Many employees, many businesses, one result.
Knowing a spirited offence sometimes works when you have no defence, Conservatives have been attacking my comments on the economy. Typically this takes the form of saying I have no idea what I’m talking about (an entirely credible position), or that my views run counter to those of Stephane Dion (in which case I’ll be getting another phone call).
Truth be told, I’m the first guy to question my credentials. I did not go to Biz School, nor do I have an MBA. I was not the CEO of BeeMo. I’ve not completed a degree at the London School of Economics, or been asked to advise the World Bank. When I quit this job, any day now, I will not be invited onto the board of Google. I do not own a single pair of lace-up brogues.
But, this much is true: I’ve been meeting a payroll since 22, when I started my first business – a newspaper. Over the years, the small businesses I’ve founded have created hundreds of jobs. Some employees seemed to appreciate me. Others went on strike. I’ve had some sweet successes and some abject failures. My businesses have included book publishing, restaurants, retail stores, real estate investments, television production, radio and print syndication, a public speaking agency, community newspapers, heritage building restoration, newsletter publishing, eco-tourism and boutique hotel. I’ve written eight financial books that have sold, together, more than 300,000 copies – decent for Canada. I have lectured on personal finance and real estate issues in virtually every city in Canada, an average of 170 times annually for eight years. I’ve been a business journalist with Sun Media, the Globe, TorStar, Thomson Newspapers and CTV. But, mostly, I’ve made my own way and been an entrepreneur more than an employee. I’ve served in the House of Commons twice. I still wear cowboy boots.
So, my views of the world, of business and the economy, real estate, taxation and enterprise have been forged largely from experience, not texts. I learned about small companies by starting them. About employees’ issues by hiring them. About corporate and capital taxes by paying them. About lawyers and accountants by employing them. I have been sued, audited and cheated. I’ve also been rewarded by my efforts. Profits and losses have come and gone. I’ve rolled with good times, and been rolled in the bad ones. The residue in my life sieve is both intangible and priceless. It’s experience.
I pass this on for no particular reason. Those who wish to attack my words, won’t stop. But, apparently, neither will I.
99 comments ↓
Even if I haven’t agreed with your opinion I’ve agreed with free speech, keep it up. Democracy is what Canada is built on1
I suspect few who comment here have any of your experience, including me.
There is a melancholy in this post though that I find disquieting.
Tell me I’m wrong.
You know how it goes Garth. Big people talk about ideas and little people talk about others. Your the bg person, one guess who the little guys are.
People with a brain can see right through this. The Conservatives are totally out of ideas, their at sea over the economic outlook, because as you so wonderfully put it many posts ago, they have too many municipal council members acting as MP’s.
The negetive, negetive nonsense they keep frothing at the mouth over everytime anybody but an offcial PMSH approved spokesperson says anything is largely being tuned out by the ever groawing ranks of disenchanted Canadians.
Chin up keep going you don’t need a business degree to suceed in business, just as you don’t need a degree in economics to totally screw up the country(maybe you do)
Garth, There arn’t as many of the conservative that some would think. They are few really and just brainless, loud and yappy!
Scientific Proof That Liberals Are Smarter
http://www.motherjones.com/mojoblog/archives/2007/09/5422_scientific_proo.html
I would rather take the opinion of an experienced person with reasonable and proven ideas than a student who has never worked a day in his chosen field of study, no mater what initials he places after his name. Book learning means nothing. Please keep on doing what you are doing with this blog, many have benefited and many more will. It would be nice if some of the contributors could comprehend your words but it seems they can not.
Thans again.
Garth – you’re letting them get to you and that’s what they want. Don’t give in to them.
Face it – the ones commenting aren’t experts – just mouthing off.
So, my views of the world, of business and the economy, real estate, taxation and enterprise have been forged largely from experience, not texts. I learned about small companies by starting them. About employees’ issues by hiring them. About corporate and capital taxes by paying them. About lawyers and accountants by employing them. I have been sued, audited and cheated. I’ve also been rewarded by my efforts. Profits and losses have come and gone. I’ve rolled with good times, and been rolled in the bad ones. The residue in my life sieve is both intangible and priceless. It’s experience.
I pass this on for no particular reason. Those who wish to attack my words, won’t stop. But, apparently, neither will I.
posted by Garth Turner on 07.19.08 @ 10:07 pm
Garth, my fellow journeyman in life. BOY, OH! Boy can I relate. You know what I mean. It is a thing shared by those who really put it all on the line.
Tomorrow is, at this point in life, another possibly interesting day.
Thanks for saying what you said. Can you see my candle? I sure see yours!
I’m glad you expained yourself Garth. At least now I know why your predictions are so ridiculous.
Willy
Seems to me that your experience would outweigh the balance on a scale when compared with PMSH. Didn’t he finish a degree then work for Manning for awhile then work for NCC for a few years then turn again to politics. Sounds like his experience is all theoretical, at best, and the theories he’s enamored with, Straussian school of economics, are rapidly falling apart south of the border.
School of hard knocks, best intentions and hard work seems to have served you rather well. Coming from a family who also started a community newspaper, I know from experience that you’ve got more on the ball than ten others on the front bench of CPC.
Keep treading away. Listen to the little voice inside that has given you good advice. Ride more often, visit the lake more often. Don’t back down until Dion calls. I expect he smiles every time he hears your name ’cause he knows you’re getting under Harper’s skin.
Hi Mr.Turner:
I will always support anyone to have an opinion evens if it is contrary to mine. But that doesn’t mean if I or anyone else disagree with what you are saying that they should not be able to express it,no matter how crazy you may think the reason is. Because if we do not have this free speech we do not have the democracy. I think you would agree with me on this. I’m I right?
P.S. Are you a hockey fan? If you are who is your team?
Garth I remember our meeting last year when you were on tour. You don’t seem to be aware of the energy you bring but I do because I got there one hour early and saw the before Garth and the after Garth energy in the room. Because of your authenticity and congenial leadership style you had all of us in that room both pro and con making intelligent comment and expressing our true feelings about our worries and in some cases the outrage of our economy and our politics.
This little outpost of Canadian political debate that you have created makes me realize as an Albertan that many in the Maritimes,in Quebec and Ontario share my concern about our political future and I feel a sense of kinship as a result. I think the con-trolls here have helped me focus on the issues that bind us together as a country and you and this blog have increased my Canadian patriotism and decreased my cynicism of all things political.
I have found a wealth of information that has saved me money and given me an inside view of the decisions made that effect my life and the lives of my children and grandchildren.
Thank you Dorothy for supporting Garth unconditionally as he shares his experience with us here. we need you Garth as much as you need us.
Garth I think it is time you got another dog!
Garth – you should take a few days off from blogging – have a rest.
The partisan won’t stop their tyrades – it’s what they do. Knowledge, facts and truth doesn’t matter with them. Only attacking and belittling and attacking – talk about wasted lives living in the negative mode all the time. Really sad.
Take a break.
By Straittohell on 07.17.08 7:50 am
What’s the matter Gord ‘Ben’ didn’t work out for ya? I am surprised that you the puritan actually used the hell word. LOL Leasa
By Leasa on 07.17.08 9:51 pm
Lyin’ Leasa,
It is interesting that you should bring the “Ben” issue up again. Keep it up and the Lyin ‘Leasa moniker is really going to stick.
This time you are caught flat out lying, albeit slippery, but not that difficult to sort out.
Some time ago you claimed that you could check with Garth to see if someone were posting under more than one name. Is this the lie?
If the above is not a lie, then did you actually check with Garth? If so , you would have found that I did not post under the name “Ben”. Knowing this did you still claim I posted under “Ben”? Is this the lie?
Or as is often the case are you merely speculating and making wild accusations. Is this the lie? It would certainly not be the first time.
It is obvious that at least one of the above is a lie. It really doesn’t matter which. You are a liar.
Perhaps you are not the most devious, most dishonest person ever to have posted on this blog, but you are very close.
Wear the moniker “Lyin’ Leasa” well. You have earned it.
“. . . I have no idea what I’m talking about . . .”
Ditto. I’m not going to change, either!
“. . . When I quit this job, any day now, . . . It’s experience. . . . won’t stop. But, apparently, neither will I.”
Garth plays with our emotions, just as we fool around with hairless hairy and all tin-pot trolls. At least we have LOTSA FUN doing that!
Experience is life’s best teacher; textbooks suck. They are for the brains, and I don’t have one!
Can’t blame you if you do decide to call it quits, but . . . if you do say “Adios Friends!”, please remember to turf CRAP out, rub their noses in it, get this country up and running again and then, finally, it’s time for a change.
Maybe!
****************************************
Brzezinski apparently still rules in DC and calls the shots (maybe for the NWO?)
Supposedly, Soros is buying plenty of gold and precious metals. He is a billionaire; most of us are not.
http://tinyurl.com/5rpvtt
****************************************
Not sure if Canada has the military might to take on Russia for the Arctic.
http://tinyurl.com/5kzwdq
*******************************************
If folk in North America and Europe are having trouble trying to ‘contain’ inflation, try this on for size.
http://tinyurl.com/6dzlqu
Garth, experience is often the best teacher. Having lived in both the corporate world, and now that of an entrepreneur, I can attest to the fact that being an entrepreneur slams one’s feet to the ground of reality.
In corporate life it is easy to become isolated from the reality of shifts in the market and customer needs. As an entrepreneur it is a death knell.
Keep up the great work! There are thousands of us across Canada who appreciate your candor and your efforts to show Canadians what democracy and the role of an MP really means!
Most CRAP Members should”Plug in Brain Before Opening Mouth”.Enough said Garth.Keep informing us!
PhD stands for “Pile it Higher and Deeper”.
You can be assured that that the “experts” who got us into this situation have PhD’s.
I’m not saying that everyone with a grad degree is a moron, but they’re certainly not infallible either.
Your credentials have never been called into question by any who have the qualifications to do so. This is your Blog and you create and monitor the discussion. There are perhaps a million or so on the world wide web, and each affect the producer in the same manner as does letters to the editor in any newspaper, or publication. Most people in the world do not really have any opinion on politics nor really give a dam. Please remind yourself that less than 3% of the worlds population can put their hands into their pockets and pull out and coin and the world’s wealth is controlled by less than 1% of those who can. What we have here, even for those who continue to excite themselves by the negative rather than the positive, is a public forum of modern day technology. This forum allows us to exercise our gift or education and well being to print our thoughts and expression tjem with the corporation and kindness of it’s master….Garth Turner MP, Ottawa Canada, citizen, home owner, and community member of Halton County Ontario. He does so out of the kindness of his heart and for that I am grateful and respect his past accomplishment (s) and wish him a long and happy life in any avenue he so chooses or his chosen for him.
gdb
well done
Yes, that’s all very nice, but are you a leader like Harper?
The residue in my life sieve is both intangible and priceless. It’s experience. – Garth
And there’s nothing better. All one gets from text books is theory. Sometimes life throws curve balls and theory is just that.
BTW.. I have owned brogues and cowboy boots! Next time your in Calgary, (only place in Canada!) I believe there’s a store that sells Barker shoes. They don’t make cowboy boots, but probably the best brogues in the world. IMHO.
Yes, that’s all very nice, but are you a leader like Harper?
By Blah Blah on 07.20.08 7:57 am
Not likely, Garth is not a liar!
Ah. and here it is tomorrow.
Agree that experience can be the best teacher. Unfortunately, some keep making the same mistakes over and over.
Keep up the good work Garth, and don’t let those bastards get you down.
OT Do you Garth or anyone know why Hansard is available online only until the end of Oct 2007? Does one have to pay to read this past session’s goings on in parliament? Perhaps I should be searching for something other than Hansard. TIA
the fact is that not one major analyst or business person predicted the american real estate disaster. the greatest disaster since the dirty thirties.
all garth needs to do is hang his hat on that little factoid.
a bunch of idiots calling garth an idiot! gimme a break.
Garth your predictions are unfolding on a daily basis.Harper’s group can say what they like but the facts are there.The incompetence of the Harper government is affecting all Canadians and is not a prediction but a fact supported by numerous bad decisions as our economy and standard of life slide down the tube. People like Harper who have all the answers from the “get go” never get any smarter since life is a learning experience. Truly a legend in his own mind and his followers better praise his wisdom– we have seen what happens when they don’t
CRAPPY thoughts.
So the Finance Minister won’t change his mind on taxing Income Trusts? This is good news!! There has to be an election well before 2011 and when seniors once again rally against THE KING OF BLACKOUT, he will fall on his own sword rather than get a good caning by the ripped off senior investors.
Garth…great article! This is one aspect of your life that I can respect. I have met many highly educated stupid people, you know them, the ones who make you think…how the hell did he/she get that degree? Then I have met some of the most intelligent uneducated people. Those are the people who couldn’t wait in a classroom listening to some (perhaps stupid) professor drone on and on. They couldn’t wait to get to work and make their dreams and ideas become real. They are the ones who weren’t afraid of falling on their ass because they had the moxy to get up and get going again.
Anyway…thanks for these words today.
Leasa
By Gord on 07.20.08 12:08 am
Hi Gordie!! Good to hear from you again. Okay, so maybe you and Ben are not one and the same (funny how he went away once I indicated you and he were one person), but you sure made a good tag team. Speaking of lying Gordie, people who live in glass houses should not throw stones. Perhaps you lie so much that you can’t tell the difference anymore?
Is your last name Bunker? LOL
Anyway, I send you warm wishes and have a really good day. (hugs) Leasa
Dear Mr. Turner,
I too have been an entrepreneur for most of my adult life. Admittedly I chose that path after encountering far too many educated know nothings like Harper and his goon squad.
If you can survive as an entrepreneur (as you have done) you have balls and brains. And you do not suffer fools gladly.
Perhaps from your vantage point it’s hard at times to see the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. No doubt at other times the light appears to be a train coming at you. None the less…
Your contribution to Canada through digital democracy is of incredible value Mr. Turner. I can speak for everyone here when I say a humble “Thank You”.
Your contributions to DEMOCRACY in the face of the Harper dictatorship are astounding and appreciated. In fact, while some of the negative posters here are unquestionably employed by the Harper Goon Squad, I believe that at least a few of the negative ones are actually here in spite of themselves, drawn to this place where we can interact directly with those whom we have chosen to represent us. We get and receive something unexpected here, honesty in the political process!
Don’t let the bastards get you down Mr. Turner. You are on the right track for sure. No question about it. Perhaps you’ll loose a battle here and there as we all do, but if you stick with it, you WILL win the war.
That is the primary characteristic of a successful entrepreneur after all.
Know what’s right, do what’s right, and never give up.
With Respect and thanks
Ben
Garth, thank you for sharing your life experience in this post. What is important is that you let almost everyone participate in this forum, regardless if they share your opinion or not.
Experience is one of the greatest gifts we are given. It allows us to make judgments and come to a decision to base an opinion on. Maybe we are wrong or maybe we are right but all of us are entitled to that opinion.
Keep up the good work and although I don’t comment often, please remember that I do read daily and gives me great joy.
Thanks again for doing what you do and remember that it is appreciated.
Your words are most valued. You know why. — Garth
KPN – re your question of 07.20.08 9:02 am, go to:
http://www2.parl.gc.ca/housechamberbusiness/ChamberSittings.aspx?View=H&Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=39&Ses=2
and click on a particular “shaded” sitting date to see Hansard for that date.
This guys don’t believe facts, they get in the way, what they believe in is attacking and discrediting.
There are far more supporters than the idiots out there who’ve got nothing better to do than focus on you.
I’d have to ask, “Why are you such a threat that they are so preoccupied with you?”
Thanks DPAT. I was on that site, via some Google searches, but it wouldn’t allow me to enter 2008.
Garth: Don’t think about the residue that remains in the “sieve”. Think about the great stuff that passes through the “sieve” . After all, it is what we don’t see in the sieve that matters most.
I’d have to ask, “Why are you such a threat that they are so preoccupied with you?”
By Brian Finch on 07.20.08 10:13 am
I would suggest it is because Garth does not play the political game. His ambition appears to be to serve his constituency rather than achieve the status with some plumb position within the party. His opponents realize that his truth is a tremendous weapon and those who are to be feared are generally attacked. The dog that barks the loudest and most fiercely is often the one who is most afraid. While he belongs to a political party, I find him to be independent in his thought and actions. I believe the people of Halton are very lucky to have him as their representative. I can’t think of anyone else I would prefer to be my M.P.
Gord-Leasa – why not exchange emails instead of using Garth’s blog to play your games – or “do lunch”.
Garth, I can give you three examples of people who worked their way up the corporate ladder – the hard way. Working hard and learning from being mailroom boys, clerks, then managers, etc. And, guess what – they have all been called out of retirement on contractual basis to get these “7 day wonders” as my husband calls them out of serious snags. To clean up messes that young men in pin stripe suits, with degrees, play acting at being important. Why? They don’t have the experience to deal with problems that aren’t in a book. There seems to be a lack of ability to get beyond theory and work things out.
So, as they say, experience is still the best teacher.
Why would you think it necessary to justify yourself? Your work speaks for itself. Cheer up.
By Gord on 07.20.08 12:08 am
Hi Gordie!! Good to hear from you again. Okay, so maybe you and Ben are not one and the same (funny how he went away once I indicated you and he were one person), but you sure made a good tag team. Speaking of lying Gordie, people who live in glass houses should not throw stones. Perhaps you lie so much that you can’t tell the difference anymore?
Is your last name Bunker? LOL
Anyway, I send you warm wishes and have a really good day. (hugs) Leasa
By Leasa on 07.20.08 9:31 am
Lyin’ Leasa,
It is hard to believe that you missed Ben’s recent postings. If so you are not very observant. This would speak to your lack of credibility.
On the other if you did notice his recent postings than you are simply lying once again.
I am surprised that you dared bring up Archie Bunker again. We have been watching reruns of “All in The Family” recently and it ironically occurred to me that Archie is a typical neocon. Further to this, observing his lines of reasoning and debating tactics it was obvious that he seldom consults the facts and makes things up as he goes along. He always inserts his own spin. He quotes out of context, adds embellishment to sources to make a point, makes statements unrelated to the subject at hand, strives fiercely to get in the last word by saying anything that comes to mind. He firmly believes that if he can get in the last word he has won the argument. When all else fails he becomes angry , insulting and offensive and finalizes his arguments with “Pfffftttt”. Leasa this is all too familiar. You, in fact, are a female Archie Bunker. (If you really are a female).
If you`re such a smart guy how is it you are a part of, and supportive of, a system that is detrimental to the future generations of Canadians?
A system that is beyond repair yet you only single out one small part, your adversaries, in what appears to be some dream world only you and the cheering section can see.
Just asking.
Where`s is the plan you promised would fix the environment and the economy? Where`s the plan to restore international investor confidence? Where`s the plan to deal with the root cause of crime? Where`s the plan to cut GHG? Where`s the plan to find the missing $40m from adscam? Where is the plan to deal with health care costs quadrupling while seniors outnumber youth? Where`s the plan to deal with the highest number of parent denied children (done illegally) in Cdn history. Where is the opposition in holding government accountably on these issues?
btw We will give you a better life is what the native children were told when they were shipped off to the residential schools. The depth of child abuse and the number of current victims related to sole custody is statistically higher now than the residential school infamy, where`s the plan to deal with that? By legal definition and expert opinion sole custody as it is used is unconstitutional, where`s the plan for that?
You can`t even give us a government that works let alone anything better about life. It`s no wonder your threads are getting more paranoid, defensive and needy, the truth about the time you`ve spent in government and how much worse each successive government is must be a huge cross to carry, or at least to try to hide. If you think you`re fooling anyone look at the polling numbers, none of the above has more support that the Liberals or the Conservatives.
As your last thread points out, the truth will set you free, we might not be waiting.
By Ben on 07.20.08 9:31 am
Lyin’ Leasa,
Take note.
Garth –
Illegitimi non carborundum.
The neo-Cons can’t go on forever. When I did a little digging around in the CRAP party members’ education and experience, the most noticable thing, with the exception of a few, mostly old Tories, is that they had very little of either. And they were given a country to run (almost into the ground). We shouldn’t be surprised at the results.
We’ve got lots of good people in Canada, though, and they’re really the ones that matter.
Harper’s “base” is crumbling fast. He has no ideas, no solutions and no leadership experience, only years and years of control-freakdom, only good if one of your future goal is becoming a tyrant.
The world is shaking off people like this. Howard in Australia is gone, Dubya in the States is going (not soon enough), and if we’re very, very good, Harper too will disappear like last year’s snow.
Hang in there.
So, my views of the world, of business and the economy, real estate, taxation and enterprise have been forged largely from experience, not texts. I learned about small companies by starting them. About employees’ issues by hiring them. About corporate and capital taxes by paying them. About lawyers and accountants by employing them. I have been sued, audited and cheated. I’ve also been rewarded by my efforts. Profits and losses have come and gone. I’ve rolled with good times, and been rolled in the bad ones. The residue in my life sieve is both intangible and priceless. It’s experience.
It’s too bad that the good professor Dr. Dion doesn’t have the same experience, rather he has been cloistered in the ivory tower and prior to that a professional student. To his credit Dion has always been sheltered in Cabinets for the 10 years he was in government. Now that he is leader of the Liberal party, he displays his strengths and weakness, with is weaknesses outweighing his strengths by far.
Dion’s Green Shift is something that could have been concocted in a university schoolroom because it bears no understanding to the reality of Canada. Now we are being exposed to Professor Dr. Dion attempting to sell a carbon tax to Canadians. He is out of touch with the everyday reality of Canadians. He assumes Canadians will sacrifice in the name of planetary salvation. He assumes he has the ability to convince Canadians to accept his Green Shift plan all because he has a “doctorate” degree in sociology and he knows more about Canadian life than does the average Canadian.
Dion will soon learn from his “etudiants” that life is not about talking the talk but about walking the walk that average Canadians must endure. Dion is nothing more than an ivory tower teacher who may want to be a leader, but he will soon find out he has no followers amongst Canadians. Canadians are too pragmatic for theoretical schemes that are based on promises from politicians. Canadians are smarter than Dr. Dion may realize.
Dear Garth
I think it is time for you to take a holiday from everything- Halton, politics, your office and the blog.
Please take care of yourself. You are dearly needed in my humble opinion and possibly need a rest. Canada and democracy needs you with your input and blog. We need your integrity, your gift of words, your intestinal fortitude, sensitivity, intelligence and experience.
I have two brothers. One has a university degree and the other did not like heavy reading. The university brother has failed at most everything in his life while the other brother runs a successful million dollar business and has invented and created more useful things than many men. He has also headed up many of the organizations associated with his business. The university man is a staunch conservative who works for the neocons and the self-made man is a Liberal. Interesting.
While not a constituent of yours, I will forever remember how you came to my assistance a year or so ago even though you were getting on an airplane. Thank you again.
I greatly appreciate your blog. I have learned much through reading this blog and the many great contributors who post intelligent, thoughtful and valuable information. I am also grateful to the con trolls who constantly remind me of the reasons to avoid voting for the neocons. Sadly, I did vote for Mulroney in the past.
As a result of this blog and what I have learned, I have committed to voting Liberal as opposed to the Green Party. This blog has helped me to see the integrity, intelligence, sensitivity, courage, openness and persistence of Stephane Dion. I look forward with great excitement to have him as the Prime Minister of Canada. For the first time in my life, I will be working for a political party – the Liberals in the next election. I have already given my name to my Liberal MP.
Rest up and restore yourself for the next election. You will need all of your energy and wisdom for that exciting challenge.
PS
We will all survive if the blog is “off the air” for a couple of weeks.
Garth, There arn’t as many of the conservative that some would think. They are few really and just brainless, loud and yappy!
By AToryNoMore on 07.19.08 10:44 pm
Great observation, I would put the yappy Cons on this blog outnumbered by the Lib cheerleaders at 3 to 1.
It`s worth carry it further than this blog, in the real world the Libs are outnumbered 4 to 3 by none of the above.
I thought making the Conservatives look worse than the Libs was a bad political move. The list of reasons not to vote Tory is over 80, the list to vote Liberal is still at 0. Who would have thought so many Cdns would have noticed bashing the opposition into losing takes precedent over country they would call themselves none of the above.
Garth don’t you dare think of quitting we Progressives need more like You in Politics. You have help educate so many with your blog and that’s what scares the CONs for they would love to be able to just DUMB us Down. Keep on Keepin’On. You have helped open the eyes of many and I thank you for helping me better understand Politics ,Business and the Economy of which I knew very Little. You have More Defenders out here than you do Critics and I’m Proud to have you as my MP and I want You to Stay my MP. You’re a Damn Fine Honest and I’ll also add Brave man for you have taken all the Bullshit that’s been slung your way and baby you’re still Standing Tall.The CONs may Hate you but we Progressives Love You and there’s more of Us Than Them. So I hope that I will be able to Cast my Vote for you in the Next Election for you have done us Proud,just look at the many on your blog that want You or the next best thing to You as their MP that speaks to what a great job you’ve done. Take some time away from all the bullshit, but Not Too Long we Need you fighting the Good Fight. Thank You for just being YOU.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080719.COSIMP19/TPStory/TPComment/
Here’s the thing: What do the Harperites do next?
JEFFREY SIMPSON
jsimpson@globeandmail.com
E-mail Jeffrey Simpson | Read Bio | Latest Columns
July 19, 2008
“When I quit this job, any day now, I will not be invited onto the board of Google.”
Looks like you have had enough, Lord knows running a blog and being an MP can’t be easy. Good luck in the future, and I hope you didn’t put all your money in oil.
Gord.
Yes, that’s all very nice, but are you a leader like Harper?
By Blah Blah on 07.20.08 7:57 am
You have the nerve to question Garth about leadership Blah? I don’t believe you even know what the word means. A leader is a good person who looks after all the people, works on behalf of all people, the country & even you Blah.
Thanks Darlene for your 9:43 post. Coming from a family with 12 children, I didn’t have the opportunity to finish high school let alone University but you know what, the experiences throughout my 64 years have taught me more than any education degree ever could.
If I may repeat some of Darlenes words & add a few of my own, they would be this. Life Experience is one of the greatest gifts we can ever earn. It allows us to make sound judgments throughout our lives, gives us the experiences that we generally base our opinions on and right or wrong, we are all entitled to our opinions.
Please…. keep up the good work Garth. Don’t let people such as Blah, Harry, Leasa, Catherine, John L etc. put you down. They DO NOT represent the views of most Canadians & therefore, need & should to be ignored.
Regards, Irene
Hi Garth
I feel compelled to write offering my gratitude for the blunt, well supported arguments you make that are often against the consensus “opinions” of the majority. I bought After The Boom 2015 way back in 96 or so and was impressed with your forecasts. I have been following markets/economic issues closely since the age of 12 and since 2004, have focussed more energy on the spectacular credit explosion since 2001 as well as looking at most major financial crises since the 1600s involving extreme optimism/pessimsim and highly questionable fiscal and monetary management with credit inflation and currency devaluation used as primary tools. I have been preparing for this current crisis since 2005 and have been brushed off / tactfully disregarded for discussing my contrarian outlooks with industry collegues and family/friends equally. I must also say I started my successful career with a large, well known bank and have worked in retail banking for 10 years, the last 7 with a large cooperative institution where i enjoy a culture focussed on doing what’s right for our members. You hit the nail on the head about how many “experts” in the media are engaged in self dealing/interest and have no shame about making outrageous calls. Unfortuntely, most of them really do believe in their forecasts and often have most of their money in real estate, although there are some that really do feel bearish on real estate but do not want to face the consequences of publishing their true feelings. I recently bumped into a co-worker who is a mortgage underwriter. He told me his volume of applications/deals has come down about 50 % in the last few months. He also said that his contacts in other FI s and banks have experienced similar challenges.
I am pleased to see a well known and followed individual come out strongly against the public spectacle that the last several years have been in housing and the economy in general. I look forward to following your work over the next few years and hope that you leverage your position and media skills to get this message out even louder, as difficult as it is. Considering your political connections, I also hope that you fight against the standard fiscal/monetary prescription of dealing with major crisises by lowering interest rates, raising taxes and enacting silly legislation that often cripples the economy even further. Among the common themes in most recessions/panics I have studied that come up are: raising taxes almost always lowers the amount of tax revenues that comes in and leads to higher levels of tax evasion, and lowering interest rates/attempts to devalue the currency make us all poorer eventually. And in most cases, economic problems/lack of growth worsened. The world has a lot to look forward over the next twenty years and a lot of it is positive, but the next 3-5 years are going to be ugly.
Forgive the winded email but I wanted to say thanks for trying to get the contrarian message out and keep at it.
Regards
JO
While I did not need to read your resume, Garth, because it to shone through between the lines of your daily editions. I have previously lauded your efforts under one of my other pseudos, and take few issues with your positions. What I hope that you are going to do is take a breather to re-invent this democratic digital multiblogue for the future needs during and after the next election. I realize that you have probably been confronted with a greater challenge/opportunity.
Everyone’s experiences modifies their thinking and actions, then depending on their innate abilities, that guides them on the future paths. While we will miss you for the time being, it is my hope that the call from Mr. Dion will be to fill a needed position in the front benches.
In the mean time, everyone needs to review where they are, and where they are going. The level of thinking and action that got us to this position we are in is not sufficient to solve the systemic problems we face on numerous fronts, whether it is the economy, environment, or governance. A new approach with sharper, more reasoned and plausible solutions is imperative for our survival and success.
I do not agree with some aspects of the Green Shift Plan, but I also more emphatically disagree with the Conservatives approach and style. And I will continue to rant about the failure of our system to allow every citizen the right and option to select who is nominated. Political parties must get the message that they do not own Canada, and its resources and neither do corporate interests. It is the collective ownership of the whole not the perrogative of the priveledged few. When I heard in a riding association meeting that it is so and so’s turn to be the candidate, that turned me right off! (I was supporting a much more talented newcomer!)
Don’t give up Garth. We need people who are not afraid to tell us that the emperor has no clothes!
HON. GARTH ME AULDE SON,
Go forward and SMITE them buggers with the jawbone of an ass. I’m sure you can get one from the likes of Harry S, Catherine or Leasa. We heard Harry went in for a bum transplant … and hehehe, it rejected him.
J, B-J, an’ B-G!
Jaypers, Be-Jaypers an’ Be-Gorra
I hope you can relate to this Garth.
When I first moved here I ran into a roofing “expert”. How do I know? He told me, many times and he also claimed to have only fallen off a roof 6 times in his career. He was so smart he was going to patent his new invention for roofers. He figured out if you could put two straps between two coolers that could each hold a six pack you could lay it over the peak and it held enough beer for the days work!!!! I havn’t seen him since though…
I quickly learned that everyone in a small town is an “expert” usually because you were the only one who knew a bit about a subject or business. For a few years I was strutting around as an “expert” on fly fishing because I knew the latin names of the insects I collected and could tie fishing flies that imitated them closely. Another fellow and I decided to start making money on this knowledge and opened a flyshop. We did everthing right keeping overhead down and producing as much product ourselves despite the ability to order Chinese crap at 1/4 the price. While we lasted 4 tmes longer than any other attempt at a flyshop we ended up focussing on our day jobs as 50 cents an hour profits we not changing our lives as much as getting three hours of sleep twice a day. Now, I trully enjoy just teaching classes of people the sport and like the ad says we are passing on our experience. We got over the “expert” thing years ago. The best part is that the money I earn pays for any new toys I “need” which makes my hobby free.
A second short story is a home builder I met who was saddeed because the last house he sold for a quarter of a million because the costs of materials etc. have driven the price that high. He retired last year because of a bad back but while not rich made enough to see him through his retirement plans. I will never forget what he said when I asked him why he never built the more expensive homes and he told me that while he culd make 4 imes as much money building a $400,000 house he would have to spend one out of 4 years worrying about keeping his business afloat. By building houses that are affordable he never reads a newsaper or worries about the market because he has never lost a nights sleep as he always sold his houses no matter where the market was. We need more real experts like this man.
Only an “expert” will say
Canada is immune to an economic downturn like the rest of the world
Canadians are sheltered from the real estate meltdown in the rest of he world
Canada has a strong economy by selling incredable amounts of one time resources so we don’t need manfacturing
We can’t charge the world rates of royalties or we wouldn’t be able to sell so much of our one time reources
and on and on and on….
A quick tour of the right wing media sources has not a single word about climet change or economic problems. In fact it could have come from a typical day three years ago. One has to wonder if our writers are getting a second source of income to distort reality so much in order to fit in with the governments version.
Finally a real expert got his degree in common sense from one school only. The school of hard knocks. While during good times a country can survive “experts” running the show but during bad times a country needs EXPERTS running it to soften the blow for as many people as possible. Despite the fact most people ae too brainwashed to understand the difference this country needs EXPERTS like you now more than ever.
Yes, that’s all very nice, but are you a leader like Harper?
By Blah Blah on 07.20.08 7:57 am
No,he is a leader like Garth . A gentleman and a scholar . Not at all like the stupid bastard who heads CRAP.
When I quit this job, any day now, I will not be invited onto the board of Google. I do not own a single pair of lace-up brogues.
Sorry Garth . Please explain the context of this comment .It sounds like you are ready to pack it in ?
“When I quit this job, any day now,”
That’s a bit cryptic, can you say more about that? Like others have said, take a deserved break, go riding, go fishing.
Get a fresh perspective and come back refreshed. Hey I just noticed you haven’t mentioned anything about the turtle eggs and how they did this year, near your cottage. I think nature is calling you. Enjoy.
Garth, I noticed you chastised Warren for his comments regarding Afghanistan and spoke of people of passion or some other meaningless words coming from just another someone sitting thousands of miles away from looking at a Soldier in the Eye.
I don’t have time to go into it in depth at the moment, but I wouldn’t be proud of your latest words on the subject if I were you.
You, Dion and Harper are, never were and don’t have a clue as to what it is to be a Soldier. It’s not a plot from a movie.
It’s not a political football. Shame on the lot of you.
Comrade Okie
“any day now” ~ G
..tongue-in-cheek, I hope.
Garth,
You are absolutely the most honest and refreshing politician, anywhere. Canadians are very fortunate to have your intelligent humour, your experience, your patience.. and your insight into our political atmosphere.. for all to see. I dare say, add “educator” to that resume.
When I quit this job, any day now… Garth
Fess up! You’re not quitting, you’re being fired!
Canadians are smarter than Dr. Dion may realize.
By Steve on 07.20.08 11:25 am
Not the ones who vote CRAP.
An eloquent and emotional goodbye speech! You’ve finally realized that it’s time to pack it in!
I can respect that…
“When I quit this job, any day now, I will not be invited onto the board of Google.”
You have a lot of work to do before that day. I cannot vote for you, (wrong province) but I do support your work ethic and the effort you put into the house of commons and this blog. You have created a place where issues can be debated and interest in politics has been ignited. don’t put out the flames.
Thanks
Hey Garth,
Good points, I hope your mindless detractors don’t get you down too much.
I would like to point out however that the issue isn’t education it is values. It seems to me that both yourself and your caucus colleagues values are in the right place as opposed to the neocons on the other side who have no respect for the truth or dignity of others.
Far be it from me to say but perhaps you should consider some sort of summer holiday. You have been working tirelessly for what seems like forever. The fall, and possibly an election, is coming fast and your skills are invaluable – I for one would like to a refreshed Garth ready take on the CPC lies and deceit head on.
Take care,
“I expect he smiles every time he hears your name ’cause he knows you’re getting under Harper’s skin.”
BY DEB PROTHERO 11:46 PM
Deb, to confirm your expectation, Dion had a great smile and a twinkle in his eyes when he responded to my comment a couple of weeks ago about Mr. Turner and his great blog. No doubt about it, lots of mutual respect there.
I agree with you, and add that Harper has NO idea how to keep up with Garth’s honesty and wit.
I think most Canadians see right through Harper’s dishonest, smoke-and-mirrors, “closed door” politics.
With Dion’s openness, intelligence and honesty, the difference between the two leaders becomes clear.
Keep fighting Garth!
You met payroll, something most people in Government could NEVER do.
Just stick more with attacking the anti-Ontario Harper-cons and less trying to create panic in the real estate sector to sell your latest book.
You do a good job of attacking Harper..
STICK TO THIS WITH LASER LIKE ACCURACY WITH AN ELECTION COMING SOON!
Earth to Simpson….Hello
http://caiti-online.blogspot.com/
“This little outpost of Canadian political debate – makes me realize as an Albertan, that many in the Maritimes, in Quebec and in Ontario, share my concern about our political future – I feel a sense of kinship – I think the con-trolls here have helped me focus on the issues that bind us together as a country and you and this blog have increased my Canadian patriotism and decreased my cynicism of all things political. I have found a wealth of information – an inside view of the decisions that effect my life. Thank you Dorothy for supporting Garth unconditionally as he shares his experience with us here. We need you Garth..”
BY CALBERTA 07.19.08 11:49 PM
Calberta, I agree, whole-heartedly.
There is nothing like a STREET education to prepare oneself for the real world and that’s what counts.
Garth, you are the real deal and IMO, your posts should be required readings by all Canadians regardless of their party lines.
WHY? I know that both of us were born in ‘49 and that puts us in the forefront of the baby boomer generation.
This is the generation that said it would do things differently and from where I sit , you are certainly doing your best to fulfil those aspirations of a whole generation with your contributions and allegiance.
Just wish there were more G. Turner’s on the Hill.
Garth, how about taking an extended break to return with a full battery charge when Harper returns, and should he decide to extend it, well talk about an opening!
I hope Garth has been able to go for a long bike ride. I certainly don’t envy his job, nor the ugly threats, accusations, lies. etc. that he puts up with from opposition trolls on his blog. I’ve been waiting for a year now for some of the trolls to let me know which MP in their party hosts a blog that allows not only differing opinions, but the malicious lies that spew from the detractors. I don’t hold my breath. You hypocrites know who you are. Just check conservative.ca. How the media & they can even call them conservative says it all.
Your insight is needed.Education is no indicator of true intelligence. Life experience can not really be taught in school. The majority of truly successful entrepreneurs had no university education.
Take a break from everything. Recharge your batteries. Come back and tell it like you see it. It’s hard to stand up for what you believe and get berated for it. Just remember there are lots of people that hear what you say and find you credible. Most of those people though wouldn’t take a stand publicly as you do.
Rest as long as you need, but come back! No quitting yet.
Take some time for recharge Garth.
Your blog is addicting, and, frankly, I could use the break from the depressing trolls as well! A week or so of reduced negativity would do a lot of good.
BTW, as a care giver, I have been told that unless I look after myself, I cannot look after others. You see, “caring” takes it’s toll sometimes…
WE’LL BE HERE AFTER YOUR VACATION!!!
every time i find a good radio/tv show it gets cancelled within weeks.
when i saw the frost interview of mulroony just before he was elected, i hated his guts without reservation.
i took tons of flak from everyone who had finally learned to hate the liberals under trudeau. i voted for turner.
the same thing happened when mulroony left, every one hated the conservatives. i didn’t vote for campbell though. do you see a pattern?
there was a radio show where this one host would rip mulroony to shreds each night. i used to go out and sit in my car to listen to him. the radio station lost it’s license thanks to the crtc. this guy made the guy from quebec city look like bambi.
hang in there garth. truth is so refreshing but so short lived these days.
BY BONNIE L 07.20.08 11:36AM
Garth,
Bonnie has said quite well what I would also like to say to you, that “As a result of this blog and what I have learned, I have committed to voting Liberal as opposed to the Green Party. This blog has helped me to see the integrity, intelligence, sensitivity, courage, openness and persistence of Stephane Dion. I look forward with great excitement to have him as the Prime Minister of Canada. For the first time in my life, I will be working for a political party – the Liberals in the next election. Rest up and restore yourself for the next election. You will need all of your energy and wisdom for that exciting challenge.”
Bonnie, and others, I really appreciate all the intelligent posts and links here. The learning curve has been steep but worthwhile. And I think Garth’s wit and insight has given everyone the strength to always seek out the truth. Garth has the great ability to separate the wheat from the chaff.
Toronto Star – July 20, 2008
Thomas Axworthy
Quote Sir John A. MacDonald
“A public man,” he told one of his Quebec ministers, “can have no resentments.” He applied this tolerant principle to the country as a whole. On Quebec, for example, his 1856 formula is as valid today as it was then: “Treat them as a nation and they will act as a free people generally do – generously. Call them a faction and they become factious.”
Garth
Thought you might need some inspiration. You sir, are still impressed with those hallowed halls of the Parliament buildings and need to energize your batteries to gain perspective.
All those wails of the three ring circus by the Conservative Death star would get anyone down.
Take a break with your lovely wife. As I have said before, you are always welcome at our little patch of paradise.
Most know that Hell is a great place for a holiday, but grossly expensive to live — witness this planet, as it’s getting bloody expensive to live anywhere.
So I start today off with a visit to the other side, with someone most of us already know.
****************************************
Forrest Gump Goes To Heaven
The day finally arrived. Forrest Gump dies and goes to Heaven. He is at the Pearly Gates, met by St. Peter himself. However, the gates are closed, and Forrest approaches the gatekeeper.
St. Peter said, ‘Well, Forrest, it is certainly good to see you. We have heard a lot about you. I must tell you, though, that the place is filling up fast, and we have been administering an entrance examination for everyone. The test is short, but you have to pass it before you can get into Heaven.’
‘It sure is good to be here, St. Peter, sir. But nobody ever told me about any entrance exam. I sure hope that the test ain’t too hard. Life was a big enough test as it was.’
‘Yes, I know, Forrest, but the test is only three questions.’
‘First: What two days of the week begin with the letter T?’
‘Second: How many seconds are there in a year?’
‘Third: What is God’s first name?’
Forrest leaves to think the questions over. He returns the next day and sees St. Peter, who waves him up, and says,
‘Now that you have had a chance to think the questions over, tell me your answers.’
‘Well, the first one — which two days in the week begins with the letter ‘T’? Shucks, that one is easy. That would be Today and Tomorrow.’
The Saint’s eyes opened wide and he exclaimed, ‘Forrest, that is not what I was thinking, but you do have a point, and I guess I did not specify, so I will give you credit for that answer.’
‘How about the next one?’ asked St. Peter.
‘How many seconds in a year? Now that one is harder,’ replied Forrest, ‘but I thunk and thunk about that, and I guess the only answer can be twelve.’
Astounded, St. Peter said, ‘Twelve? Twelve? Forrest, how in Heaven’s name could you come up with twelve seconds in a year?’
‘Shucks, there’s got to be twelve: January 2nd, February 2nd, March 2nd . . .’
‘Hold it,’ interrupts St. Peter. ‘I see where you are going with this, and I see your point, though that was not quite what I had in mind . . . but I will have to give you credit for that one, too.
‘Let us go on with the third and final question. Can you tell me God’s first name’?
‘Sure,’ Forrest replied, ‘it’s Andy.’
‘Andy?’ exclaimed an exasperated and frustrated St Peter. Ok, I can understand how you came up with your answers to my first two questions, but just how in the world did you come up with the name Andy as the first name of God?’
‘Shucks, that was the easiest one of all,’ Forrest replied. ‘I learnt it from the song,
‘ANDY WALKS WITH ME’
St. Peter opened the Pearly Gates, and said: ‘Run Forrest, run.’
****************************************
“. . . the U.S. constitution is still intact . . .”
Robert Gibbs on 07.19.08 3:50 pm
Some time ago, dubya clearly labelled the constitution as “a goddamned piece of paper”; it seems that the WH is more than prepared to trample over people’s rights and individual’s civil liberties.
Carney, harpo and many other have already shown they will follow the same path as dubya — remember harpo’s words:
“. . . you won’t even recognize Canada by the time I’m finished with it . . .” — we’re close to losing Canada’s constitution as well.
****************************************
I finally cottoned on to something! The link I posted last night re: Zambia issuing new $100 billion notes to replace old ones is precisely what happened in Germany in the early ’30s, after which Hitler took control, galvanized the nation and got them out of their economic slump.
It is doubtful whether Zambia would be a starting point for something like this happening again, possibly the hotbed of the Middle East.
“Unless one learns from history, one is doomed to repeat it”; obviously, we haven’t learned a damned thing from history, so there will be one place at one time, when someone (such as Hitler) takes charge, and tries to eradicate part of humanity.
I suppose we’ve been there before (economic meltdowns leading to world wars), and we’ll go there again, until humanity learns its lessons.
Hello Garth.
After reading your above blog article, I am left wondering if you are reflecting on your experiences in both the Conservative and Liberal parties. You now have first hand experience dealing with the bureaucracy within both parties and I can’t but help feel you are commenting on both parties in your article.
May I ask you if you are contemplating running as an independent in the next election based on your experience? Somebody has to be the first to declare that both major parties are not operating for the best interests of Canadians, and somebody with your high profile has the credibility to pull that off.
Surely there are other MPs who are marginalized in government and don’t feel the interests of their constituents are well served in the present system. All it needs is somebody to clearly define the problem and provide the solution. A group of independent MPs could be a controlling factor in government. Your thoughts?
An eloquent and emotional goodbye speech! You’ve finally realized that it’s time to pack it in!
I can respect that…
By Eric Foreman on 07.20.08 2:34 pm
You wish Eric.
I suppose we’ve been there before (economic meltdowns leading to world wars), and we’ll go there again, until humanity learns its lessons.
By Charles Oxley on 07.20.08 7:01 pm
Charles – I loved your Forrest Gump joke and always your rather refreshing, views & links. Keep it up.
‘Keep fighting Garth!
You met payroll, something most people in Government could NEVER do.
By An old friend on 07.20.08 3:16 pm’
… and something the current government is not doing, either. It’s sad when they have to use ‘technical glitches’ as an excuse to delay paying staff; which is one of the excuses they are currently using. How bad is it when the government can’t pay its bills? Literally.
By Eric Foreman on 07.20.08 2:34 pm
You wish Eric.
By kpn on 07.20.08 7:41 pm
Grow a brain .
“I pass this on for no particular reason. Those who wish to attack my words, won’t stop. But, apparently, neither will I. ”
Read between the lines .
Take a look at World News Net for all the AECL news stories. Scroll down.
Too bad the HOC isn’t sitting.
http://article.wn.com/view/2008/07/20/AECL_nuclear_regulator_and_govt_struggled_to_get_message_str/?template=cheetah-search-adv%2Findex.txt
To those Con-bots who wish to eulogize Garth at his imminent,and early political, demise .
Suck it up .
He ain’t going anywhere except Ottawa to represent the fine people of Halton in a majority Liberal Governmenet .
Garth:
Like you, Jim Flaherty is also a small businessman. I mean his business is small, and not his intellect or physical stature.
Flaherty’s small buisness is called Flaherty Dow & Elliott. (FDE)
It’s a law firm that specializes in the low end part of the legal profession….insurance litigation…..also known as ambulance chasing.
Flaherty’s law firm is like every other law firm in Canada, of which there are 60,000. You will be interested in knowing that Flaherty’s law firm doesn’t pay a cent in taxes. That’s because FDE is an FTE…..a tax flow through entity.
Why can Flaherty’s law firm benfits from the tax flow through structure and the publcily traded income trusts can not? Why can income trusts be held by pension funds and not be subject to Flaherty’s draconian new 31.5% tax, and yet be subject to that tax when held inside an RRSP?
How arbitrary amd unfaid is that> How does any of this qualify as a Tax Fairness Plan. If that’s fairness, I want less of it. Plus I want back my position of the $35 billion that Flaheryy stole form, me on his unproven assertions of tax leakage…..contained in 18 ages of blacked out documents.
(This post was edited. — Garth)
kpn, 7:54 pm
Pleasure kpn, and I’ll keep passing the jokes along as I receive them.
Years ago, a friend said that the best “joke-carriers” were airline personnel, as they travel the world and meet thousands of people, picking up plenty of jokes along the way.
****************************************
The recession / depression isn’t going to go quietly, that’s for sure.
http://tinyurl.com/6fbtgt
****************************************
If the UK govt. is willing to break it’s own rules by exceeding its 40% spending limit, thereby digging itself deeper into a hole (deliberately?), dubya continues spending the US into financial oblivion and carney, harpo, etc., spend wildly on nothing substantial, they sure are NOT good teachers.
“In a severe blow to Gordon Brown, the Treasury has been forced to admit it is working on plans to reform its fiscal rules on spending and debt as the Government will break its own rule limiting net public-sector debt to 40 per cent of national income.”
****************************************
No link, comments courtesy WRH.com.
With cheap labor here, Mexico and other places in the world, North America can kiss the automakers goodbye.
“Ford’s most advanced assembly plant — in Brazil
“Too bad it is in Brazil. . . . Remember when the USA manufactured cars?”
****************************************
Although I miss hairless hairy, I do understand he’s coming back in the next life as a “changed person” — into what, no one knows or cares, as we will all have moved on!
BTW, I find it very refreshing to see that Garth’s blog is almost troll-free.
Your blog is addicting, and, frankly, I could use the break from the depressing trolls as well! A week or so of reduced negativity would do a lot of good.
BTW, as a care giver, I have been told that unless I look after myself, I cannot look after others. You see, “caring” takes it’s toll sometimes…
WE’LL BE HERE AFTER YOUR VACATION!!!
By maybe Rhino? on 07.20.08 5:45 pm
Ah, and the CON Trolls will have to go…GASP!…yak amongst themselves at Blogging Whories or Small Deficating Assholes. That should bring them to their demise very fast. LMAO!
Long day here. Sorting through hundreds of old CD’s and 3.5″ Floppy disks that hid themselves conveniently in the corner of a closet. They have been ‘Terminated’. LOL
Garth, cue up the Eagles and ‘Take It Easy!’
Good night.
You know, it may be too early to tell, but in Quebec City, McCartney is performing, all are happy, all’s well in Canada. We are a great country, and Quebec is a great province. As an NB’er I love visiting Quebec City.
My french is limited, but I wish bon fete to all my franchophone friends. I will visit QC again.
Garth,
You are absolutely the most honest and refreshing politician, anywhere. Canadians are very fortunate to have your intelligent humour, your experience, your patience.. and your insight into our political atmosphere.. for all to see. I dare say, add “educator” to that resume.
By Barb the proof-reader on 07.20.08 1:53 pm
Like thousands of others who read your blog regularly I agree with Barb 100%. Keep up the great work Garth! Canada needs you.
Take a look at World News Net for all the AECL news stories. Scroll down.
Too bad the HOC isn’t sitting.
http://article.wn.com/view/2008/07/20/AECL_nuclear_regulator_and_govt_struggled_to_get_message_str/?template=cheetah-search-adv%2Findex.txt
By AToryNoMore on 07.20.08 9:25 pm
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Thanx for the update “Ain’t Tory no more”! I became very interested in Question Period TV over this file and more. I have in my past coordinated and edited a Quality Assurance Plan and Manual to cover the mfg of nuclear plant construction materials of export to the USA. What I learned on that assignment would fill a tome.
The basic thing that jumped out at me is that PMSH, his Cabinet and many MPs do not comprehend the basics of Quality Assurance, GMP, and the meaning of conflict of interest, or independent authority to act and to be held accountable for the responsibility delegated to those designated to act. To make CNSC responsible for the production of AECL is and was a complete utter failure to understand how large corporate entities are designed to function under QA and GMP plans. Most of those MPs present in the HoC Committee of the Whole that night also did not understand the precise meaning and significance of the legislation in effect for all these years. They made emotional decisions, not logical conclusions, in spite of expert testimony, including Ms. Linda Keen.
While I am not an expert but am knowledgeable, I expect that should Ms. Keen’s case get to the Supreme Court, which I hope it does, there will be some very surprised people when those expert minds come to bear on the real issues that Harper, Lund, & Clement, et al swept aside so frivolously.
I grant that the funding issue is and has been a disgrace for decades, but that is not an excuse for rough shod ignorant mis-governance now.
I do not expect MPs to be nuclear scientists, but I am shocked that our representatives ignored and pooh poohed credible witnesses and ignored the obvious mismanagement at AECL. We deserve and should demand better of Parliamentarians especially now that we need more nuclear power plant construction. This is a very bad omen for our future.
We need an election soon to correct the intellectual integrity deficit in Parliament! Defeat the blackmailers and bullies with truly Honorable new Members.
Whoa whoa whoa! Hold on up there, Pony-O! You’re not going anywhere! Unless to pasture to fatten up for the fall season of racing, eh?! ‘)
Mr. Turner, thanks for this forum and for your idea of open government. You’ve put your butt on the line and this Canadian and others thank you for that! You’ve stood up to them all, big and small, and you’ve done yourself proud.
Let’s not kid ourselves too badly; only wealthy persons become politicians. There have been exceptions but as a rule wealth begets power. That you made your wealth yourself is a testament to your fortitude. That you sought and won power is a testament to your position and your determination. That you kept it is a testament to your staying power because enough people believe in you to keep you there.
That said, you’ve been one of the best things to hit Canadian politics in AGES! There are so few politicians who would have the guts to put their thoughts, words and deeds out there for anyone to comment on. Invite comments even!
There is no school that can teach courage. No school that can teach you to tell it like you mean it. That comes from the heart.
Mr. Turner, you’ve got guts and heart in spades!
Whatever the future holds, keep on keeping on!
I hope politicos to follow will engage the people like you have. That’s open democracy and once again you’ve been a trailblazer.
See you soon, eh!
Although I miss hairless hairy, I do understand he’s coming back in the next life as a “changed person” — into what, no one knows or cares, as we will all have moved on!
BTW, I find it very refreshing to see that Garth’s blog is almost troll-free.
By Charles Oxley on 07.20.08 9:57 pm
Aye, Charles, the Borg are ‘revamping’ Harry somewhere in the bowels of the Death Star Cube. The ‘buzz’ is that they have a new hearing attachment that removes deafness to reality when reading information such as comments and news sources.
There is also a rumour that they examined Harry’s positronic brain and found his Logic Chip was defective.
Likewise the entire series of CONtrolls who were manufactured in the cold, dark recesses of 24 Sussex Dr. by logic challenged drones all bearing a forehead imprint of ‘HGS’ (Intell says it means Harper’s Goon Squad), are now crashing and muttering silly stuff.
A little humour here – you have worn many hats, Garth. One could say that you are adventurous and multi-talented. One could also say that you blow with the wind. Two sides to every coin.
http://www.globeinvestor.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080721.wscotiaoutlook0721/GIStory/
Canada well-placed to weather economice storm : Scotiabank
It’s too bad that every financial person in Canada is wrong…. except Garth
George B.
By the way, the bank loans officer I referred to in today’s post says she worked for Scotia. Draw your own conclusions. — Garth
Back from the cottage for a badly needed rest, and what do I see?
“When I quit this job, any day now …”
Don’t you dare “quit this job”! You are the only hope some of us have for straight talk about what is happening in Ottawa and the country at large. You may not need the hassle, but we need you.
Well Garth, what happened to my post yesterday? Obviously your blog isn’t about “free speech” unless it’s free speech you believe in
Your post was deleted because it was a meritless piece of ad hominem junk. — Garth
Big people talk about ideas and little people talk about others. Your the bg person, one guess who the little guys are. BY STEPHEN SMITH ON 07.19.08 10:34 PM
Where have you been because Garth has been talking about others Harper and other Conservatives for the most part . I would not go as far as you in saying Garth is a big man because he is not according to your own definition. Big Man No. Little Man Yes, Little Big Man perhaps.