An Apology from Canada

This dates back to 2004 but in light of the fact that Heather Mallick's riff against Sarah Palin and the USA is still making news http://www.cbc.ca/ombudsman/page/MALLICK-PALIN.pdf I thought it would be fitting to reprint here.

Well read blogger Spinks has covered the fracas several times with an abundance of comments from readers. http://spinkaboutit.blogspot.com/

One long ongoing comment was wether Mallick's vitriol laced tirade was in fact satirical humour or just plain nasty. I think Rick Mercer's sketch was much better example of shooting from the hip than Mallick's vulgarity ridden rant.

That's my opinion.

With that said enjoy Mercer's excellent humour.

A truly Canadian Apology to the USA, courtesy of Rick Mercer from This Hour Has 22 Minutes, CBC Television:

Hello. I'm Anthony St. George on location here in Washington.

On behalf of Canadians everywhere I'd like to offer an apology to the United States of America. We haven't been getting along very well recently and for that, I am truly sorry. I'm sorry we called George Bush a moron. He is a moron, but it wasn't nice of us to point it out. If it's any consolation, the fact that he's a moron shouldn't reflect poorly on the people of America. After all, it's not like you actually elected him. I'm sorry about our softwood lumber. Just because we have more trees than you, doesn't give us the right to sell you lumber that's cheaper and better than your own. It would be like if, well, say you had ten times the television audeince we did and you flood our market with great shows, cheaper than we could produce. I know you'd never do that. I'm sorry we beat you in Olympic hockey. In our defence I guess our excuse would be that our team was much, much, much, much better than yours. As word of apology, please accept all of our NHL teams which, one by one, are going out of business and moving to your fine country. I'm sorry about our waffling on Iraq. I mean, when you're going up against a crazed dictator, you want to have your friends by your side. I realize it took more than two years before you guys pitched in against Hitler, but that was different. Everyone knew he had weapons. I'm sorry we burnt down your White House during the War of 1812. I see you've rebuilt it! It's very nice. I'm sorry for Alan Thicke, Shania Twain, Celine Dion, Loverboy, that song from Seriff that ends with a really high-pitched long note. Your beer. I know we had nothing to do with your beer, but we feel your pain. And finally on behalf of all Canadians, I'm sorry that we're constantly apologizing for things in a passive-aggressive way which is really a thinly veiled criticism. I sincerely hope that you're not upset over this. Because we've seen what you do to countries you get upset with.

For 22 minutes, I'm Anthony St. George, and I'm sorry.

Arrogance diminishes wisdom

I guess Jeannot Volpé is at again. He has once again forgotten the inadequacies of his party as it basically ran this province into the ground and Bernie Lord kept working on his personal agenda. Anyone remember the Orimulsion fiasco? That was under the ever so watchful eye of Volpé himself. That’s the same Volpé who went on a 30 hour filibustering rant in the Legislature on the regional Health authorities this pass session. Money well spent I guess? Since Mr. Windbag himself can’t seem to see the obvious allow me to state that since January, the provincial government has collaborated with the regional council as well as the Labourers' Training Institute of New Brunswick to provide training to 362 New Brunswickers through the TSD program. Statistics Canada indicate that the number of employed persons in New Brunswick rose to 366,500 in August, an increase of 1,600 from July, and an increase of 3,200 compared to last August. The labour force stood at 400,000, which was up by 5,800 compared to the same time last year. There are 95 more physicians practising in New Brunswick now than in October 2006. The Department of Health's committed $13.22-million for the 2008-09 budget in new medical equipment and technology. And today’s announcement of the Benefits Blueprint which will see $19 billion in direct investment which will produce more than $40 billion of economic activity and create thousands of jobs over the next decade. And these facts are just from the September newspapers.
Mr.Volpé stated that “During our mandate, we continually invested record amounts, hired teachers and teacher’s aides, as well as provided more supplies and tools for our school, including lap top computers.” Not much for two mandates. I believe Mr. Volpé thinks we New Brunswickers can’t read and should abide to their old credo.
“Keep’em ignorant and in the dark.”
By the way Mr. Volpé, why haven’t you chosen a candidate for the leadership of your party, have you got some position lined up down the road?

The writer, Anthony Beal once said;
For one to expect or ask things of others that he himself, if asked, would not be willing to do or give, is the worst kind of arrogance.”

Sorry, but your weekly rant and rave hit a nerve.

That's my opinion.

It's Friday!!!

I love teamwork! It's what makes the world go around.

Decisions, decisions

I’d like to get much more interested in the Federal Election but I find it boring. I think Harper will be back, as a minority, and Dion will be replaced next summer as Liberal leader.
Right now, I find the provincial PC leadership race much more, er…entertaining?

I’ve read all three candidates’ platform, well two really because Alward hasn’t really released one. But I have read what his site referred to as “David’s Speech.” I’ve learned from this that David Alward knows “how to build a team.” From the endorsements I’ve seen it pretty well looks like old Bernie Lord’s team. Percy Mockler, Dale Graham, Rose-May Poirier, Paul Robicahud, Jody Carr, Trevor Holden and his mom, Carl Urquhart and even Elsie Wayne. So pretty well the same trail of thoughts from the Lordy-Lordy government. And he believes critical challenges are important like Education, Health care and the environment. Isn’t that what the Liberals are working on now?

Bruce Fitch; who cares what Fitch thinks, he’s just wasting his time because he doesn’t have a chance. Anyway, never trust a banker with small hands; they tend to take things in armloads instead of handfuls.

Robert McLeod; I think this guy’s the most noteworthy because I think if he wins, the PC party will go through some real changes. His platform relates to things like supporting senior so they can stay in their homes, training and re-training workers to grow our communities, renewable energy and upgrading our highways. Wait! That sounds like the Liberals Charter for Change!!
He wants a four-lane highway from Campbellton to Shediac and Fredericton to St.John but I believe that’s already in the works. He wants to re-introduce the Early Immersion Program, but to what? Lower personal income taxes, well that’s a gimme but where is he going to get the money for his changes? He wants to investigate the “economic potential for environmentally beneficial rail links.” I like that one, but that’s going to be big bucks. Then McLeod ends it all by saying; “This is what I believe.” Looks like Bobby believes in what the Liberals are doing now,eh?

But kidding aside I think McLeod would be a viable leader for the PC and a great adversary to the Graham government to keep them in check until 2010.

I know many people are frustrated with the present Liberal government but I do think they are doing some good. Here’s an article stating that New Brunswick was the “second-best Canadian province to invest in,” by an American economics magazine.

http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/cityregion/article/416270

In today’s Gleaner, STU political science professor, Tom Bateman, said the Liberals earned a “solid B, for their efforts so far.”

http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/cityregion/article/418973

The Graham government has acted aggressively on tough problems but I believe they are right. There was a lot of room for changes since the Lord government basically did nothing the last 6 years in office. Changes, and big ones, are hard to swallow but I believe New Brunswick will be a better place in just another few years.
But remember...that's just my opinion.

Peace

Go Stuff It

- Stuff a Bus -

This Saturday, September 20th

At the Wal-Mart Parking Lot on Regent Street

sponsored by: Fred FM

Businesses, school children, customers, heck everyone!!!

Come fill the bus with food for

the Fredericton Food Bank

Suggestions: Soda Crackers, Kraft Dinner, Can Tuna
Can Meat, Soup, Beans, Bathroom Tissue, School Lunch Snacks

You get the picture right?

How quickly they forget.

You know what really grinds my gears? Politicians with short memories! I was reading the TJ this weekend along with long winded interim opposition leader Jeannot Volpé’s opinion piece
http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/opinion/article/414012
about how Energy minister Jack Keir was leery of Dion’s Green Shift plan and “because of the impact a carbon tax would have on the province.” He was also questioning (mocking in fact) Keir‘s responsibility towards the best interest of New Brunswickers.
Anyone remember the Orimulsion fiasco??? That was under the ever so watchful eye of Volpé himself. Was dealing with a country of the verge of civil war in the best interest of New Brunswickers? That’s the same Volpé who went on a 30 hour filibustering rant in the Legislature on the regional Health authorities this pass session. That’s the same Volpé who referred some Liberal ministers to Fidel and Raoul Castro and the Moncton Irish mafia. But, when Mike Murphy referred to Volpé, Percy Mockler and Madelaine Dube as the Madawaska mafia! By golly he wanted to sue them because he has Italian roots!
I know these things go on from both sides but Volpé really gets my goat because he has the same arrogance towards people as Bernie Lord. He has been giving out his opinion in newspapers constantly for the last year with nothing but pure criticism and no suggestions.
Listen, I don’t know if the Liberals are on the right track but at least they tackled the tough shit; Education, Health and Energy. Time will tell if these roads were worth taking but at least they’re doing something.

Electoral Swap Meet

Ok, here’s a new one for me.
















http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/actualites/article/413148

Although this vote swapping is already popular in the United Kingdom this was the first time I ever heard of it. There might not be anything legally wrong with strategic voting but I am somewhat leery of what this could lead to.
Well my vote will be my own, here and for the people running.
Oh and by the way, I support the act of voting and I encourage all to do so.
If you don’t vote, you can’t complain.

Man, time flies!

Anyway, this week’s Girl Friday is Lynne.
Makes me want to go camping for some reason, eh?

Blue Collar Lunch Break

I think maybe it’s time that I shared the idea I had about this blog’s main header picture (the cartoon of the guys having a lunch break high above the city on a crossbeam)
A few years ago ( well maybe more ) I came across these pictures of a bunch of constructions guys having their lunch break in a rather particular place. I mean, it takes a special kind of man to do steelwork. It’s incredible what these guys do today but absolutely freaking amazing what they use to do and what they had to work with at the turn of the century. These guys earned

their money the hard way.

Anyway, when I saw the cartoon I saved it right away.

And now you know, ....the rest of the story.

Is it Friday already?

This is Ash and she knows Canada Kicks Ass.

CKA is also a very patriotic site
http://www.canadaka.net/
I love this site, Oh Canada!!

Enjoy and have a good weekend.

Blue Notes

The Cajuns have a saying for letting loose and having fun; “Laissez les bons temps roulés.”

With the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival just around the corner people are talking a lot about which artist they will be seeing, which show is already sold out and what’s new this year.
So far Buddy Guy (with reasons) has been sold out a long time ago, The Derek Trucks Band, Eric Bibbs and Sarah Jane Morris are some of the more popular acts.
I for one, am looking forward to see Ana Popvic, Garrett Mason and NB’s own Freightliner, Matt Andersen and Keith Hallett. Another great act coming will be the Hilario Duran Trio from Havana, Cuba. Anybody who’s ever been to the Caribbean’s will love these guys.

Support your festival, contribute, associate and enjoy. Don’t drink and drive and be safe.

Peace

Journalistic Integrity

I can’t stand stupidity. I believe that intelligence is something you can improve on a daily basis. Everyday is another chance to learn about something else. It’s a work in progress. A smart decision is taken when one can absorb information from all sides, all sources, and then draw their own conclusion. The ones who usually believe they know everything are usually the ones who know the least.
I have always tried to see things from both sides. I try not to judge people before I know all the facts. Because of this I usually become the Devil’s Advocate I guess, but if I don’t know I don’t say I do. I don't consider myself an intellectual because there's too much out there I don't know or don't care to know. But I do know what I like and what I believe in.

This morning I read Marty Klinkenberg article; Opposite Shawn and Yada, yada, yada.
http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/front/article/403961
Being a fan of Seinfeld I thought the article was amusing but it still wasn’t enough to cover-up the stench of patronage. I fully realize that Klinkenberg is in a position where he can occasionally imply his point of view but unfortunately that’s all he does.

I’ve stated this before, I don’t care who’s in power as long as things get better. When Bernie Lord went into power it was time for change. But during his two terms he basically did nothing but put band-aids on everything. Our province as well as our country needs to keep moving forward and adapt to the ever changing global markets. Bernie’s vision stopped at the tip of his nose. Now I realize that Shawn Graham’s nose might be bigger than L’il Bernie, but I find he has tried to govern with some long term projects that will indeed help the province. It might be a bitter pill to swallow now but we will be healthier as a whole down the line.
All Klinkenberg drags up in his articles, week in and week out, is what the government in power is doing wrong. What about the doctors who are coming to the province or the addition of new medical equipments being announced around the province. What about the finished two-lane highway between Moncton and Edmunston? Granted, the project was started by Lord but he never invested the amounts of money that were invested the last 2 years under Graham. As a province, we can no longer depend on wood for financial stability. We need to look elsewhere. Nackawick used to make photographic print paper for Kodak and Dalhousie used to make newspaper. Both are dying markets never to return. Now Nackawick, along with the old Noranda mill near Campbellton, make cellulose. Their pulp used to be sent to markets in the U.S. and Europe which had maybe tens of millions of customers. Now their product is sent to India and their customers range in the billions. Cellulose is broke down to make viscose staple fibre which is used to make clothes. They sell their wares to population giants like China, India, the Philippines, get it?
Anyway, all of this said just to state that Klinkenberg might try using a little more journalistic integrity instead of constantly barking up the same tree.

A Day of Rest and Reflection

So really now, what is labour day and what does it mean to you?
An extra day off before school starts?
The last opportunity for a family vacation?
The end of summer?

Being a blue-collar worker I believe that Labour Day really has its place as a national holiday. We are the middle-class of Canada and New Brunswick. We absorb whatever the poor can’t pay and whatever the rich refuse. We are the ones who feed you, clothe you, make you smarter, make you safer. Yet we say so little. We are the full hands to the needy and the open palms to the disciplinary have-it-alls. There is so much work done in the trenches that people don’t realize, it gets kind of funny. I do not believe in singular achievements, blue collars rarely do. We believe in unity for province and country. We believe in sharing and helping our fellow man. There is no "I" in teamwork. Today is a day for rest and reflection. Rest, so we can do better tomorrow. Reflect so we can prepare for next week, next month or even next year. But reflection should also be jointly endorsed by the ones who reap and prosper.

We represent way over 60% of Canada.

This is our day and we will gladly share it with everyone one else as; an extra day off before school starts or the last opportunity for a family vacation and even as the end of summer?

Happy Labour Day to all.