaded me up with literature and CDs, and made me promise I would blog about this. And I did.
Ah… courting the tinfoil hat vote I see. So when will you start “buying” it? When you need the tinfoil hat constituency to win your riding in the next election?
Why would I dismiss anyone without at least trying to understand their passion? You may have this life figured out. I sure don’t. — Garth
Dear Lord, please not another Liberal prime minister from Quebec.
You’ve lost it. — Garth
By Myron on 09.12.07 10:56 am
Not to worry Garth, it’s just Myron the bigot..we are all aware…
I used to live in Calgary, moved back to Ottawa in ‘89. Have a bunch of people back there I’d love to get in contact with.
Calgary was a wonderful city to grow up in. I never really fit in, but it was home to me in a lot of ways that Ottawa isn’t.
I hope you enjoy your trip, and I’m looking forward to hearing what happened when you got there.
Re: Deb
If the Albertans get half the message that you delivered in St. Thomas in March, you’ll have given Liberals half a chance at electing a Liberal in that fair province.
True enough. I think Garth is setting a wonderful exampe for MPs. And Ontario has that upcoming election where we get to choose what kind of government sits in Ontario.
I’d love to see that on a Federal level.
“Bankrupt to be fighting George Bush’s war”, WTF?
Are you serious. Have you not read the endoresement of the UN sponsored afghanistan mission? Did you not VOTE to send Canadians over to fight for the freedom of the Afghans? Another hypocritical endorsement from Garth.
Are you so forgetful of the Canadians’ killed during 9/11? That is sad, especially on the anniversary of their deaths.
The fact you would give press to such disgusting innuendo’s says alot about the person you have become Garth. I hope you feel good about yourself.
I was reporting on an encounter, and you know it. Nice drive-by smear. Got a licence for that spreader? — Garth
“You may have this life figured out. I sure don’t. — Garth”
If I may I`ll shine a little light on it for you.
The good news never ends. “Among lone-parent families, growth between 2001 and 2006 was most rapid for families headed by men”. 14.6% for male headed single parent families and only 6.3% for women. How rapid is it, we really should break the numbers down. Well it might sound good to fathers rights groups but in fact it`s just more of the same, we`ve now hit a record high of single parent families and 14.6% increases male headed single parent households by 1 from 6 to 7, meanwhile 6.3% for women works out to a whopping increase of 5.
Vancouver BC; Youth crime up 3%, violent crime up 5%, drug crime up 8%.
Anyone starting to see the collation between increases in single parent families and increases crime?
The root cause of 80% of crime is single parent families. How about the reason international investors have dumped Canada? Why western Canada wants to separate?
This is perfect fodder for the Cons to bash the Libs as it`s the Libs failure with the report `For the Sake of the Children` that is a huge Liberal `didn`t get it done`.
What`s the plan Garth, how`s Dion going to nullify a Conservative `bash the opposition into losing` over the destruction of Cdn society?
——————————-
http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/070912/d070912a.htm
This release examines developments in families, marital status, households and living arrangements in Canada between 2001 and 2006, and how children fit into these evolving family structures.
The census enumerated 6,105,910 married-couple families, an increase of only 3.5% from 2001. In contrast, the number of common-law-couple families surged 18.9% to 1,376,865, while the number of lone-parent families increased 7.8% to 1,414,060.
Among lone-parent families, growth between 2001 and 2006 was most rapid for families headed by men. Their number increased 14.6%, more than twice the rate of growth of 6.3% among those headed by women.
By Truth on 09.12.07 11:51 am
Interesting that you would use that moniker to hide behind. Speaking of truth, there is growing evidence that shows 9/11 was a false flag event that was partly an inside job.
Can you read and think critically, Truth? Or do you just believe what people tell you?
-R
By Truth on 09.12.07 11:51 am
Bit of a joke, first you say Garth endorsed the conspiracy theory, which he did not according to the write up. Then you realize you have screwed up so you berate him for publishing what was said in the Town Hall Meeting: if he didn’t report it, you would be all over him for hiding stuff…I think you should change your name, you are not the least bit interested in the Truth, only smearing an MP. Wonder what party you support…LMAO….
Hey, I’m off now. At least I brought my chaps. Pray for me.
posted by Garth Turner on 09.12.07 @ 10:07 am
…………
Dear Lord, please not another Liberal prime minister from Quebec.
You’ve lost it. — Garth
By Myron on 09.12.07 10:56 am
……………
Got you worried, Garth ??
Dear Lord, please not another Liberal prime minister from Quebec.
You’ve lost it. — Garth
By Myron on 09.12.07 10:56 am
Not to worry Garth, it’s just Myron the bigot..we are all aware…
By pjw on 09.12.07 11:37 am
Bigot? Moi? .. I think you are confusing me with Oxley who asserted that Harper was implementing a Christian fundamentalist agenda on Canada. When Oxley was challenged to provide proof for his dastardly and bigotted remarks he bailed out by asking MP Garth to correct him if he was wrong. MP Garth said nothing to correct Oxley.
Personally I don’t want another Liberal prime minister from Quebec, and a French citizen to boot, and I believe most Canadians will agree with me.
Trudeau, (Mulroney), Chretien, Martin .. enough is enough !!
What`s the plan Garth, how`s Dion going to nullify a Conservative `bash the opposition into losing` over the destruction of Cdn society?
The French have come up with a solution to increase & stabilize their families. It was simple. In this day of two income families, families working and living away from parents and relatives, of the daily stress on the women to not only work away from home, but to clean that home and to raise the children, I know, men do step in to help but still the burden remains on the women. The French discovered if they help to lift some of the burden from women, they not only have more babies, but their unions are stronger. (McLeans)
Families receive longer maternity leaves, child care is free, kindergarten is free, doctors make housecalls, and most importantly if the women needs to leave the house, a free babysitter will be sent over so that she can have a couple of hours to herself.
As a working mother living hours away from my family, all of the above would have been very welcome and instead of having two children my husband and I would have had four.
So we can change and so can our society. We should be looking to other countries to solve our problems, not to the U.S. Their society is a mess.
Myron: I do not agree with you.
Now for the bad news.
A few years ago I calculated todays, and future crime rate increases on the sole custody rate established beginning 2001. From all comments available to the general public through MSM I had given thought to recalculating taking into account various reports that judges gave sole custody less importance leading to a reduction thereby leading to a reduction in future crime rates. The statscan report shows sole custody has exceeded the record high rate I used. I won`t hesitate in telling you things are going to get a lot worse.
Besides our youth dealing with increased crime rates seniors will soon outnumber youth. Health care is projected to quadruple over this period.
Now for the really bad news.
The children I based my projections on are just starting their teen age years so it`s easy to see why youth crime rates are rising and will continue to rise based on sole custody rates beginning 2001. With the recent release from statscan the effect over the next 5 years can be expected to increase 5% a further 10% over the following 5. The unknown is how will the increase in youth crime spill over into the general population of nuclear families. I suspect it will be a societal avalanche which is the same conclusion international investors came to a few years ago leading to a total collapse in investment other than globally priced commodities, over 2 years ago now.
All I can say is The Libs didn`1t get it done but somebody better soon because the problems grow exponentially. If you think taking sole custody out of the divorce act and the divorce act out of the justice industry is too difficult a cure for this growing crisis it`ll only get harder the longer this affront to Cdn values is allowed to exist.
Personally I don’t want another Liberal prime minister from Quebec, and a French citizen to boot, and I believe most Canadians will agree with me.
I don’t care where the Prime Minister comes from, only that he has integrity, honour, listens to his constituents, is intelligent but also emotionally intelligent, acts on what the people want not on what he wants, doesn’t roll over for the U.S., believes in social welfare not corporate welfare, doesn’t swagger around spouting war like words when he couldn’t be bothered to put on a uniform to fight for his country (chickenhawk), doesn’t embarrass Canada on the world stage by airing what he perceives as Canadian problems and he/she should be a proud Canadian. One last thing he should also be fiscally responsible, I am tired of all the fiscally irresponsible Conservatives who have run up our deficit, from Mulroney, Harris and not to Harper.
Personally I don’t want another Liberal prime minister from Quebec, and a French citizen to boot, and I believe most Canadians will agree with me.
I don’t care where the Prime Minister comes from, only that he has integrity, honour, listens to his constituents, is intelligent but also emotionally intelligent, acts on what the people want not on what he wants, doesn’t roll over for the U.S., believes in social welfare not corporate welfare, doesn’t swagger around spouting war like words when he couldn’t be bothered to put on a uniform to fight for his country (chickenhawk), doesn’t embarrass Canada on the world stage by airing what he perceives as Canadian problems and he/she should be a proud Canadian. One last thing he should also be fiscally responsible, I am tired of all the fiscally irresponsible Conservatives who have run up our deficit, from Mulroney, Harris and now Harper.
When I started advocating childrens rights 10 years ago my best hope and contribution would be to get out the facts, the truth. With the latest round of statistics the truth can no longer be denied. I`ve accomplished my goal and now it`s up to you what you do with it.
You can now take off your tinfoil hats, I see no need in continuing to bombard you with the truth. Hey maybe that`s what Garth meant when he said `short of carpet bombing`?
Anyway, be brave, cu
Personally I don’t want another Liberal prime minister from Quebec, and a French citizen to boot, and I believe most Canadians will agree with me.
Trudeau, (Mulroney), Chretien, Martin .. enough is enough !!
By Myron on 09.12.07 12:58 pm
You can spin it anyway you like but it is a bigoted remark…
Talk about a Wind Chill? I think the Big Three Parties just got one up their collective backside, and it is darn long overdue for our democratic process.
Greens get seat at Mississauga debate
Now, will the MSM (CBC, Global, CTV) find the cajones to follow suit, or just continue depriving the public of other voices who have real solutions? At least the Star published the news. Good on them!
Personally I don’t want another Liberal prime minister from Quebec, and a French citizen to boot,
How could this be construed as anything but bigotry? Not wanting a Liberal is a matter of personal beliefs. Not wanting someone from Quebec is clearly bigory.
and I believe most Canadians will agree with me.
Based on….? It’s clear from polling data that the country is very divided in terms of who it wants running it. There doesn’t appear to be a “most Canadians” category at all, and only an election will be able to clearly established what a plurality of Canadians want, since the data being reported is within the margin of error.
Don’t want another Quebec PM Myron?
Well how about Harper, for all we REALLY know he might be from Quebec too! Afterall he doesn’t want to indicate his ‘hometown’ in guest books. Is it because he wants to have the advantages of being a Westerner from Toronto with Atlantic Canada family ties or is he really just a Quebecer in disguise?
Water exports to U.S. remain on table until we take them off…Andrew Nikiforuk, Adèle Hurley and Ralph Pentland, Freelance
Myron,
Ya, and Harper is such an improvement eh?
~Zorphoeus’ eyes roll so hard he falls over~
Lets see, Harpy screws up the election laws so that they are open to multiple interpretations and then blames Mayrand for his error. This error could easily be correted if Harpy hadn’t postponed the resumption of the HoC for political purposes. Nothing like wrting poorly worded laws, then blaming someone else for your error and then pounding the pooch instead of doing the job we pay you to do.
Next Hapry plays lose and fast with Federal ad monies and then tries to foot the bill on the tax payer,… and then fights with more bs excuses.
BS softwood lumber deal
BS military equipment deals with the USA
Appoints people to the Senate that he hates.
Appoints un-elected ministers.
Allows liberal MP’s to cross over right in to Minister portfolio’s right after the last election.
Gets caught violating election funding rules.
Writes a rule book on how to obstruction committees and stack the witnesses who testify at them.
Spends more money than Liberal
Bribes support from the BQ to support his minority government with my tax dollars.
Raises my Income taxes
That’s just the short list, oh ya, Harper is a great improvement over those Quebec PM’s of past. Err,… sorry how do tell the difference between Liberal PM from Quebec and Harper anyways? Seriously what’s the difference? Oh, right he spends more than a Liberal, got it!
Yes, yes, yes, much better,….
PS,…
Hey Myron, stop drinking that brown kool-aid,… it’s effecting your brain functions.
Garth,
Ride Baby, RIDE!!! And if you see Myron,… don’t brake!
There were THREE events in Edmonton last night, Garth, that I knew of where the public was invited to meet and talk with their local MPs and one with an MLA.
All were very well attended with numbers in the hundreds.
It’s NOT NEWS in these parts to have public meetings with our elected officials.
So for those Edmontonians you met who claimed they have no way to meet their MPs well – duh- whose fault it that?
Great news. What were the MP events, and which one did you attend? — Garth
And personally I hope we’ve seen the last Conservative PM from Alberta.
If the country actually survives this one.
btw, Myron, your bigotry spoke loud and clear in your last post (12:58pm).
Gee Garth,
The other side of Myron’s coin is what 70% of Canada wants ‘Not another PM from Alberta!’ Funny how these things work, eh?
Personally I don’t want another Liberal prime minister from Quebec, and a French citizen to boot, and I believe most Canadians will agree with me.
Myron I believe that tey are Canadian citizens
Hey Garth, stop by the local Army surplus store, you can always get some safe riding gear for a song. When you are home and have your own just pop em the salvation box…too easy.
Another interesting moment came with my introduction to Leila Houle,
Like to see her move up to Ottawa, I am willing to bet this fine navtive women would hold her own, and I would not be surprise to hear she has gotten the cold shoulder from that Dave radio jock.
For those CPC members who do not want another PM from Quebec, one question who is the #1 Conservative in Canada and Stevie boy’s mentor and confidant…….think….Brian Mulroney and where is he from Quebec. nuff said.
Garth, please allow me some personal thoughts with some unconfirmed research on 9/11. The neo conservative hawks (Texas oil men) had their eyes on control of Iraq oil for years, George Dubya Bush was the key to an invasion,(His heart is to please his Father as being a strong winning Commander & Chief, remember the flight to an Air Craft Carrier “Mission Accomplished”) but they knew the American people would never buy into it. What they had to wait for was probable cause with some world support, just prior to 9/11 Washington knew something was up but NO Full details (there had been two attacks a misfire in NY and the USS Cole) so they waited. Bad mistake! because they never knew just how bad it could be, the world united around 9/11 and they had full world support overnight for Afghanistan, this openned the door to that evil man Saddam and the rest is history. Ture perhaps, but we do know that oil has been and still is liquid gold in that area and greed in multi billions of a counties natural resources is never beyond reach for those with military power to go after.
No American wanted or knew of the plan to cause such deadly destruction, but this is not the first time a small brush fire got out of control and in the case of 9/11 the hawks were on it like buzzards on dead meat. And that is a fact. History will write the truth in the years to come when the dust settles but I fear many thousands more will loose their lives in the greed for control of the liquid, called “Black Gold” or “Texas Tea”.
Bankrupt to be fighting George Bush’s warâ€, WTF?
Are you serious. Have you not read the endoresement of the UN sponsored afghanistan mission? Did you not VOTE to send Canadians over to fight for the freedom of the Afghans? Another hypocritical endorsement from Garth. – By Truth on 09.12.07 11:51 am
George W. Bush has only one war, the War on Terror. He can’t distinguish between Iraq and AFghanistan. Thank God, Jean Cretien made the decision not to go the Iraq, unlike PMSH, who in opposition, stated we should be standing with our neighbour (as if thats a good reason… not!) Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11, just Saddam was rattling George W.’s chain.
Afghanistan, as you point out was endorsed by the UN as a NATO mission, not a Canadian mission. My understanding of the Liberals position, and my own, is that if it is a NATO mission then all of the NATO countries should be actively involved, not only in the safe areas but in the combat zone.
Canada’s tour of duty ends in Feb 2009 and has done its fair share. Its time for the rest of NATO to step up.
While PMSH sends mixed messages about wanting to keep our troops there to finish the Canadian mission, there is no reason for the rest of NATO to do anything.
I’ve said it once, and I’ll keep saying it, even though the Cons Trolls will be PO’d with me, Afghanistan is NOT a Canadian mission, it is a NATO mission being undertaken by Canadian Forces.
I see no hypocracy from the Libs. They sent our troops there to do their part as members of NATO. Now they are saying we’ve done our part, what about the rest of NATO.
and the intervention by a pack of young Liberals who showed up to argue Nine Eleven was an inside job, and Canada is morally bankrupt to be fighting George Bush’s illegal war in Afghanistan.
Actually, that last group was persuasive. Not that I buy the conspiracy theory – not yet, anyway.
Who left the playpen door open? L
Got Rope – Regarding your note about lone-parent families. Can you tell me what demographic these are in. Are they black, Carribean, white, asian…what? Before we can address any root causes of this issue, we need to fully understand exactly who is involved and why. I am curious for the info…
CMOR – If you think that the Canadian and U.S. societies are in such a mess, whom would you suggest we look to? Please let us know who you think has a better society.
EGADS! Has peaceful (mostly) Muskoka become a Terrorist Target?
Explosives found in Severn Bridge
An investigation was conducted by members of the Bracebridge OPP and the Explosive Disposal Unit of the OPP Tactical Response Unit. They located another 111 sticks of dynamite in garbage bags within the vehicle.
First they bust the Terrorist Training Camp in Washago, now this!
Okay, that does it…We will be needing Passports and photo ID from everyone travelling into our area.
Or, is it just some guy trying to ‘fish’?
Myron:
If you were paying attention to these different P.M.’s, you would realize they were all different in style and often , in substance.
Dion is quite different from all of them. While he has to exhibit a certain amount of confidence in himself, he is not on the same ego-boosting quest that some of the above were.That is not to say that some of these same men did not accomplish work of value but I think Dion is more centred on doing what he thinks is right for the nation. This is what I would certainly like to see and I’m sure most deeply Canadian citizens want. It shouldn’t be about where someone is from or even their ethnicity but rather who believes in the values of respect, honesty, fairness and caring about the effects of policies on all and trying to be just.
What we don’t want is a government that is propped up or influenced by any group who does not have the all-around best interests of Canadians. We need some wisdom which is more important than charisma or a loud speaking voice. Is this possible in a time when Paris Hilton and poor Britney are more important to the media than the suffering millions, climate change and health care?
I would call these problems minor compared to what the CRAP will face .
http://www.conservative.ca/EN/2874/86863
Mickey Mouse Web Site…hire a student!
One last thing he should also be fiscally responsible, I am tired of all the fiscally irresponsible Conservatives who have run up our deficit, from Mulroney, Harris and not to Harper.
By cmor on 09.12.07 1:15 pm
Ummm – you forgot to Trudeau (or is he your hero?).
And now that you mentioned Harris (one of the Ontario Premiers), you may want to check Dalton’s record… not only has he increased our taxes, he is also, rapidly increasing our debt.
“The Province’s total debt is projected to be $157.1 billion as at March 31, 2007, compared to $154.9 billion as at March 31, 2006. Total debt represents all borrowing without offsetting financial assets”
When McGuinty, one your Liberal idols, became Premier, the debt was about 125 Billion. So he increased the debt by about 20%! Tell me, you liberal bright one, who will pay down our Ontario’s debt?
I’ve said it once, and I’ll keep saying it, even though the Cons Trolls will be PO’d with me, Afghanistan is NOT a Canadian mission, it is a NATO mission being undertaken by Canadian Forces.
I see no hypocracy from the Libs. They sent our troops there to do their part as members of NATO. Now they are saying we’ve done our part, what about the rest of NATO.
By James – Chatham on 09.12.07 3:07 pm
I agree with you, Afghanistan is a NATO mission, approved the UN.
I’ve read comments (some on the G&M site) that Stephen Harper’s government sent our troops into combat. But, it was Paul Martin’s cabinet who actually made that decision in the spring of 2005. And during the summer of 2005, Gen. Hillier was on a cross country tour, spreading the message that we will expect some of our soldiers to die in this dangerous mission. I do believe that Stephane Dion was in Paul Martin’s cabinet at that time. I don’t recall Dion making any noises about the combat operations. And I do not recall any parliamentary vote on that decision. Why?
Or, is it just some guy trying to ‘fish’?
By Bill-Muskoka on 09.12.07 3:15 pm
Where you getting your fishing dynamite, I gotta use caustic soda in a gallon bottle of water.
Reg,
Give up on trying to get “Got Rope” to explain or justify his position because he does not. His better society is the one he designs where there is no divorce and all women do as their husbands tell them.
Garth,
I wish Ms Houle every success in her quest for a seat in the parliament. We need more people who have actually succeeded in real life rather than been political animals and lobbyists.
Stranger than a Cartoon News Network
5 or 6 nukes unknowingly transported on B52 across USA –
commandwide standdown Friday of bombers and jet fighters – should they be telling everyone this?
and you don’t want to know what Rense is saying…
I’m surprise that equalization wasn’t raised more often as a topic while you were in those four western provinces?
Equalization drives us apart as Canadians. Our decenteralized government, coupled with the federal government redistributing financial resources so provinces can maintain services equivalent to each other.
I know of no province that is happy with equalization. Yet it’s entrenched in the 1982 Constitution.
What is your and Dion’s vision for Canada that unites Canada rather than dividing it?
Travelling from Ontario to places westward for townhall meetings is a start, but I’d like to hear your thoughts on how to rectify the forumulas. And asymmetrical federalism that Martin introduced is not a solution, rather it’s an exacerbation of the problem.
Might east/west corridors for trading among ourselves rather than export vast quantities southward offer an alternative? What say you? I.e. how do we get from a fractured Canada to a united confederation? Harper, declaring Quebec to be a nation within a nation creates more friction. Quebec abandoned separatism and wants to more forward.
Give up on trying to get “Got Rope†to explain or justify his position because he does not. His better society is the one he designs where there is no divorce and all women do as their husbands tell them.
Kevin on 09.12.07 3:42 pm
You`re a liar. Show me one word I have ever written on anything regarding saving divorce or no divorce or taking orders from husbands.
If you have information to disprove the data I have provided then post it. If not go back to your law firm and figure out how you can defend sole custody because personal attacks on me don`t change the stats.
5 or 6 nukes unknowingly transported on B52 across USA -
commandwide standdown Friday of bombers and jet fighters – should they be telling everyone this?
and you don’t want to know what Rense is saying…
By Pecked to death by ducks on 09.12.07 3:47 pm
Simply get yourself geared up for all types of fishing…sit back…and wait.
“Ride Baby, RIDE!!! And if you see Myron,… don’t brake!”
By Zorpheous on 09.12.07 1:46 pm
You are clearly being too kind!
Catherine…my dear girl spin Afghanistan all you want. The reason the US turned it over to NATO is because when it goes south as it will the US will blame it on NATO thus not having Vietnam III, we all know Iraq is Vietnam II… check the facts, PMSH made the motion caved to a debate that lasted a nan oh sec and did not even show up to vote let alone answer any questions…..Sorry Catherine dem dare the facts. Bill Clinton is now calling Afghanistan a disaster big time. America is spending 3 Billion a week American troops dying daily about 100 per month (both) and you have your head in the sand blaming the Liberals. Sorry Canadians do not buy it….. read the facts dear lady, http://www.zfacts.com
Muskoka Bill,
The Dyno was for the show stage effects…tell them to return the speed limit sign after the concert!
http://www.bracebridgeexaminer.com/muskokanews/article/47016
Where you getting your fishing dynamite, I gotta use caustic soda in a gallon bottle of water.
By wd on 09.12.07 3:38 pm
LMAO! T’wasn’t mine. I had my fill of Boom Boom stuff in the Marines! You can bet they will trace it back though, and someone is gonna be eyebrow deep in Doo doo.
Like the poacher said to the Game Warden, after handing him a lit stick of dynamite ‘You gonna talk or fish?”
Dear Lord, please remind Garth to bring his winter driving gloves next time he goes west and oh yah if you don’t mind please add in income splitting.
Amen!
By Canuck on 09.12.07 3:56 pm
I having a tad bit of trouble determining what your solution is? Cross-province, territorial trade is fine, but it is a rather limited market. Please exapnd on your concept.
You got clouds and rain… any crows? Perhaps a raven or two as harbingers of dire liberal times ahead.
Watch the traffic Garth, QEII is a bastard of a road.
Unfortunately we send all our money to the east, so we don’t have nice highways going to nowhere in Alberta like you do in Ontario.
Less and less manufacturing jobs, but lots of great roads to get to the pogey office eh:)
Great news. What were the MP events, and which one did you attend? — Garth
Well, Garth, I saw my own MP in person last night – he told us that they are all heading back to Ottawa today I would guess to take back the results of the extensive public consultations they have had since the house recessed.
Every riding is unique, as you know. What works or is an issue in Halton may not be appropriate for Edmonton.
A lot of “issues” close to the people are provincial or municipal in nature so it has been one of my MPs mandates for a number of years to have open consultations with constituents with representatives from all levels of government.
I am sure you meet all the time with Halton MPP’s and aldermen too.
By the way, Rutherford DID have your pet issue, Income Trusts, on last week. He had McCullum who has a portfolio as Opposition critic to talk about it.
Maybe because this is not your portfolio and you just represent ad nauseum the same special interest IT lobbyists who have also been on Rutherford is why he did not feel you should use his show for a soapbox yet again.
It IS now policy – YOU voted for in. The decision was for the country’s greater good.Time to move on.
Who left the playpen door open? L
By Angry Canadian on 09.12.07 3:07 pm
At least L (aka AC) they were allowed to say what was on their minds. Garth asked you the names of these events and did you attend one, yet you have yet to respond. I wonder if any who attended those so called events were given the same ability to voice their opinions, if they didn’t agree with their PMs & MLA said. So L when are you going to answer Garth’s questions??????
When McGuinty, one your Liberal idols, became Premier, the debt was about 125 Billion. So he increased the debt by about 20%! Tell me, you liberal bright one, who will pay down our Ontario’s debt?
By Catherine on 09.12.07 3:31 pm
125 billion dollars in debt because of guess who? Flaherty? How convient to forget that little titbit Catherine.
I wonder what will happen now that Ms. Royal (socialist candidate in France’s last election) will be visiting Quebec soon and I wonder why. She encouraged the separation of Quebec – something fishy here and will she get the separatists going again.
Catherine: if Harper would quit kicking around Ontario perhaps things would be different. You have to look at the whole picture – and under Harris we literally had most of the services dumped. I could tell you horror stories about my parents when they became ill under Harris’ government – it’s not a pretty picture. So, you can ramble on with your numbers, but we are better today than we were when McGuinty took his oath….and that’s what you want from a government. My husband’s nephew lost a year of school because of the teachers’ strikes because of the timing of the strikes….shall we go on? Re: health tax – considering health costs and whats going on in the US – our health tax is pretty cheap insurance that you won’t lose everything you own, your home etc if you get ill – you should be more appreciative of what you have here.
Isn’t it funny (sad) that if Garth reports what happened at his meetings – he’s attacked for reporting and if he doesn’t he’s accused of hiding something. Damned if you do and damned if you don’t with some folks eh?
Catherine: You conveniently failed to mention that Mike Harris and Ernie Eves cooked the books to hide billions in deficits. Dalton picked up a 5.6 BILLION DEFICIT from the Tories when he took over as premier of Ontario, and the Tories claimed that their was a surplus. THE TORIES LIED. The auditor (appointed by the previous CONSERVATIVE government) went over the books shortly after Dalton took over and confirmed that their in fact was a 5.6 Billion defficit, not a surplus. The Ontario Liberals have managed to balance the budget (probably for the first time in over a decade).
The CONs LIE. Harris Lied, Eves Lied, and Harpo is as well.
Personally I don’t want another Liberal prime minister from Quebec, and a French citizen to boot, and I believe most Canadians will agree with me.
Trudeau, (Mulroney), Chretien, Martin .. enough is enough !!
By Myron on 09.12.07 12:58 pm
Sure sounds like old whiney Observer to me. If not him, he’s at his elbow, telling “Myron” what to type. Does this count for a sock puppet?
Geo
Bill said:
Greens get seat at Mississauga debate
YAY for Frank de Jong and the Green Party!! It’s about bloody time. What the hell have they all been afraid of?
Geo
By got rope? on 09.12.07 12:13 pm
Here is an article which deals with similar subject matter as your posts
http://www.cbc.ca/news/yourview/2007/09/number_of_singleparent_familie.html
Article says, “More than 2.1 million children are now living in a lone-parent family.”
The blog posts that accompany the article are interesting too. Some are representative of the problems discussed and display attitudes that bring about many of the issues.
“125 billion dollars in debt because of guess who? Flaherty? How convient to forget that little titbit Catherine.”
By irene on 09.12.07 5:54 pm
So answer the burning question dogging all of us Catherine;
Are you:
1. A blind Tory hack?
2. A brain dead Tory Hack?
3. A lying Tory Hack?
4. A Tory staffer paid to do this?
5. Just plain stupid?
By William Macdonell on 09.12.07 4:57 pm
Another Con divider heard from, pitting one province against another…typical Con move, no ethics, no accountability and no class!
Thx for the link Greg
Always something interesting such as
“Lone-parent families have been a phenomenon since the early 20th century, with rates in the 1930s almost as high as they were in 2006.”
I have not seen the 1930`s data and even if the rate were the same in the 30`s it was by chance, now the children are denied a parent intentionally.
I see it also contains the poverty factor which matches up to the federal report that declared child support as the most important thing to a child.
In fact there is no data to back up this claim. Every study, statistic and all the empirical data all says the same thing, the most important thing to a child is not losing a parent.
Well the truth is out there. What everybody does with it is up to them. I wrote about youth crime increasing many times over the years. All federal parties have been aware of the truth but are content to spin lies like the most important thing to a child, not.
I`ve posted the truth on many sites, when I`m done I move on to another site although this is my last you`ve had all the truth on this site everyone needs so it`s cu later and for whats coming,
be brave.
David,
Nice to know that the US runs NATO (you might want to tell the French and the Germans that – they might be a bit surprised!).
The Afghan mission is under mandates from the UN (remember them – the Russians, Chinese, British, etc who sit on the security council). The US is one powerful country but it doesn’t run those countries.
Ed the Hun
I see Garth is still omitting most posts that are negative, and perhaps engaging in a little “creative” writing of his own under psuedonyms. The more things change I guess……..
Care to explain that, or is this just a blanket Con attack? — Garth
Just an addendum Garth to your question about where MPs and MLA’s public events were in the Edmonton region yesterday: Did you remember that it was the 9/11 Anniversary?
I would hazard a guess that pretty well the majority of MPs of all parties were also attending 9/11 public memorials.
We also had MPs at a huge public event welcoming our soldiers home from Afstan.
All this while you were at the Oldtimer’s Cabin listening to rants from 9/11 conspiracy theorists.
Strange times.
Canuck,
You mentioned equalization. If you follow the link you will see a very interesting read from Greg Weston regarding equalization and Alberta. Intriguing to see what the future brings.
http://allangregg.com/?p=47
Ed the Hun
Hey Irene, I normally don’t comment on Ontario provincial politics, however, you statement, “125 billion dollars in debt because of guess who? Flaherty? How convient to forget that little titbit Catherine.” seemed a bit strange.
Guess what, with some research you left out some interesting information:
The PC’s (under Eves and Harris) left office in Oct 03 when the net debt was approx. $138.0Billion.
The PC’s under Harris took office in June 1995 when the net debt was approx. $101.0 Billion and the deficit was in excess of $11.0Billion (spending higher than revenues).
Prior to him it was a Bobby Rae (as a NDPer) who took office with a net debt of less than $50.0Billion (summer of 90).
In 1985 when Petersen took office the debt was approx. $30.0Billion.
So, I’d say the debt problem in Ontario can be attributed to one thing.
Your politicians knowing that the way to get voted in in Ontario is to spend money that none of you apparently have.
Makes sense that Ottawa is in Ontario doesn’t it now…
Ed the Hun
By got rope? on 09.12.07 4:07 pm
Hey Sux, Just because someone disagrees with you does not make them a lawyer. You called me one once too. A feminist lawyer if I remember correctly. Now Kevin belongs to a law firm?
Yes Fed Sux, we are stalking you. All the lawyers are.
But what I wanted to ask you, is the “parenting plan” one of your (I am not sure what to call it) “items”, that you wanted to see added to the divorce act? And the ways of implementing it?
Geo
Apologies, I gave Greg Weston credit when it obviously belongs to Allan Gregg.
Ed the Hun
Hey Ed, Catherine, et al…
Did you all forget that Ontario’s manufacturing base tanked with the Free Trade Agreement? Seems to me that it would obliterate a major source of provincial revenue.
Let’s not forget the privatization of the 407 (out of “principle” not economics), privatization of Hydro, the creation of private clinics in public hospitals, etc…all public institutions that were doing quite well…
Funny thing about debt and investments…is it incurred because you buy something for future returns, or is it incurred because some doofus sells it off before it can acquire any value?
Long term planning versus short term gain…seems like those who profess to be fiscal conservatives in the political arena think only in terms of the latter and not the former…
Austin
Austin,
If you are directing your last comment at me, I’m not getting your point? Is this reference the ontario debt? If it is I won’t respond since I don’t care. That is an ONtario problem. We took care of ours in Alberta.
If you are referring to some other Ed, then my apologies.
Ed the Hun
But what I wanted to ask you, is the “parenting plan†one of your (I am not sure what to call it) “itemsâ€, that you wanted to see added to the divorce act? And the ways of implementing it?
Geo
By Georgine on 09.12.07 9:57 pm
Wasn`t me that called you a lawyer, said I`m entertained watching your twisted mind at work and kev is a lawyer.
I don`t have any items to add to the divorce act, I only supplied the facts so that people like yourself would see that your position is unsustainable. You might recall I`ve said the same thing several times so I don`t know why you`d think I have some different position.
I supplied the info Geo, do with it as you will as economic conditions will make the changes necessary although not as gentle, brutally I`d say. It`s already a proven failure so I don`t understand what you have to gain by pushing the institutional raising of Cdn children but good luck on that as you`ll need it because it`s already a proven failure.
No need for you to answer as I won`t be posting on future threads unless it`s good news. I`m tired of reporting bad news.
Been a slice Geo, happy trails.
By Georgine on 09.12.07 6:42 pm
Losing the monopoly the two main parties have achieved, just like in the U.S. Only two parties are heard…the Rethuglicans and the Demoncrats. No other voices need apply. The MSM loves the KISS principle, because it prevents them from having to think. Canada is headed the same way if the people do not start thinking outside the little box.
Today, Glen Hodgson wrote a Letter to the Editor and actually INFORMED the people of what MMP means to them, how it will work, and why to vote for it. He is our Green Candidate.
Mixed member proportional representation – a thoughtful proposal
Thee local (TorStar owned BTW) newspapers in Muskoka are giving equal coverage to all candidates.
Meet the provincial election candidates
All we get is this from the incumbent PC MPP.
Miller serves riding by land, water and air
and this partisan (shouldn’t be) bit
MLA denies pushing Conservative platform
And these are in ALL the local newspapers here.
By Lorraine on 09.12.07 7:58 pm
Ah, you got a fresh bag, did you?
So answer the burning question dogging all of us Catherine;
5. Just plain stupid?
By Big L Man on 09.12.07 7:31 pm
That gets my vote.
We took care of ours in Alberta.
If you are referring to some other Ed, then my apologies.
Ed the Hun
By Ed the Hun on 09.12.07 11:26 pm
Yup! you sure did.
Anyone ever hear the term “oil price gouging”
Sux,
…when I`m done I move on to another site although this is my last you`ve had all the truth on this site everyone needs so it`s cu later and for whats coming,
If you are really leaving us as you seem to imply and as you have promised in the past but failed to do, I suggest next time you impose yourself you lay your info out in some sort of manner that actually makes sense. (Will it be a BT site next? They don’t have kids, but they are the juvie’s.)
As it is, you don’t and no one is going to go back and dig your junk out. How in the world would anyone find something specific? Impossible.
And it is wrong of you to use Garth’s blog as a repository of your stuff. Why not put it on your own blog or site and at least refer people there for assorted links.
And you did accuse me of being a lawyer, the first week we argued. I remember it fondly. lol!!
I still think your stats are wrong, cold and twisted, which everyone knows can be shown to deliver the results you want. Nothing to do with real people. Real children. You trust them too much.
Nothing you have said has ever been a positive solution for real children and their parents.
By the way…the “parenting plan” no.16a -16i(?) was an important feature (again I am having trouble with what to call it) in the break up/divorce of a couple with children from “For the Sake of the Children” . As per Alan Rock and mmmm, a Group, can’t remember their name right now, included a couple of MPs.
Why can’t you just answer the question?
Oh, another one for you? How old does a child have to be when she’s safely past the danger zone of having a single parent would you say?
Geo
And these are in ALL the local newspapers here.
By Bill-Muskoka on 09.12.07 11:58 pm
Thanks Bill,
Your papers are much like ours here. I have a few to pick from and I’m sure I could match the soul-mates. I worked for a couple of weeklies up on the Sunshine Coast too, years ago; one was almost broke and honest as it could be. The other was a rich old man’s hobby and tax write off. Both are gone now.
Glen Hodgson’s article is very good. I do hope people read it and understand. I hope people all over Ontario understand that it’s time for this change.
BC tried in ‘05 and Campbell could have legislated it anyway, it was so close. Not MMP but STV (single-transferable vote). It was a double majority vote, 60% /60%. We came up with 57.69% of the vote and 77 electoral districts when we needed 48.
Campbell and his LINO’s (liberal’s in name only, they out CRAP Harper on occasion) didn’t want to change the status quo, not really for all his meally mouth platitueds about democracy. What a fraud that man is. Not only NDP but Green’s also will take seats from the party eventually (next year). Maybe Rinos!
But poor planning. No one got it. No one really understood what STV was or how it would be used and the idea was released too close to the election. Even two weeks earlier would have made a world of difference.
So, close but no cigar. Maybe it’s for the best. In my mind MMP is a better system. But anything to stop the madness and hurt we are in now.
Change is good grasshopper:)
Geo
ps: could Ontario legislate the change to MMP if it is very close, anyway?
Yes Ed, I was referring to the info you provided, and the garbage the Catherine continues to parlay…
Yes, Alberta got rid of its “debt”…funny thing about sitting on significant deposits of crude…makes it hard to even have debt. Would require a major dimwit to blow that one. Would take another to wave it around like a badge of success…
One does wonder if Alberta continues to forget to diversify its economy, when OPEC decides to increase production to drop crude prices making the oil sands an entirely unprofitable venture, whether Alberta will cry for handouts like it has done in the past…again long term planning versus short term gain…
The sheer stupidity of the Harris conservatives was that it looked to Alberta as a role model for cutting taxes…except they forgot that Ontario doesn’t have oil revenues…Whoops! And no manufacturing base…double whoops!
Good ol’ self-deluded “fiscal conservatives”…good ol’ Flaherty…
Austin
125 billion dollars in debt because of guess who? Flaherty? How convient to forget that little titbit Catherine.
By irene on 09.12.07 5:54 pm
Ok Irene, you forgot to mention that Flaherty had to deal with Paul Martin’s downloading of 25 billion… you forgot to mention that Flaherty had to deal with Buffalo Bob’s mismanagement… you forgot to mention that Flaherty took over when the Ontario’s debt was over 100 Billion.
But, again, why have facts get in the way of Liberal delusions, eh?
Are you:
1. A blind Tory hack?
2. A brain dead Tory Hack?
3. A lying Tory Hack?
4. A Tory staffer paid to do this?
5. Just plain stupid?
By Big L Man on 09.12.07 7:31 pm
We can all turn your 5 questions around and ask you the same type of questions, fool.
Afterall, you call yourself a “big L man”. Must mean that you are one of the Liberal insiders. Stephane Dion is mentoring his flock well.
Bill Muskoka:
In what way limited? The population of Canada is more than thirty million people. Sure the market to date ships resources southward, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. Ontario is building a nuclear plant to supply energy when both Manitoba and Quebec are sources of energy. Vehicles need to be priced so more Canadians can buy them. Why is that a vehicle manufactured in Ontario has a higher price tag here than it does south of our borders? That makes no sense either for the car industry or Canadian buyers.
Facts about : Canadian Downstream Petroleum Industry–Crude Oil Perhaps now that the price of oil increased, building an east/west pipeline might be economically viable? Figures, I’ve seen indicate 2 million barrels of oil exported southward, and one million gallons imported to eastern provinces. Why don’t the pipelines run east and west as well as north and south? It’s not a limited market…it’s quite large. And why crude oil rather than refined? Isn’t there more money made by refining it?
BC interprovincial trade, just under a $10 billion dollar trade deficit with the rest of the country while having over a $4 billion surplus in international trade, The combined interprovincial and international trade deficit amounted to just over $5.5 billion. There has to be something very wrong for goods to be shipped to eastern countries cheaper than shipping across our own country. Conclusion: the advantages of trading within Canada have amplified trade between provinces far beyond what they would be in a perfect free trade universe.
Stats, Interprovincial Trade
I’m finding it difficult to get interprovincial trade information, but I would think Garth has ready access to it. TILMA agreements such as Alberta and BC signed between each other are not an option; they’re too reminscent and one-sided–similar to NAFTA agreements. Once being burned should be enough.
So L when are you going to answer Garth’s questions??????
By KPN on 09.12.07 5:06 pm
Garth asked me a question? I scrolled back and couldn’t find one. I’m not here often, very busy, but if I missed a question by Garth directed at me, I’ll check later and if someone can point it out I’ll be most happy to answer.
And yes, Liberal do put their young in a cage. They have no say what so ever. It makes them nuts and they get bored and come up with stupid stunts. When they get over the top the old suits round ‘em up, give them their soothers and lock em back in the pen. ha ha ha….L
A.R. Wainwright,
Actually it started with Alberta cutting back on its spending well before oil went to the dizzying heights that it now is.
And just so you know, most of Alberta’s resource revenue arises from natural gas and not oil. But I guess things like the facts would only be technicalities to someone like you.
You want oil, then you pay the price that the world demands. How is that gouging?
Ed the Hun
Now, will the MSM (CBC, Global, CTV) find the cajones to follow suit, or just continue depriving the public of other voices who have real solutions? At least the Star published the news. Good on them!Muskoka Bill
Bill, I’ve signed several petitions to allow the Green Party a voice at debates, so I am pleased to see this breakthrough. They are the only party with the courage to support a truly public school system. The other parties are afraid to lose votes from Catholics who believe their religious-based schools should be funded with our tax dollars. The debate on this issue alone would be better served, if Green Party candidates had an opportunity to be included in all political debates–especially those that are televised.
My husband and I are both voting for the Green Party this time–a first for him, who always voted PC.
We need an inclusive public school system, not a divisive one.
And, federally, the Separatists are allowed in debates and only represent one province. How fair is that?
Why can’t you just answer the question?
Oh, another one for you? How old does a child have to be when she’s safely past the danger zone of having a single parent would you say?
Geo
By Georgine on 09.13.07 1:05 am
“Why can’t you just answer the question?”
It`s obvious with your constant stream of insults and personal attacks you are only interested in bashing the opposition into losing. I`ve stated before I`m not interested in that form of debate.
I`m not sure I could point you to a study specifically on the `danger zone` but a study of single parent children up to age 30 said they said the thing they missed in their childhood was the other parent.
I know you`ll miss me posting the truth to your absurd statements but this isn`t all about you, it`s about the children and it is their future, your children too. Hope you feel good about screwing this country up so bad international investors have dumped Canada.
And I know just how you`ll handle it, insults and attacks. You`ve got one twisted mind Geo.
By Lana on 09.13.07 8:18 am
Good for you. I told two friends and they told two friends, and the word is spreading.
I posted the GPO platform in the new topic, and I think people will appreciate the sound planks in it.
The MSM, for the most part, cannot shake their addiction to ‘predictable politics’ because their idiot Talking Heads would have to actually play a massive Catchup to learn about the Greens. Fine, the people who care are taking the time to do so, and the Green website has a heck of a lot more REAL information than the other arm-waving, BS on the three main party sites. especially the CPC and PC sites.
You are Spot on regarding the cowards wanting to appease the Catholics on the school funding, but I think most Catholics have a for greater self-identity than to be bought off so cheaply.
Georgine,
Give it up with GR. My belief is he was either an abusive bastard towards his ex, or she was a real PIA, and he has been vicitmized by the Child Support and Visitiation laws, and now, rather than get on with life, has a hardon for all things involving the courts of our nation.
I will never know, unless he says which it is, but at this point I simply do not care about his quest for vengence.
He burdens us all down day after day with disconnected logic to garner support. I doubt he knows when to quit.
If he was a victim, then he has my compassion, but if he was a total jerk, then he does not.
Regardless, this is not the forum for his rant.
By Canuck on 09.13.07 6:57 am
Thank you. I, too, have no figures on inter-provincial trade.
As I commented in WTI this morning I think this illustrates what it may look like for Saudi-Alberta? LOL
Is this Saudi Alberta’s future? Canada Stands Up and Speaks
By Lana on 09.13.07 8:18 am
I would be very surprised if 50% of Catholics would be against one public system for all…if they are honest, many of them haven’t seen the inside of the Church building other than Christmas and Easter for years. If you appeal to them on the basis of fairness, which is Mr. Tory’s issue, many Catholics would vote for one system, I know I would! I think Mr. Tory had a very good chance to win this election before he came out with faith based funding, a tactical error in my opinion. We shall see how well he does now with this hanging about his neck, I don’t see it going away and this issue is defining the election. Personally for those of us who won’t support this faith based funding and won’t support an acknowledged liar in the Premier, it leaves us with a choice between the NDP and Green, and Green is looking more attractive daily.
Lawyer? Did someone say Lawyer? Where’s my Rifle?
If you had a thousand lawyers at the bottom of the ocean, what would you have?
A good start.
As far as the single parent deniers syndrome, I say, None so blind as those who refuse to see, none so deaf as those who will not listen..
Of course not every child from a single parent environment is lost along the way. Not every child from a dual income working family is lost either.
Just far too many. Go sit in at youth court for a few days, and get some perspective. Ask yourselves why it costs hundreds of dollars in many of our school environments for Children to play a high school sport? Why is that? What are city kids supposed to do with themselves? XBox? Hangin’ out? The Mall? The T.V.? Now there’s a positive influence.
Where are all the old baseball fields where you had to use pieces of wood for bases? The softball wrapped in hockey tape to keep its insides in? The outdoor rinks that a few good hearted souls would flood in the freezing cold so kids could skate or play shiny?
Naw, everthing has to be done at high cost now. Paid umpires for secondary school softball games. Football fields with the lights burning in broad daylight. Adults living vicariously through their Children seeking glory of past lives as wanna be sports stars. Winning being the most important thing of all. Builds character? My ass.
Now before you start with your indignant responses as to there being nothing wrong with organized sports, you are right in respect to those who are gifted. But what about all the rest who could benefit so greatly from being active, busy and having some good fun. It’s ok to be a kid, isn’t it?
Do single and dual income parents have time and or energy to encourage neighborhood activities? Do we utilize churches and their potential for youth activities properly? Do we talk to our neighbors about what would be good for our local kids and work together to push local governments for basic walking distance activity areas? Slides, swings and teeter toter’s aren’t of much interest to teenagers. What about school facilities after hours? The gym, the auditorium, the computer labs? So much of what is needed, is either already there, or can be provided for very little. Except the impetus to make it work. That’s the big challenge.
Most everyone who is capable is too busy, too tired or would rather pay someone else to do it. The later being rule of thumb for what does get done, and thus makes it an industry in itself, governed by the rules of industry.
So Mr. Rope, I for one hope you don’t leave this blog as I feel many if not most who post here are of my generation, and we are the ones who are responsible for the state of affairs. It is our generation that sold out, or copped out be it as it may. We passed the buck to politicians and bureaucrats who said, pick me!
Therefore, I think it is important that you remind folks here regularly. Jog their conscience and memory by times. Maybe it will have some effect on shifting focus from their lost IT funds, and the dream of trading up that older model motor home.
Hopefully some understanding that a good deal of what we have discarded for new and better needs to be re-examined. Particularly the example we show regarding credit and materialism and our self centered focus. Our insatiable drive for more, has brought a heavy price. As Newton’s law clearly explains; For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Time we learned that.Especially when dealing with the ideologies of think tank quacks and the collection of vultures we know as the family court system.
A couple of small pointers. Teach your Children about the responsibilities of having Children, and for God sakes teach them some life skills other than just electronics. When someone tries to start something, support them and ask what can I do to help? Don’t just criticize. If you must attend kids sport activities, cheer when someone does good if you want, but when a kid or a volunteer ref makes a mistake, shut up.
Now, one political dig. I realize some folks grow old and wise, many merely grow old. I am not confident in the ability of the many to see the need to individually focus energy on youth, anymore than they seem to be able to understand that voting for the same old 2 step routine isn’t going to make things better. I can say it no better than whomever coined the phrase, “Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me”.
No fool like an old fool eh?
By Greg on 09.13.07 12:16 pm
A major cause of it all is the ability of companies to close plants or eliminate jobs at will. Families no longer have a long term neighborhood because they have to move to where the work is. But that would require some real cajones by politicians, who are too damn busy handing out tax breaks to mulitnationals.
By Bill-Muskoka on 09.13.07 12:42 pm
I hear ya Bill. Been there too. Only it was the forces of Political ineptitude and patronage that set my dory adrift, not once, not twice but thrice….
Where did I put that damn Rifle? Lol…
God will get them in the end. There will come a great epidemic of Clap of the Trap. It is written.
It will become known as the Politician’s disease. I would like to hear them explain their way out of that one.
Oh yes, Grasshopper is my line Geo. I plagiarized it first, so hands off.
Georgine,
Give it up with GR. My belief is he was either an abusive bastard towards his ex, or she was a real PIA, and he has been vicitmized by the Child Support and Visitiation laws, and now, rather than get on with life, has a hardon for all things involving the courts of our nation.
Regardless, this is not the forum for his rant.
By Bill-Muskoka on 09.13.07 11:12 am
lol, you can try and make this about me but it`s about future generations outnumbered by seniors with health care quadrupling, youth crime reaching new highs just to name a few, international investors dumping Canada, why the west will separate for a few more.
Regardless if I`m a victim or not I didn`t create this mess, people like you, Geo, Elisabeth May, Ann McLellan, Hedy Fry, Carole James and along with the support of the entire Liberal government did it, so (as gently as I can put it) piss off Mr.ATV string barb wire across trails, base ball bat Bill.
btw I noticed Garth allows your rants of violence along with Geos threat of assault on Sean. Must be he approves of bashing the opposition into losing rather than encouraging debate.
Garth is sure a full fledged Liberal.
So much deadwood and no flame in sight.
Oh yes, Grasshopper is my line Geo. I plagiarized it first, so hands off.
By Greg on 09.13.07 1:05 pm
No, NO! I plagiarized it first! Snatched it right out the hand of the Master I did, decades ago watching ‘Kung Fu’.
This almost certainly going to be missed by GR but I will say it again: I am NOT a lawyer.
Also, GR, you harp on about the correlation between single parent families and youth crime but you have neither proven the causative link between them, nor shown data sources that support your thesis. There is a fundamental difference a correlation and a cause.
I apologise for upsetting your sensibility but perhaps you can explain how you would make things better? It is very easy to criticise, but much harder to provide solutions.
you harp on about the correlation between single parent families and youth crime but you have neither proven the causative link between them, nor shown data sources that support your thesis. There is a fundamental difference a correlation and a cause.
By Kevin on 09.13.07 2:55 pm
I have posted the data so it will do you no good to further lie as I`m sure there have been a few that looked at it.
For any new people and to remind the rest;
Sole custody creates 80% of youth crime. Canada has been hitting new highs in denying a child a parent which now stands at over 2 million. Youth crime rates have followed sole custody up with the highest percentage still in their preteens, stand back, it`s coming down the pipe.
Oddly enough the justice industry is the only group that benefits for sole custody through higher profits and gun registry money was supplied to create misinformation web sites to promote sole custody against all the data. btw the gun registry money was all controlled by the justice industry in moving it through each provinces Attorney General.
Sole custody does not help mothers raise children un;less you think welfare is a good way and don`t suggest child support, any money paid is kept by the government even though the feds say child support is the most important thing to a child.
Fathers, well we all know it doesn`t benefit fathers.
Children, check out the ballooning youth crime rate.
Yep, only lawyers, nice scam, use sole custody immorally, unconstitutionally and often illegally for profit. This under the watchful, knowing and helpful Liberal government.
So good ahead Kev, deny I havn`t posted studies etc on these topics or data on the economic consequences, we know your a liar so go ahead and prove it.
I apologise for upsetting your sensibility but perhaps you can explain how you would make things better? It is very easy to criticise, but much harder to provide solutions.
By Kevin on 09.13.07 2:55 pm
Are you some kind of moron or just a really poor troll, off your meds, drug problem, lawyer?
As I`ve said many times before, the first step is take sole custody out of the divorce act and the divorce act out of the justice system.
“Afterall, you call yourself a “big L manâ€. Must mean that you are one of the Liberal insiders. Stephane Dion is mentoring his flock well.”
By Catherine on 09.13.07 4:37 am
Actually, a Canadian that has typically tended to vote Conservative in the past.
But after watching and seeing and hearing what a paranoid, deceptive, ethically challenged, morally bankrupt, lying, manipulating, dishonest, mean spirited, Canada hating group they have become along with all of their accolytes such as yourself – NEVER AGAIN!
By the way L is the first initial of my first name – STUPID COW!
No, NO! I plagiarized it first! Snatched it right out the hand of the Master I did, decades ago watching ‘Kung Fu’.
By Bill-Muskoka on 09.13.07 2:21 pm
But you see Grasshopper, we have had a spiritual revitalization since then, and like all good Canadian voters, you should believe that all sins are in the past.
We are reborn, absent of the sins of the father. Therefore your claim to it, depends on your how you define “IT”
Complements of Knees and Toes, er Hose Bill Clinton..
I never had sex with that woman…Yup Yup Yup…We heard you the first time.
I apologise for upsetting your sensibility but perhaps you can explain how you would make things better? It is very easy to criticise, but much harder to provide solutions.
By Kevin on 09.13.07 2:55 pm
I would like to ask you Kevin, if you are pleased with the system as it is. If not what suggestions would you make to improve it? If you can, please provide an overall outlook of societal progress and the benefits of the presently espoused system. I would appreciate that very much.
I do agree with you that it is easy to criticize and so much more difficult to present solutions considering the state of humanity as we experience it daily.
Austin,
I provided the following link previously. Interesting read regarding Alberta’s economic diversification. One key point is that unlike 1980 (when oil and related industry was responsible for about 40% of the province’s GDP, currently that figure is around 20% (19 I believe to be exact).
Whether you like it or not, things have changed a great deal in Alberta so that a) it is not nearly as heavily dependent upon the oil industry b) given that oil needs to dip below $30 per barrel (or some similar type amount), the oilsands are viable. I doubt we will ever see $30/barrel of oil again (or at least not until some other cheap(er) forms of alternate energy is found.
http://allangregg.com/?p=47
Ed the Hun
By the way L is the first initial of my first name – STUPID COW!
By Big L Man on 09.13.07 4:38 pm
Now that’s not nice dude. Do you live in Ontario? If so, I can understand your frustrated anger. Catherine will do what Catherine does. Life will go on.
Retreat into simplicity, and life will seem considerably more clear.
The Old Comrade
Sole custody creates 80% of youth crime. Canada has been hitting new highs in denying a child a parent which now stands at over 2 million. Youth crime rates have followed sole custody up with the highest percentage still in their preteens, stand back, it`s coming down the pipe.
As I said, you are stating that a correlation (youth crime and single parenthood increasing) is indicative of causation (single parenthood causes youth crime). Simple answer, prove it. Show the studies that show the causation linkage and not just spout forth the correlation.
Are you some kind of moron or just a really poor troll, off your meds, drug problem, lawyer?
Nice to see that you can read. Just so that even you cannot miss it: I AM NOT A LAWYER. But I do have a graduate degree, just in case you feel like retorting about the first option.
I have tried to keep the discussion reasonably courteous. Is it too much to ask that you do the same?
As I`ve said many times before, the first step is take sole custody out of the divorce act and the divorce act out of the justice system.
So you would only accept joint custody? And if divorce is taken out of the justice system, where should it go? Or are you suggesting that divorce should be prohibited?
I would like to ask you Kevin, if you are pleased with the system as it is. If not what suggestions would you make to improve it? If you can, please provide an overall outlook of societal progress and the benefits of the presently espoused system. I would appreciate that very much.
Can the system be improved: yes. Is it as bad as some people paint it: absolutely not.
My initial thoughts would be to give the youth that are falling behind hope and encouragement, rather than blame them and their parents for the ills of the country. Another thing would be to ban all hand guns except for those necessary for law and order officers.
But you see Grasshopper, we have had a spiritual revitalization since then, and like all good Canadian voters, you should believe that all sins are in the past.
By Greg on 09.13.07 6:09 pm
Ah, Grasshopper, I have Mastered the Eternal Ether and all time is present. In school they call it the ‘Permanent Record’…remember?
‘Snatch the pebble from my hand, if you can! Grasshopper’ ROFLMAO!
P.S. Let us remember the wise words of #5 ‘Grasshopper diassembled! Disassembled? DEAD!’
Have a great evening fellow Master.
By Kevin on 09.13.07 7:27 pm
“I have tried to keep the discussion reasonably courteous.”
I don`t see pumping out a bunch of lies as courteous especially when you get personal.
“So you would only accept joint custody?”
It`s called the best interest of the child, you know the principle mandate family courts have but are ignoring in favor of profit.
“And if divorce is taken out of the justice system, where should it go?’
It`s in the hands of profiteering lawyers now, even a biker gang has more respect for children.
“Or are you suggesting that divorce should be prohibited?”
For the zillionth time, no.
“My initial thoughts would be to give the youth that are falling behind hope and encouragement”
Yep, you give them hope by denying millions of children a parent who will have the highest crime rate in history and out numbered by seniors never mind no international investment because investors have no hope.
You might have a degree but you are most certainly are a moron.
Impeach!!
Grasshoppers, I watched Kung Fu too.
And I think he lives near by here. Had a drink with him one New Years a few years back up on the Sunshine Coast. (He’s still a bit of a lush) So I win. It’s my line.
Geo
Catherine will do what Catherine does. Life will go on.
Yikes, maybe Greg does get Grasshopper.
Geo
Yep, you give them hope by denying millions of children a parent who will have the highest crime rate in history and out numbered by seniors never mind no international investment because investors have no hope.
Where in the Stats Can data does it say that the children in a single parent home do not have access to the other parent? The data does not record whether there is joint custody involved. After my divorce, I had joint custody but each household was a classed as a single parent home. Think about that and your strident claims, and I am sure you will understand why I came to the conclusion that you want to ban divorce.
You might have a degree but you are most certainly are a moron.
Actually, I have two degress. And you are an odious little man who should move on from your divorce and stop blaming the rest of the world for your problems.
Bill-Muskoka,
I haven’t driven a gas guzzler for years, but a month ago replaced my good-mileage Ford Escort station wagon with a 2006 Focus wagon that gets even better mileage. I pity the couple that bought it new that suffered a 50% depreciation. Mileage was under 7000 kilometers. And my granddaughter needed my gift. Those wagons don’t break down…they’re comparable to energizer bunnies.
Haydn, my hubby, is waiting until the roof-mounted wind turbine technology gets more advanced and nonosized before we install one.
http://www.bwea.org/pdf/small/mid-wales-microwind.pdf
—-
Yep…then and only then would I agree with your post about Saudi Arabia if provinces insist on competion rather than co-operation.
The data does not record whether there is joint custody involved. After my divorce, I had joint custody but each household was a classed as a single parent home. Think about that and your strident claims,
Kevin on 09.14.07 6:37 am
lol, What a moronic statement.
Only 10% of children have an adequate relationship with the non-custodial parent but you say that isn`t true because you didn`t experience it. My claims based on statistics are `strident` but you know from personal experience, lol moron.
In this thread I noted statscan did not compare the increase in youth crime to the increase in sole custody. That does not mean it`s not happening just because you didn`t experence it, lol moron.
Kev,
In the interests of fairness one claim I`ve made is how international investment in Canada excluding only globally priced resources fell to 0 over 2 years ago and is now a outflow with Cdn pension money moving outside Canada. There have been high level meeting, mostly in Ottawa for the same time frame on how to bring investors back.
You may not think this has anything to do with the 2 million children denied a parent creating an ever increasing crime way or the burden of quadrupling health care costs as boomers retire and outnumber an already screwed up generation so I ask you what is your experience tell you the cause is.
Why is this important you ask. The subprime market of abundant cheap money (subprime) in the US started an economic reversal. I keep hearing from our 2 degree experts that Canada is sheltered because we don`t have a subprime market. lol, 85% of a families income in Vancouver goes to the mortgage. Those are worse statistics than subprime but we never got involved in loads of cheap money, roflmao perhaps they need a degree in comprehension.
The US is going into recession with Canada following and the average Cdn is in far worse shape than the average American so print this out and hang it beside your 2 degrees because I`m just a dumb canuck that left school with a grade 8 education.
btw why did you go for your second degree? Did you realize that with one degree you were still a moron?
Snatch the pebble from my hand, if you can! Grasshopper’ ROFLMAO!
By Bill-Muskoka on 09.13.07 7:45 pm
Have you checked your hand lately?
You blinked
Me belly is all a jiggle….hehe
I`ll leave you with this thought.
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=e1d85b80-11de-485e-bf21-26f8b5260068&k=60097
GENEVA, Sept 14 (Reuters) – Iran hit back at Canada on Friday for criticising its rising number of executions and treatment of women, accusing Ottawa of racism, police brutality and treating its indigenous people like second class citizens.
“All Iranians, including the Baha’i, enjoy their full constitutional rights. In my country, all are equal before the law,” Jahromi said.
***In 1987 the SCoC ruled fathers have no rights.***
By Greg on 09.14.07 11:51 am
Ah, you caught the fly, but have yet to get stoned! LOL
Flies, getting stoned, I just don`t think a thread of this magnitude need end on a dying flame like that when there`s so much deadwood to burn.
“All Iranians, including the Baha’i, enjoy their full constitutional rights. In my country, all are equal before the law,†Jahromi said.
***In 1987 the SCoC ruled fathers have no rights.***
got rope? on 09.14.07 1:22 pm
I doubt if all Iranians are equal before the law but you can hardly blame them for not wanting to admit the`re a lot closer to Canada than the statement suggests.
The only area Canada is a leader on the world stage is corruption yet all that this page does is bash the opposition into losing. Another elected federal government on the way, corrupt, dysfunctional but nonetheless the best bashers. We could be taking about a complete change in governance, we could be taking about a hybrid transportation system, but we`re all taking about how bad it`ll get if the current party stays in government or the opposition is returned to power. Both sides are right, it will get bad, good on ya for figuring that out.
Winters here, time to hibernate until we get some heat.
So much dead wood and no flame.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mitENct_UT4
got rope? on 09.14.07 1:22 pm
Mr. Rope,
There are great forces at work in this realm.
As we agree, one of, if not the major problem with our system is that the legal community has such power. Political ranks are made up of many lawyers. Politicians do what is expedient. They farm the majority whenever possible. You are part of a small minority.
What one must do;
First, one has to exhaust all possible reason and patience. If this bears no fruit, then to plan B.
When a person becomes involved in a life altering situation that involves a judicial decision, then you are at the mercy of current social trends, greed, legal interpretations, and at times, appointed authorities whose position has little to do with experience or understanding. Decisions can be rendered based on politically correct current trends, personal bias and or simply, who tells the best and most currently popular lies.
The legal system keeps changing the criteria and in order to have any hope, you had better get up to speed real quick or this grand play may eat you alive. Getting a copy of the family law act is a good thing.
If one must go the hard road, devote every ounce of your energy. Never show weakness and if you have read some of my previous posts, you might remember my Aristocrat and the Bull Dog story. Quick refresher, “I’ll bet I can cut the legs off the Bull Dog, and he will still hang on”.
Never let go, never give up and here is the antithesis. ALWAYS APPEAR TO BE THE REASONABLE ONE. Smile, even when it hurts. It builds character.
Be very very quiet around the University Social Studies pups, as they know not what they do. Stay your course, speak your truth calmly and little by little, you will find you are not standing chest deep in the hole that the system starts you in.
I fully understand the financial considerations, fear of future and desire to maintain. In order to overcome this to a reasonable degree, one must do what is necessary to draw toward an equal plain.
Finances, fear, frustration, pain, bias, manipulation of the law and/or anger are what beat many, if not most. Those who learn this and act accordingly have a chance.
Once past all of this, it is necessary to view the future by embracing the philosophy that what is best for the Children is all that matters.
If your ex is problematic, some of this may even wear off on them too. Lead by example.
The Child or Children will come to know who they can trust and depend on.
If the system shuts you out, you must be vigilant and tack toward the soft spots. You have a right to see your Children, and they have a right to see you. Do it quietly, consistently and without malice. Don’t rant about your ex’s failures, put forward your strengths. It will get you where you need to go.
You may have this life figured out. I sure don’t. — Garth
By Reid on 09.12.07 11:19 am
To Be Human
Our hearts won`t let our bodies go where our minds want them to.
vox circa 2007
Greg on 09.15.07 3:41 pm
I`m sure your post is sage advice and would be valuable if this were about me or my children.
I`m sorry to say it`s about the 2 million single parent children, the 5 million before them, the historically high youth crime rates (and climbing) and repeat young offenders, all stemming from the unconstitutional, immoral and often illegal abuse of children through the use of sole custody.
Should you come up with some advice on how to return investor confidence in future Canadian generations I`m sure many would welcome it.
Thx again
I`m sure your post is sage advice and would be valuable if this were about me or my children.
I`m sorry to say it`s about the 2 million single parent children, the 5 million before them, the historically high youth crime rates (and climbing) and repeat young offenders, all stemming from the unconstitutional, immoral and often illegal abuse of children through the use of sole custody.
That is called ‘The Messiah Complex’ in psychology. If your focus is not on your children, then you have already given up Old Chap.
‘Tis a Grand thing to rescue others, but not at your own life. How then would you be around when needed in future perils?
Remember, ‘A man has to know his limitations!’
That is called ‘The Messiah Complex’ in psychology.
Your reply is called the vodka martini syndrome
By got rope? on 09.15.07 8:55 pm
Okay, I can now tell that you brought on your own troubles being an ignorant little prick. Have a miserable life…your dreams are fulfilled.
Have a miserable life…your dreams are fulfilled.
Bill on 09.16.07 10:40 am
You continuously try to make the sad state of social justice in this country about me. My post was information based. If you don`t like it getting personal you could have responded to the info, but drunks are like that.
I raise my glass to you Bill, the biggest contributor of deadwood on this blog, may you continue to milk the only source of inspiration you have, the vodka bottle.
Still don`t like ending this thread with deadwood so I`ll put in some info for our displaced Canadian.
Government would like you to believe the spike in gun crimes is directly related to the flow of guns from our gun crazy neighbours. On a per capita basis, as the US has 10 times the population, gun crimes are higher in Cdn provinces than they are in the corresponding states across the border. Odd isn`t, the land of guns has less gun crimes than the country we blame for this spike here. Overall crime is lower in the US, youth crime is lower, even drug crime and especially home invasions.
Moving on to health care. Cdns have universal heath care which entitles all Cdns access to wait in line, except for the wealthy which go to private clinics in the US. Can`t blame them, seems like waiting in line is bad for your health.
On the economic front even after the subprime boil over the average American is far better of financially. We all know homeowners in the west are living on a dream. 85% of a families income going to the mortgage, that`s well beyond any terms set for subprime applications.
The US economy is based on commerce while we`re down to raw resources.
We arrest our youth at twice the rate of the US.
We`re pretty close on corruption levels. The US admin was a principle mover in the UN oil for food scam that starved a million or so Iraqi children. Still the corruption was all within the confines of the UN so we should give the Democrats the benefit of the doubt. Back on the economic front during the Tech Boom Clinton encouraged American companies to retool with the abundant cash investments, giving the US the strongest productivity growth since the advent of the production line.
Cdn companies, not so much, off shore tax havens were the rage this side of the border.
I could go on Bill but it`s obvious your drunken rages can only mean one thing. You`re bitter about leaving the best country on the planet for such a regressive country like this one that has put our rights and freedoms in the hands of a few unelected, unaccountable lawyers.
Makes me won`t why you really left!!!
Makes me won`t why you really left!!!
By got rope? on 09.16.07 12:50 pm
Keep wondering! LOL
Keep wondering! LOL
Bill on 09.16.07 4:24 pm
Sry, not interested enough to keep wondering