My Girl Friday

With the blistering cold we've endured all week, I figured it was time to bring My Girl Friday back.
A little warmth goes a long way, eh?

Peace brothers and sisters.

How Green Should We Be?

These days are quite interesting as we hear so much about reducing our carbon footprint. With the United Nation Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Premier Stephen Harper trying to defend the Alberta oil-sands project and the sale of NB Power to Hydro-Québec, there is lots of information swirling around. Needless to say I find it disturbing that while every other country are looking towards a coalition of New Brunswickers are basically rejecting green energy.

Last week, Yves Ganon, holder of the K.C. Irving Chair in Sustainable Development, suggests that we could replace the Hydro Quebec factor with a full scale wind-development strategy with a potential wind-generated electricity of 4,000 megawatts. Mr. Gagnon has been a longtime supporter of this vision and although I agree that this is something we could see in the future it is not, however, the solution to NB’s problem right now. Another great idea is building a turbine like generator in the Bay of Fundy. These two ideas are both good green energy substitute. However, one problem the New Brunswick government is facing now is the upcoming lack of funds. By being already so deeply in debt and more than $2 billion more lurking on the horizon in upcoming refurbishment, how could the government invest in these other green ideas and survive?

I have heard lots of comments from the NO to Sale of NB Power site about waiting 15-20 years and we can reap the benefits. But in the meantime, will the province survive? Even at a minimum of 15 years, how many industries will up and leave because of high electricity rates? How many people will up and leave because of no jobs? We need to increase our population now, not in 15 years. New Brunswick is not the first province to sell their energy sector and Shawn Graham isn’t the first premier to think of it. He is however, the first to make a stand.

What is an important aspect the Hydro-Québec-NB Power deal is the fact that it is hands down, a better green energy initiative for the province right here, right now. I honestly believe this deal is a good one for New Brunswick, now and for the future. This is the time where we should be as green as we can be.

But that’s just my two cents worth
Peace

Let’s Get Ready to Rumble...

Well like I said before, there’s always something happening at our provincial Legislature. Last Thursday, Cy LeBlanc, lost his head when the Vice-Speaker of the House Bill Fraser amended a motion to close the House before David Alward could put forth a point of motion. It all started when Min. Mike Murphy made the statement along the lines that the only thing bulls, steers and the opposition leader have in common is what they spread in the fields. Mind you, this insult has been flying back in forth in the House a lot during the last week. I actually know a few people that do work at the Legislature including reporters. Needless to say my reporter friends were absolutely salivating at the news that some “lost it” in the House. Thing is, the House is a place of utmost respect. The rules are imperative to keeping order and respect at all times. And following the Robert’s Rules of Order “provides common rules and procedures for deliberation and debate in order to place the whole membership on the same footing and speaking the same language.”
One of the first rule is stated as;
“Obtain the floor (the right to speak) by being the first to stand when the person speaking has finished; state Mr. / Madam Chairman. Raising your hand means nothing, and standing while another has the floor is out of order! One must be recognized by the Chair before speaking!”
Fact is Min. Murphy had obtained the floor first, had presented a motion to dismiss the House because it was 6 p.m. and Mr. Alward did not like this. Standing and pointing at Mr.Fraser and said; “You are going to pay for this.” He then proceeded to storm out before Mr. Fraser (another no-no) which led to Cy LeBlanc taking a few steps towards the vice-speaker before being grabbed and retained by his peers in the fashion of a hockey fighting teammate. He let loose with a few profanities that rhymes with duck and was escorted by other Tory members to their backroom.
You think they would have realized enough was already done. My sources told me, David Alward, Jeannopt Volpé (another hothead) and Margret-Ann Blaney went to the Speaker’s Chamber to confront the Vice-Speaker, the Speaker as well as two clerks. This was confirmed on Friday in a scrum featuring Stuart Jamieson.

The Tories also held a scrum the next day to which both David Alward and Cy LeBlanc denied every and all accusations. Tsk, tsk. If something could have been used as a guideline on how to handle such personal debacle, I believe it would David Lettermen’s little embarrassing episode of a few months ago. He basically came out, admitted he was wrong and slept in the bed that he made. “Point fini!” The whole thing disappeared from public view in a few weeks, unlike Tiger Wood’s total amnesia to his flings of the last 10 years.

Point is, we are all human. We all make mistakes. Admit when you make them and move on. I am not surprised by Cy LeBlanc’s antics. I described Carl Urquhart last week as the Homer Simpson of the Tories. But the man is a lovable goofball. He is real and a former hero cop. Nobody can take that away from him. LeBlanc is the court jester; he’s not funny, can’t speak either language and doesn’t respect the House and is not respected in return.

These actions were of very bad taste and I believe a very black mark on the Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick. It was a lack of class, of respect and of common decency. The House is organized to be civil but open and it is not a place for common self-importance and harassment.

That’s my two cents worth.
Peace brothers!

Open Mouth, Insert Foot.

My, my, never a boring day at our Legislative Assembly. Yes, I am going to comment on Tory MLA Carl Urquhart but I have a point to make, of course. First and foremost I need to say I was pleasantly surprised that the York representative was on Facebook and that he takes time to answer questions himself. But I don’t know if David Alward think thinks the same way. Yes, its true, Urquhart made the post on his Facebook page after Tuesday's budget that called for another massive deficit.
"Girls we need more babies or we will never be able to support our future," he wrote.
Here's the link;

http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/front/article/877154

Liberal MLA Joan MacAlpine-Stiles brought him to task and he apologized but was it an honest apology or a ultimatum by his boss? I also heard him on CBC with Terry Seguin this morning and almost pissed the bed when I heard Homer Urquhart trying to explain to Terry exactly what was going through his head at that moment. Carl, what were you thinking?

Funny thing is Margret-Ann Blaney and Madelaine Dubé, both strong women’s right supporters, had absolutely nothing to say about the whole thing. Now, to suggest to New Brunswick's young women that their only role in society and their only contribution to the New Brunswick economy is to have babies is demeaning and outdated thinking, especially since the last two governments have well promoted equality for women and rightfully so.
Well although, Urquhart did face the music. He rose and said he didn't mind apologizing, and withdrew "whatever MacAlpine-Stiles was offended by.”
But during Question Period, Urquhart's remark was brought up by Premier Shawn Graham and asked Opposition Leader David Alward to correct him on two occasions and again later by House Leader Mike Murphy on a point of order.

Now, the next thing I want to bring up is that Homer Urquhart was ranting and raving about how NB needs more people and he is absolutely right. But isn’t that what the Graham government is trying to accomplish by selling NB Power to Hydro-Quebec?
The Premier has stated over and over, that the population of New Brunswick needs to grow. That’s why the Liberals are continuing to invest in economic stimulus. Lower power rates and lower taxes for industries will bring in more businesses. More businesses means more jobs, more people and better lifestyles. At least the Liberals have looked farther than their first four year mandate and had vision enough to look towards 2026. Vision enough to understand that NB Power has grown too big, and in the wrong direction, for New Brunswick to operate. Vision enough to realize that the whole of NB Power includes its crumbling assets.

As for Homer, well he said he may not post comments on Facebook as much from now on. I think that might be a good idea for the friendly Tory MLA and I am sure David Alward agrees.

Well that's my two cents,
Peace

The masses are enraged...but are they right?

I have visited the NO to Sale of NB Power site and joined up so I could take part in their discussion. I started off with this;
“I heard about you guys but I never thought you were that far off the map. Lol”
Two hours of back and forth conversation did little to enlighten me about their views. Most of the members are ill-informed and tend to listen to the ones who are speaking the loudest. When they run out of questions they start with the insults. They’re egging each other on, boasting each other that they are right.

Here’s a few gems from the conversation;

Richard McNamara - “We have seen this type of stuff before, ignor it.”
Peter Hanlon - It's kind of funny that the majority look at these comments and think that the ones like what Stan just made are "off the map". This should be removed as it offers no arguments or information relevant to the issue. Stan come back when you have something to offer.
In fact I was removed from the site twice. lol Well he asked, so I decided to give him some facts.
Stanislav Renkosovich (me) - You want fact Mr. Hanlon? How are we going to pay off the debt and pay for all the upcoming refurbishment needed to keep NB Power afloat? NB Power loses money every time they fire up their fossil fuel generators. Dalhousie had a cheap fuel deal at $22 a barrel which ends in July 2010. Fuel is now going at $80 a barrel. HQ has more customers in Montreal than NB Power has in all of NB....

Stanislav Renkosovich - NB needs population growth if it wants to go forward. They lowered taxes for industries and now would be offering lower rates. More jobs will attract more people.

Stanislav Renkosovich
Quebec has among the cheapest residential and corporate power rates in North America. Their fuel is water. If this deal means cheaper power for NB, then why not explore?

Stanislav Renkosovich
Fossil fuel generators are on their way out, they will be dismantled almost everywhere because of environmental issues

Stanislav Renkosovich
NB Power employees will keep their jobs, collective agreements will be honored, pension plans will remain the same, and jobs will remain here in the province. What's wrong withat?

This is what I got in response.

This guy was actually willing to engage. But again, he failed to show me anything plausible to the cause other than the status quo.

Jeremy MacDonald - "How are we going to pay off the debt and pay for all the up coming refurbishment needed to keep NB Power afloat? "
How about using the long term revenues those refurbishments represent to pay the debts?
We fix Point Lepreau. That investment represents 25-30 years of revenues. Why give it away and ignore its future potential?

Stanislav Renkosovich - Ok, 25-30 years of climbing rates, no growing, and more people leaving the province. I don't think we could survive honestly.

Stanislav Renkosovich - They are talking about rising rates at 3% a year. That's 15% rate hike in 5 years. Some people have trouble paying their rates now what are they going to do in 5 years?

Jeremy MacDonald - How many people have trouble paying rates now?

Jeremy MacDonald - I was asking you.
You make a statement of "Some people have trouble paying their rates now what are they going to do in 5 years"
My question is how many people are affected in this manner.... See More

Stanislav Renkosovich - Well I have friends in the Dalhousie area that are really to have a hard time now for sure. They already have rough winters to start with. Seniors, welfare anybody who make under $25,000 a year is having problems.
So what different solution? The government is already offering tax breaks for making houses more energy efficient. and giving out more handouts is not a solution anymore.


Here is my list of winners. Dealing with these members is utterly hopeless. These are the sheep of the flock. Give them an answer and they just don’t get it. The words go in one ear, bounces around and comes out of the other ear in Chinese.

Michel-Mickey Parent - they need to create job in Dalhousie, not to cut them back
And how do we do that Mr. Parent?

Craig O'Donnell - "Stanislav Renkosovich?"... ROFLMAO... Well, the Liberal trolls' boring message and tactics aren't changing, but at least the phoney names are getting more original..

Craig O'Donnell - Canada east, eh Jeremy?... No surprise he's posting there.... I wish he would at least post a picture of a Cossack prince (or princess, whatever) or something for his profile...
Was part of the conversation, I swear.lol

LOL. Talk about bringing nothing to the table.

Al Harper - Government renovation program is great for those that can afford to renovate, however those on fixed incomes who have problems paying their power bill are also unable to afford to renovate kind of a catch 22 situation.
Seems as though stan borrowed someone elses name and has since removed it. (Like I said, I was booted off the site)
Ignore them and they go away eventually, or press them with the facts like Jeremy for example and you tend to get the same result

Facts? What facts?

Barbara Sweeney - Stansilav do not begin to speak on behalf of the people of dalhousie. I have a far greater understanding of the economic well being in that area and losing 1.6 million in tax revenues will be causing an increase in tax bills, water bills and all other associated costs. This deal will not benefit them but only harm them.

Another expert in her own mind, fact is Dalhousie’s plant was going to shut down no matter what.



Greg Cook Sj - Big is not always better. The same industries that have left NB have also left PQ. Some of us have heard just about enough about the "trickle down" theory. Some of us have been trickled down just about as far as we're willing to go.

And finally, Mr. “I want it my way and that’s it” Cook, …sad really.

Anyway, it was interesting while it lasted.
Peace

It's a question of power

The Monster Dam; This is one of a series of plants in the Manicouagan River cascade. The Daniel Johnson Dam supplies the Manic-5 power station. It is the world's largest multiple-arch and buttress dam, with a height of 214 m and a length of 1300m

I have waited to get engaged in this debate which has simply turned into a bitching session.So I got online at Lower Rates for NBer's and stood on my own soapbox. I like how some people seem to think that all these experts amount to a hill of beans. Like since when is Joe Blow or John Doe experts on experts.
First and foremost I'd like to call out anyone who's been attacking James at GNB, Jean at GNB. Shame on you. Obiviously they have a job to do and I believe they stuck to it. They answered questions with facts and never said this was a "great" deal or this will be "fantastic" they just gave out the facts to which everybody is privy to in the MOU or the Assessment of the rates Impact. I for one respect that.
Secondly, why would anyone in governemnt try to ruin NB? They all live here, their families and friends too. Enough of the conspiricy theories ok. Give it a rest.
I don't think this is a bad deal. Granted, I am worried about the pensions of the NB Power workers. But I think their union is strong to enough to find a resolution to that. I am really not worried about Quebec seperating, even if they do, business remains business. Damn, we deal with countries like Columbia and Venezuela. Quebec is the least of our problems.
I am also worried about the future of the Mactaquac dam. I know it will need lots of $$$ to refurbish it and HQ will cover the cost but what if the Federal Gov't passes some ecological bill and says it has to be dismantled? I'd like some answer on that one.
Point is hydro power is the cheapest in the world and Quebec has the most of it. Why should we spend money to make it when it's cheaper to buy?
That's my 2 cents worth.
Peace

Is M.A.D.D Going Mad?

I don't know why people are so mad at the government for these new rules conserning young drivers. M.A.D.D. is the organization who relentlessly pressured the government to impose these laws. Oh, and by the way, more of these are coming.
At the moment, If you are caught DUI, you automatically lose your licence for a year. It is now a zero acceptance policy ruling. Thing is, many people who never had a prior DUI or even a criminal record are finding themselves caught in this situation. It affects their jobs, their relationships, their children’s activity lifestyle as well as their own personal life. I don’t believe all people caught on a DUI started the day saying; I’m going to get drunk and drive later on!
I am all for stopping drinking and driving but I don’t like where this zero acceptance policy is going.Last year, the founder of MADD Candy Lightner resigned from her position as chairperson because she felt the organization was moving away with its original ideals and growing more neo-prohibitionist. Furthermore, MADD is now pressuring the auto industry to install alcohol interlock devices in all new factory-built cars. Closer to home, they are now pressuring the Canadian provinces into making it law that people under 21 could not drive alone as well as drink legally. Again, I don't condone in anyway drinking and driving. Click this for a little reality check;

http://www.classicalvalues.com/archives/2007/08/when_failure_to.html

I think that’s going too far.
Things that make you say…WTF!
Peace brother

PS here’s another few sites that are worth reading.

http://www.theagitator.com/
and
http://www.cato.org/

L'Union fait la Force

Just wanted to add these two great quotes;

You can only protect your liberties in this world by protecting the other man's freedom. You can only be free if I am free.

- Clarence Darrow

Only a fool would try to deprive working men and working women of their right to join the union of their choice.

- Dwight D. Eisenhower:

Brothers and Sisters Are You Ready?*

I posted a comment in the TJ today to freelancing reporter Charles W. Moore. In his opinion piece Autoworkers' 'concessions' are a bad joke . He goes on a rant and rave on how the Canadian Auto Workers union could have taken so many more cuts to help save the auto industry. What Moore doesn’t understand is that CAW does not want to set a precedent. It’s too easy for companies of this magnitude to simply cut into workers wages. It’s the fastest way also. Unfortunately, once these cuts are made, workers never get them back no matter how successful the company gets afterwards.

What CAW is trying to insure is that close to 97,000 auto workers remain part of Ontario’s economy. CAW represents unionized autoworkers at plants in Windsor, Oshawa, St. Catherine’s and Woodstock. We are talking about roughly over $5.3 billion in salaries. Now I am not sure what kind of economic windfall these salaries generate but it’s pretty safe to say approximately over $12 billion. How’s that for reality?

What a lot of people don’t understand is that if people make $50,000 a year they usually end up with bills to match it. Cut their salaries but their debts are still there. It also means, no paved driveways, no patios built, no houses renovated, no pools installed, no travelling vacations, no lawn care etc... That affects a lot of small businesses too, get the picture? Union workers put the survival of their communities before the survival of their employers.

I’ve had one moron answer me with this;

“It also means, no paved driveways, no patios built, no houses renovated, no pools installed, no travelling vacations, no lawn care etc . . ."
S. Renkosovich. you have clearly shown that you are as far out of touch as Lewenza. A lot of Canadians can't afford the things you list off. And yet, you sound like you are entitled to these things because you are a union member?

GET REAL!
Freddy Rose, Saint John on 12/03/09 10:50:37 AM ADT

I'd love to meet Freddy Rose in a dark alley so I could give him a good dose of reality.

I have no patience for these bleeding heart slackers who believe everyone is entitled to a free ride. I’d love to see these pen-pushers try working in their offices while chlorine is passed through their air conditioners and there’s a corroded acid line running above their heads.
Too many people don’t realize that if it wasn’t for unions, non-unionized workers would be working for even less today.

Anyway, I am too pissed off to continue.

*taken from a Gordie Johnson/Big Sugar song

Has The Time Come?

This picture is what I want to believe is happening in Afghanistan. Our troops doing good.

I have much respect our troops and their work towards the subjugated people of Afghanistan. I feel that a withdrawal from this place would be, for lack of a better word, unjust to all who have already paid the ultimate price. But I also do not want to read that we have lost more Canadians in a hopeless cause. The question remains; do the heads of our military believe our soldiers are making a difference?

I dearly hope our leaders, both political and military, have the best interests of our soldiers and the oppressed people of Afghanistan at heart. I am grief stricken at the latest news and confused in my beliefs as to why our soldiers are still there.

I have never considered myself a racist, sometimes misinformed maybe, in younger times I could be ignorant but I have learned to educate myself before I rightfully form an opinion. I hope that's part of getting wise with age.

But the more I learn about the Taliban the less I like them. It's too far from my safe zone here in Canada that I find it impossible to even come close to understanding their way of life.

More to come on this subject.

Christie Blatchford wrote a sobering piece last week concerning the people our soldiers are dealing with.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090210.wxblatch10/BNStory/International/home

O Canada!

Now, who wouldn't stand up to sing our national anthem with this little patriotic beauty.

We have so much to be thankful for...and then some.

Have a good weekend

Peace

Liberalism is Alive and Well

I have added a new site to my favourite blogs. It’s called The Agitator by Radley Balko. I found it very interesting as that it appeases my liberalism appetite. I have never been in terms, a big "L" liberal, but I do believe in our rights as citizens of the world and as human beings.

Reading The Agitator really opened up a lot more sites I basically heard of but never really read. One of these is the Free State Project (FSP) based in New Hampshire. If you’re interested you can read about this idea here; Free State Project.
In short, this is part of their idea;

The Free State Project is an agreement among 20,000 pro-liberty activists to move to New Hampshire, where they will exert the fullest practical effort toward the creation of a society in which the maximum role of government is the protection of life, liberty, and property. The success of the Project would likely entail reductions in taxation and regulation, reforms at all levels of government, to expand individual rights and free markets, and a restoration of constitutional federalism, demonstrating the benefits of liberty to the rest of the nation and the world.

Another great site I found is the Hittman Chronicles by Dave Hitt

http://www.davehitt.com/

Unfortunately, the last thing he wrote was dated May 2008.

In one article, he mentioned the FSP site and finished with this;

“Change on a national level is impossible. Congress is a wholly owned subsidiary of corporations and well funded special interests, and there's no way to change that. There needs to be at least one place left in the world where freedom loving people can go without being constantly stomped on by Big Brother.
Will it (the Free State Project) work? Yes, because I really want to move somewhere where I can go to a bar and light up a cigar without being guilty of a felony.”

Now I realize there’s more to this whole thing than that last phrase, but it brings to mind, when we think of it, that we are constantly being corralled somewhere whether we like it or not by a group or an organization wielding some powerful influence on our governments.

I don't know about you but I am fed up of being spoon fed ideals that I don't believe in.

But that's only my opinion.

Peace

My Girl Friday!

With all the cold we had, we really need a bikini shot for today's very sunny day, eh?

The Rumour Mill

I’ve gotten the inside scoop that the Montreal Canadiens might be trading Chris Higgins, Ryan O’Byrne and Thomas Plekanec to the Tampa Bay Lightning in return for Vincent Lecavalier.

O’Byrne was called up a few days ago and played in last night’s game against the Lightning, a chance for the Bolts to see him in action maybe?
With young players like Matt D’Agostini and Max Pacioretty proving their worth and their ability to play in the NHL and Alex Tanguay on the verge of returning, this trade would definitely be a good one for the Habs.

Certainly, George Gillett heard the crowd’s cheers when Vinny hit the ice at the Bell Centre and realized Lecavalier’s next home should be Montreal.
It’s a wait and see situation and I’m anxious to hear if my recent informer has his ear at the right door.

My Girl Friday!

Here’s my first official Girl Friday for 2009
The one and only Pam Anderson

The Beer War

Recently, some interesting talk has been circulating around NB Liquor and the Crown Corporation losing some $12 million in sales to the American and Quebec markets last year.
Basically, the point of the new brew is to offer beer drinkers - particularly in border towns like Campbellton and Edmunston, - the cheapest possible option so they don't have to drive to Quebec or Maine.
On Wednesday, I gave an opinion to the article Cheap beer 'bleeds' agency that in the end it’s a matter of taste not price. Man, was I ever blasted with thumbs down. LOL
I believe where I erred was mentioning some “better beers” and actually naming them. People in New Brunswick are very sensitive about their beer brands.
Point learned!
As far as cheap beer goes, I have indulged my fair share, but I realize now that I prefer different beers at different times. I love going to a pub and having a reddish Picaroons or dark Pumphouse. At home, I always have my Moosehead on hand. I like Molson Canadian and sometimes Corona during the summer.
Anyway, thing is, cheap beer is cheap beer. You get what you pay for and if Dana Clendenning and NB Liquor want to start their own brand, well go ahead. I don’t think it will do that much in convincing people in border towns to switch. Some people just want cheap booze, remember swish barrels?
But that’s just my opinion.

Unions- A Necessary Strong Chain

With the on-going economic turmoil many people are worried about their future employment and that is quite understandable. I have a hard time getting excited about financial matters, (or as Peter Griffin would say; “Unlike my credit card, I carry a very low interest level”)

What is interesting to me are the ongoing challenges the unions must go through at the AV groups in Nackawic and Atholville. I have union brothers at both mills and I got quite a lot of feedback during the holidays. Of course many of the brothers and sisters are worried about closures since both places closed and were sold in the last 15 years.
Paper markets have always been up and down, usually at seven year intervals. But with the advent of recycling and development this trend has practically disappeared. Nackawic used to make paper for Kodak but the boom of the digital camera has taken care of that.
So in comes Tembec and the Aditya Birla Group of India looking for cheap mills and hungry workers. Atholville was the first to get into dissolving pulp business which is the main raw material used in the manufacture of viscose staple fiber or aka rayon. After a seven year closure the workers there were ready to accept anything and the AV group knew it too. They signed a seven year contract at almost 25% lower than the national average pulp market salary and took a cut in every section of the union book. But you will do what you have to do to work, right?

Where am I going with this?
Back in November, AV Nackawic and AV Cell narrowly escaped a temporary shutdown in because of a slowing global economy and too much inventory. CEO Peter Vinall was quoted as saying that "unprecedented market conditions exist worldwide and that has resulted in mills across the country contemplating temporary closures or moving ahead with them. If it happens in Nackawic or in Atholville, it will be a reflection of those conditions.”
More recently, Vinall said he would leave at the end of this year to pursue another job in the industry and shouldn't be viewed as an omen that bad times are in store for either the Nackawic mill or at Atholville's AV Cell.

While the first was good news before the holidays, I don't take Peter Vinall's word too seriously. Yes, the economic crisis is a worldwide one and market situations are hardly stable but the Nackawic mills as well as its predecessor AV Cell in Atholville are not producing pulp anymore, they are producing fiber. Fiber is used to make clothing which will mainly supply India, China and other Pacific-Asian countries, totaling billions in population. Vinall and the AV group are well known to cry wolf when things look bad as to encourage the union into giving more and expecting less. Atholville is near contract negotiation time again. Plus, closing down a mill in the middle of winter is extremely expensive and the AV Company is a penny-pinching group and their thought process is wholly centered on making a buck…period!

I am not worried about my union brothers and sisters of the AV Group, they will shut down eventually, for upkeep and maintenance, but that’s it. One thing people have to remember is that both these operations are no longer “pulp mills” but are now “chemical mills”. They smell worst, they’re more dangerous and the company runs them on a very strict inventory. Their health is at risk on the long term but it is work. Don’t begrudge the unions demand for better wages and better health coverage. These are difficult times but it is imperative that union members stick together for the best of all union members.

Peace brother!

Another year, another try...why not?

I took a few months off to basically figure what I wanted to do with this blog. While the Tory election of a new leader brought forth David Alward, the news of the budget release and ongoing economic turmoil, I was getting a little carried away by what I wanted to say. This was meant to be a blog for the blue-collar sector of the NB population and I believe was straying. I hope to do better in this attempt at reviving the Blue Collar Manifesto, not that it’s been running a long time but I really enjoy doing it.
Here’s to a better 2009 New Brunswick.