Tuesday, December 28, 2010

The Fires still Burn

Pouring rain, wind, downed wires, friends and good cheer, being from a large family the greatest gift receieved for me is my parents and siblings are all alive, the battle for life never stops, the enemy has been beaten back again but that heathen beast won`t relent, it`s always there, taunting us, toying with us, lingering on the outskirts of our mind and souls, eventually time will return to take its toll......

Sometimes, like today and yesterday, I stare at the keyboard and it appears foreign to me, the stories are there, they have been here all along, for years in fact, so as I reflect back over this year and before it smacks me in the face that the same stories, the same unresolved garbage remains curbside, no one picks it up, no one talks about it but there it is, lingering, always there, the dirty little secrets, and until the garbage is picked up and the street gets washed  the stench will remain and no amount of rose perfume will help......

The HST, the story of the year, the revolt, the petition, the promises, the fiction, the aftermath is lingering, burning on the horizon, prices haven`t fallen they rose, jobs aren`t being created, at least not full time jobs, the only growth in the job sector has been in part time work, if only the BC Liberal government rolled it out better, what a great tax and I wouldn`t be mad if they only rolled it out in a friendlier way, even the polls, week in week out new polls with new questions asked in a different way and lo n behold the public, the dear old public is slowly falling in love with the hst, could I be wrong, could Vanderzalm be wrong, could 720,000 people who signed the petition be wrong......

Even the shocking deficit that was revealed just days after our last election, what was the projected deficit, "$495 million maximum"  and it turned out to be $4 billion dollars, off by a staggering 800%, the biggest deficit lie in Provincial history, and as I reflect back it dawns on me that the hst and deficit lie was in 2009, not this year, Colin Hansen had a whole year to sell the hst, I remember like yesterday, Colin Hansen said the price of funerals would go down, retailors would be passing on savings, 18 months later the HST in effect for 6 months and prices went up more in BC than any province in Canada, was Colin Hansen wrong, was the comparison to Altlantic Canada flawed, Newfoundland and the other Atlantic Provinces went from 19% combined tax to a 15% combined tax rate, a 4% tax rate drop, obviously that comparison was flawed, but certainly the media having seen through the spin and having real life results would be singing a different tune, right!.......

The pattern remains, the fires smoulder and why would the hst be the political story of the year 2010 when the hst was foisted on us in July of 2009.......The largest fudget budget was dropped on our lap at the same time and why, I heard from the media  about Glen Clark`s tiny fudget budget for over a decade, we had an inquiry into the Glen Clark affair over a new deck on his home and yet the media and the BC Liberals hide united opposed to an inquiry....

Did you catch the cutting ledge on cknw last Friday, I did, what a performance by Baldrey and Palmer, and performance is the correct description because believe me, there are two options, either those stooges are paid money to say the garbage they do or they are mentally disturbed, take your pick....

BC Rail inquiry is not needed according to those stooges, Palmer states that the special prosecutor has seen all the evidence and unless we think the prosecutor is corrupt ....Palmer dares anyone to call the special prosecutor corrupt....Berandino......Here it is....You are a corrupt bastard Berandino and if you want to sue me prove to my legal team there was nothing more to learn in a trial, I will need to see all the documents...You hear me Palmer!..I called out Berandino.....And Baldrey, Baldrey states we had a complete trial and the BC Liberals have been elected twice since then, Baldrey claims the public doesn`t care about BC Rail....

What did we learn from the release of just a few documents?...We learned that Eric Bornmann is an admitted thief and burgler, I wonder if it was Bornmann who broke into Bill Teilemans office?..We learned Basi/Virk were taking bribes for years and cleaning the money through their drug dealing friend and reletive Aneal Basi...We learned that Brian Kieran bribed politicians, we learned that Bruce Clark home and business was  searched by police, how much money and drugs did they suspect were at Bruce Clarks home, ....We learned that we need a public inquiry to get any answers because the trial was a fraud from the git go, Berandino should never been allowed to conduct the trial, it was a clear conflict of interest, ......News flash Baldrey, there was no trial, 1 witness out of 40 does not make a trial and the BC Liberals being elected twice since Campbell lied his face off and sold BC Rail for nothing does not certify or make right the deal....You got it Balderdash......

So meanwhile after Palmer gets his nose out of Berandino`s ass  and they opened the phone lines every caller was demanding a public inquiry, after those 2 stooges spent the first 45 minutes deflecting BC Rail, deflecting recall, deflecting the HST every caller was demanding a public inquiry and the stooges were ducking and weaving while sounding like fools.....

The deficit lie, the HST lie, the big theft of BC Rail, they haven`t gone away, they are lingering, burning on the horizon, the timing by media on a mass scale, the stooges on Christmas eve on cknw, Paul Nettleton with his sudden urge to throw(Palmer calls it a coveted endorsement) his support behind Christy Clark and agrees with no inquiry into the BC Rail fraud, Christy Clark who is controlled by Gordon Campbell, Campbell who threw Paul Nettleton out of caucus and beat him in the 2005 election has jumped on the Gordon Campbell band wagon, why....Christy Clark offered Paul Nettleton what position in her Government for that forced endorsement?

These issues aren`t going away, how big is this years deficit, why has no one asked what happens when the hst gets defeated in the referendum, the answer is simple, according to the paid media stooges, the largest fudget budget was the fault of the world economy, time to move on, any BC Rail corruption was limited to two lowly ministerial aides, time to move on, the recalls aren`t neccesary because we are having a referendum, time to move on. the referendum is now a chance for the pro-side to have their say, yet no one, not one media has asked what happens after the referendum, a tax so engrained will it then have to stay, will it take 3 more years after the referendum to get out of, or will the media decide again that it`s time to move on.....These questions will not get answered without anyone asking the questions.....

Meanwhile the Liberal candidates claim to be outsiders or different from Campbell, none will come clean, no one will answer questions, Bill Bennett being thrown out of caucus over calling Campbell a monster, Leckstrom being tossed from caucus for disagreeing yet the media, only the ndp are touted as the party in tatters, Baldrey claims only ndp radicals and dissidents exist, the BC Liberals are a united  and tight team, time to move on, the fires burning on the horizon, the lingering doubts, the countless lies and Liberal betrayals are of the past, only ndp sins live through time.......

And as Gordon Campbell delivers Christy Clark`s or Kevin Falcon`s throne speech and budget we are supposed to believe "It`s time to move on"

Meanwhile the tree and stockings are put away, I ate my last turkey sandwich, my personal New Years wish to family and friends is, may you all be alive next year.

My wish for our Province......May someone ask the questions and provide the answers.

The Straight Goods

Cheers-Eyes Wide Open

15 comments:

Don F. said...

Very Good Grant,
I agree totally with your observations in all matters you mention and the putrid mess that was there follows us into the new year because of a media that isn't and all the same players take to the field for overtime again.
It is interesting about the question period you mention after Baldrey and Palmer trying to tell everyone nothing is needed move on that they were met with the opposite of what they expected and that is a public thinking for themselves.
If anything has occurred in 2010 it seems to be a public awakening that the likes of Baldry /Palmer didn't foresee nor the likes of Christy Clark et all. But it is happening as sure as we speak and will only increase in it's fervor in the coming months. It is almost humorous to watch it happen as they are all so ill prepared and caught off guard they look as clowns at a circus all caught molesting a small child in the guise of trust.
They are a pitiful bunch and rest assured with people awakening the game has changed and they haven't had time to learn it and are in a bad place, a place of reckoning, that question period was but one example of many to come.
Take Care
Don

Anonymous said...

I think, Baldry and Palmer are pretty much on our lists of, who not to believe nor trust. Anyone who would support a monster like Campbell, is dismissed as a good person. We have over 121.000 children living in poverty, in this best place to live province. We have a minimum wage starting at $6.00 per hour. Obviously Baldry and Palmer support Campbell and the BC Liberals, on that point as well. Campbell won two elections, by lies and deceit. The BCR wasn't for sale lie. The HST wasn't on Campbell and Hansen's radar lie. Hansen finally admitted the, HST radar papers, were on his desk before the election. BC is a province of natural resources. The HST does not benefit the BC people, what-so-ever. The HST was designed for big business only. Besides which, BC's HST goes directly to Campbell's good buddy Harper, as was prearranged. BC people have had to contend with threats, and physical attacks, over their displeasure with Campbell's arrogant manner, regarding the HST. BC people don't want the HST, that's just too dammed bad, you are paying it anyway. Campbell's corrupt sale of the BCR, is a stench of corruption, that is not going away. Campbell needs to go to prison, for that theft, and, so does everyone else involved. Campbell and the BC Liberals, have been full of dirty tactics, and out and out evil. We want the BC Liberals, driven out of our province, for good. The ministers and mla's supported Campbell's insanity, they are no better than he is.

Anonymous said...

The BC Rail Corruption Trial quickly turned into the The Trial of Corruption (meaning everyone knows that the whole trial and the people involved had a lack of integrity and exhibited moral deterioration ). Everyone that is except the already corrupted because they can't or don't want to see themselves for what they have become so they are in a constant state denial. As far as Baldrey, Palmer, Good and their ilk are concerned, they're nothing more than a bunch of bobbleheads and only able to nod when their Liberal Masters give them a shake.

Anonymous said...

I keep trying to wipe from my mind, we are stuck with, a corrupt BC Liberal government for two more terrible years. De Jong and his cover-up and paying for two criminals expenses, out of our tax dollars, is deeply resented. We resent the BC Liberals for, far too many ways and reasons. The candidates running for Campbell's replacement, are no better than he is. In all of my many years, I have never seen citizens treated as badly by their premier, as the BC people have been treated by, Campbell and his gang of henchmen. We look at the list of candidates, and none of them, are wanted or trusted.

Anonymous said...

Sorry. I meant to wish everyone a Happy New year. And, thanks Grant, for your great blogs. I can only imagine, how much time you must spend, putting your information out there, for the BC people.

Gary E said...

Another great thought provoking post Grant.

I find it very interesting that so many people disagree with the news media in BC. And in particular the two goons and Campbells lapdog. Yet these three just keep slogging the same crap. I allege they must surely have taken lessons from Herr Goebbles.

I wonder if they have thought about how many interviews they will be granted if ANY other party is elected? Just a thought.

Happy New Year Grant. I expect to be in North Van either Thursday or Friday so If I can't find a Internet cafe I may not be posting for a day or two.

Anonymous said...

Grant your posts are appreciated, it`s hard to feel good about any part of this once decent province.it`s comforting to know my absolute digust is shared. on a global scale the novels Brave new world and 1984 have an unexpected currency. best wishes for the new year.

Elwood said...

Grant said - "Christy Clark offered Paul Nettleton what position in her Government for that forced endorsement?"

---

Isn't that illegal? Like offering a benefit at taxpayer expense? We need to get to the bottom of that one!

Anonymous said...

Bill Goof and the Two Stooges, every Friday morning at nine on Animal Farm radio.
It's amazing how anyone can't see through their propaganda.

jaydee said...

They got Nettleton too huh?

B.C. Corporate Mafia Rule....

Revolt 2011

Anonymous said...

Those four clowns and a few more have brought media credibility down to a new all time low what they say is now known to be despicable and untrustworthy all that a news media should not be and them not being able to see that,they are an embarrassment is all to like them,hilarious and fits them very well. cheers to you Grant happy new year!

Crankypants said...

Well said Grant, well said. The spindoctors just keep on regurgitating the same old bull, hoping that the great unwashed will continue to buy into it. Whether it is working or not is hard to determine. Let's face it, no one can be sure that any caller to the talk shows is a bonafide caller or a plant, whether a letter to the editor is submitted by a legitimate, concerned citizen, or a hired stooge. The poll results we are being bombarded with are subjective, at best.

Even all the economic news being brought forth by the so-called experts seem to be all over the map. Are Canadians over-extended with debt? Is the economy improving, staying the same or going down the proverbial toilet? Do we have a pension crisis on the horizon or is this just a red herring brought forward to deflect attention from other issues? The mixed messages we are being inundated with is so difficult to disseminate that I am of the belief that our so-called leaders don't know whether to shit or go blind.

Take the pension issue for example. We are being told that Canadians are not getting prepared for retirement. Some have no pension plans, others have insufficient plans, etc. The best the Federal Government can come up with is to start a pension plan system for a select segment of our society while everyone else gets to fend for themselves. What Flaherty seems to either forget, or ignore in order to pretend that he is on top of the situation, is that there is a large segment of society that does not have the ability to put money aside for their golden years. I suspect that the debt load carried by a good number of Canadians is not by choice, but by the instinct to survive as best they can. How can those people that are barely squeaking by on their income supposed to be able to salt away money for their retirement?

As I see it, our elected officials are in a constant state of denial. They just can't relate to the daily struggles of the average Canadian.

The question is, why is this so? Simple. We get to choose from candidates that are not everyday people, but those that come from a more elite status. I suspect very few of them are struggling to make their pay last until the end of the month. This means that they cannot relate to the stresses and strains that most of us must deal with. I know that I cannot relate to the life of a homeless person any more than I can relate to the life of millionaire.

Cam

Jon Ghun said...

Good on you for calling out Berardino.

We should all be screaming it out loud.

The conflict of interest in his being appointed the oh-so special prosecutor was an egregious CONFLICT OF INTEREST from the moment it happened.

For those who don't know--Berardino worked at the firm of Russell & DuMoulin (now Fasken Martineau) along side the likes of former Deputy AG Allan Seckel (now Deputy Minister to the Premier) and former AG Geoff Plant, both of whom bear collective responsibility for wrongly appointing Berardino.

His appointment for such a complicated criminal case did not make sense in the first place for a life-long civil litigator.

His connections to the bc liberal government are significant just on their face; and that's to say nothing of the way he prosecuted, or didn't.

Anonymous said...

What amount of pension you are going to have for retirement, was good 15 years ago. However, when we have to try and live on the same amount to-day, it's impossible. The price gouging in BC, is right out to lunch. Just before the HST was due, food costs went way up. Gasoline, is another favorite gouge. Then we have the provincial budget tax hikes. The old carbon tax, is now called a new carbon tax. Our hydro, will be going up 55%. The HST, on pretty much everything, how do the low income families and seniors survive? All the HST has done is, drive up costs. The trial of, Campbell's corrupt sale of the BCR, was a farce. De Jongs cover up and thieving our tax dollars, to pay all of the expenses, of the two criminals, is not sitting well with the BC people. We are sick to death of, the corrupt BC Liberal government.

Leah said...

If the Canadian government is so worried about our pension plan, or the lack of it, maybe they shouldn't be investing it in wind farms in Britain?