Happy New Year really does mean Renewal.

I am truly looking forward to the year 2007. There seems to be renewal everywhere and it isn't spring yet. I am very impressed with Stephane Dion, he is the right person at the right time and I do beleive he will give PM SH the fight of his lifetime in the anticipated election we all expect sometime in the next 12 months.

There was a news story on CBC of which I caught a snippet when driving home from my aging mothers this afternoon.

Countries that border on the Arctic Circle are holding an Arctic Conference to discuss the loss of Ice flows and the future impact of climate change seeking solutions to slow down the warming. Followed by a story about putting up umbrellas to shield the earth from the sun, imagine 16 billion umbrellas needed to encompass the planet. It was explained by the scientist who propose's such a solution that it would take a total of 10 years to rocket umbrellas into the atmosphere at 1 million per trip... just getting a wee bit of information is very scary, it can be interperted in oh, so many different ways.

The most important thing here is that everyone is now talking about Climate Change, Global Warming, Greenhouse gases and our Environment all of which is a great way to start renewal.

Small wonders and a reversal of words. .

Posting on this little blog of mine has been low on my list of priorities the past 2 months, for which I can only make a simple comment with another 4 letter word. "busy" "work" or "time" it comes down to 1) to much to do 2) not enough time to do.

A few comments from long time political allies, some who have been on the long hard campaign trails tell me that I am neither 'little' or 'old' and were horrified with the pink stationery that I chose initially...... hence the new creation which shows youth and energy overcoming the old and treacherous. Actually I was looking for a design done by a person of my gender but there just weren't any so I chose the Rose.

Christmas Day we took the BC Ferry (10 minute ) ride to Quadra Island, where we were met by friends who we would be feasting with that day. One of several topics around that feasting table was the upcoming Quadra Island, Climate Change Conference scheduled for January 20th with the Lead off Film of Al Gore and "The Inconvenient Truth". It just happend to be one of the films my husband and I watched during the week leading up to Christmas. So when I surfed tthrough some of my quick read news sites and saw that the President of the U.S.ofA said The US accepts threat to Polar Bears I thought that I had misread it and had to emblazon the words in my brain, let it digest in the mind, and then think what will that ultimately do to help the global warming we are experiencing across our Earth?

Al Gore gave the most articulate and calm presentations of facts on the topic, convincing without hysterics.Although we can't stop it, we can globally change our habits of consumption and slow the process down. Saving the threatened species of Polar Bears is a small step in the cycle. If it takes a village to raise a child then it will take nations to raise awareness to provide a future for those children we all must save the planet on which we live.

It is a double edged sword, as I sit in a room with two lights on, the signals bouncing around cyberspace as I peck at the keyboard putting these thoughts out there I realize that this is the ultimate abuse of power when billions of humans do not even have one light and if they did it would be a kerosene lantern and not because they had another power out. It would be the way it is .

This musing is to be continued at another time and date....................................

There are limits to what you can give.

As of January 1, 2007, only individuals can make federal political donations.

For more details on this

and many other important changes

to the Canada Elections Act,

click on the Federal Accountability Act box

http://www.elections.ca

T'is the Season.

Off to "the Palace"

The Palace Theatre is showing the film The Queen this weekend and so after having Chinese Buffet at the Golden Carriage we did the 1 block walk about to see the flik.

The Palace Theatre is one where there is an air of tiredness and decay, many rows have seats removed and so to find 4 seats together is a challenge. The Palace is know as the ghetto to some of the locals who treat it like a slum popcorn all over the floor and empty cups, bags littering an entire row.

If it weren't for "The Queen" we wouldn't have gone. Helen Mirren, no doubt the best actress alive; was excellent playing Her Majesty called "mam like ham".
Having watched the 4 hour mini series Elizabeth I over the past few days and then seeing this movie , she is truly a brilliant actor.

"The Queen" is a story the world needs to see.

Tourism includes visitors from other countries.

ACTION ALERT!

Make Some Noise!COTA and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada are calling on operators across Canada to unite in petitioning the government to reinstate the GST Visitor Rebate program. To read COTA's business case in support of maintaining the rebate, and for a copy of COTA's letter to the Canadian Finance Minister, click here (http://www.cotabc.com/news/#News649).

Just because I decide to clean out the mail box, I find a few gems tucked away in the most unexpected places. Another little item on the federal government attack list. What we don't know won't hurt us.

You're always welcome, please come back.

Women? Do we matter?

The spectrum of Women, as portrayed on film is a brushstroke from zero to 10 in light and shadow. Anyone from the artist world of pallette filled with colour will understand of what I speak for those of you uncertain to my meaning.... Zero is the fine edge of light with 10 the darkside of shadow. Black to white with all the shades of the rainbow in between.

Why Film? Film on dvd vhs or on the big screen at a theatre near you has been projecting some very interesting and even educational stories about Women. I had heard about the Deepa Mehta trilogy: Earth, Fire & Water over the past few months with mixed reviews. Now that I have seen "Water" takes place in 1938 it is in Hindi with english subtitles and delivered a very profound message.It is called telling the TRUTH
.http://www.brightlightsfilm.com/28/water.html

HOPE for the future. The future is now, 2006 and the woman of the Indian (not to be mistaken as our FN) community of the lower mainland are making public their unspoken secrets. Their story is not a film, it is in real time and I truly wish them and their daughters every HOPE for the future.

This weekend it is off to "The Palace" I go to see "The Queen".

HOPE: the 1st Sunday of Advent is about Hope.

7:00am - 15:30pm Saturday December 2;

I was glued to the TV coverage of all the channels I could flip through. Not only was it great TV it was also why I did not put myself up as a Delegate. I know the emotions that run through the heart and the soul of being committed to a Leadership campaign. This is one where I was still in grief over the way Paul Martin ended his short term as Prime Minister and had great difficulty switching my allegence.When the invitation came to attend the Tribute, I sent my regrets.

The past few days was the best reality TV has to offer.So much better than being on the Floor of the convention where all the rumours run rampant and I notice several bloggers who were delegates are still digesting the events before they comment.

Dion's speech ( from my perspective) was excellent and I found myself standing and applauding him throughout.

When the vintage Chretien speech (where he finally acknowledged the attributes of both his competitors ) was finished that was the moment for me where the burden of being a Turner/ Martin Liberal lifted and I feel great about the decision made by the delegates on our behalf as Liberals. I do believe that Stephane Dion will grow into and well beyond all our expectations.

Hope is in the air.

and in the House today the Conservatives are setting the tone

Rona Ambrose presented her committment to flesh out the "Clean Air Act" with public /private and substance by the Spring of 2007.

The campaign is on.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper said he will introduce a motion in

Just back from 10 days of heat down Mexico way. The heating up of who's in charge Mexico City is in the Canadian Press but to be on the beach of the sleepy little fishing village where we stayed no one talks politics just about the sunsets and Sergio the hurricane that went west instead of touching land.all the Canadians we met along the way are more concerned about their FM3 ( dual citizenship) than what is happening north of the 49th.It just means they can leave a car there without hassle although they do have to pay annually for that priviledge which is a hassle.

I am very fascinated with the fixation of the word "Nation" in regards to Quebec and curious to hear how our First Nations will welcome that same debate.Isn't it interesting PMSH is introducing a motion on this in the House of Commons. Wow,now that I'm back I will have to pay attention to this issue. I will not be in Montreal therefore I will be relying on all you bloggers who do attend the Leadership convention to post as objectively as possible. In the meantime tonights news will be a priority.

I love this country, it is so cool! Rain, hail, snow & sleet....bring it on!

Wrap your mind around it, scratch your head, think about it or is it just words.

Last night while watching the US mid term election returns.... I heard this comment from one of the politico pundits.It has been replaying through my mind over and over all day, I found it quite amusing.

On why did she think the Democrats were looking like winners if "politics are local" when in fact the roust was a national one. Iraq is the first off the lips but hang on.... when she said "the republican wing of the republican party" I really had to wrap my mind around that....... then she said " they are very upset with the social conservatives in the republican party and the financial spending that has gone on". Not red conservatives or red tory's as we would refer to the Reform/Alliance wing of the Conservative party.

We all knew there would be a resignation not a "YOU"RE SO FIRED Rummy!"

Just a little more interesting is the recognition that the USofA got out of Afghanistan to soon. We won't be surprised when we hear more of this ....we were wrong to go into Iraq before we finished what we started in Afghanistan.

Stay tuned. I expect the new Pentagon will start deploying more troups into the UN sanctioned forces.

Lest we forget.

http://www.legion.ca/asp/docs/rempoppy/allabout_e.asp

Today's Editorial cartoon CV Echo

Words of endearment, Trusts, Private Medical Clinics.

I have spent the past few days tending to the needs of my son who had surgery Monday in a Private Medical Clinic . The entire 7th Floor for Ambulatory care at Burrard and Davie.

Once the sports medicine Doctor said he wanted to operate it was less than 2 weeks and Wow, without being flashy or ostentatious, the clinic was very comfortable, excellent staff, I can only see the benefits of these specialized clinics not because of my son's injury but all these many years there has been an Every Womens Health Clinic ....

There will be NO SKIING this winter. Say no more.

You just gotta love that A BCer in TO, always the wit behind the writing. To me the issue is that none of it is an issue, all it does is keep the person who said it in the spotlight which in turn improves their ratings, it keeps it all simple. Love me or Hate me, who cares as along as you keep reading me. Literally!

Trusts

This from a friend who is an Investment Finance guy, he shared it and so shall I.

Here is a link to an article written by Harper last year. I guess he forgot he wrote it. Here is part of it in case you don't have time to read the entire article.

"As my party's finance critic, Monte Solberg, says, the success of income trusts represents a rare triumph for investors over the tax man. Let's not be so naive as to assume that the Liberals will do the right thing to protect taxpayers. We'll need to fight hard to keep what we have, and even harder to gain ground."


http://politicsblog.ctv.ca/blog/_archives/2006/11/1/2465438.html

A Protest

When driving past the main gate to 19 Wing we noticed a small gathering of quiet protesters adorned with Anti War signs and get out of Afghanistan signs across the street.We guessed there might be as many as 25 - 30 newdems.the same old same old. Smile and wave.

"One on One"

I watched Peter Mansbridge interview with his Highness Prince Karim (born December 13, 1936) is the current (49th) Imām of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims. He has held the title since July 11, 1957. The Aga Khan is very gentle soft spoken person who is believed to be a direct descendant of Mohammed by the Ismaili community. Wikipedia offers much more background if you are interested.

Although I was interrupted a couple of times during the interview, I did come away with some pearls of wisdom which the Aga Khan shared without any hesitation.When asked about why he liked visiting Canada.He said words to the effect that Canada was a good example of a pluralistic society, a global asset. He was here establishing the Aga Khan Foundation Centre.

On the Question of Canada in Afghanistan, his response was about 2 speeds of change happening in that Country. The one side of rapid changes whilst the other rural area's where there was so much hope only a few years ago has not seen any changes and therefore leads to a continued situation of people who do not even have the basics.

When asked about Canada's role in Afghanistan the response was clear.Canada should stay although the situation is very difficult but very necessary. The Aga Khan spoke about the need for governments to provide enabling environments where people can achieve change.On this topic I agree.

When asked about the US attack on Iraq, on Bhagdad specifically he posed the reverse by asking a simple question How would the Christian World react to the bombing of Rome.

It has been just over 20 years since I had the Honour of attending the ground breaking ceremony for the Jatmatkhana in Burnaby. I along with several hundreds of others was received by His Highness the Imam and her Highness the Begum (since divorced). Through my Ismaili friends I learned that like Judea Christian religions the Muslims have many different sects. Memoirs of the Aga Khan has one chapter that explains to people outside the Ismaili community what they are all about including their beliefs. If you can get a copy , I highly recommend it.

Meanspirited manipulation during Municipal Elections.

The November 27th 2006 By-elections dropped by PMSH.
The Leadership of the federal Liberals not withstanding; is an insult to the honourable playing of the political game.

This has niggled at me ever since the announcement, it is a meanspirited move to the voters of London Ontario who will be chosing not only a new Mayor and council but also an new M.P. and one that may not last 1 year.

It smacks of the old SOCRED party who in May 1980 dropped the writ of a provincial election right smack dab in the middle of a federal election. In those days a federal election ran 60+ days with a 28 day BC campaign , it wrecked havoc on our Liberals who were fighting in the trenches to hold on federally and we could only run 5 Candidates Provincially in 3 ridings because 2 of the ridings were dual member. It was a nightmare and voters were insulted, angry and very petulant at the polls.

History, what good is it for. Not for learning. History begins the day you are elected, just ask Harper and his horrids.

Where's the Women.

I would love to see the Liberal Party run with a Woman Candidate in the London riding that Joe Fontana vacated for municipal politics.

Elizabeth May for the Greens is posed to make her statement, she did help Rick Mercer to cut down a tree, with a chainsaw which gave her some power. Zoom, zoom.

Diane Hackett returns from abroad to relaunch her political life as the Conservative Candidate. From what I've heard and read, she will be a formidable campaigner.

If there was any Leadership Candidate who I beleive would be a fiesty challenger, it would be Martha Hall-Findlay not Gerard Kennedy who is being pressured to run.

4-3 Yipeeeeeee !

Another last minute Canuck goal wins, happy is the couch coach who is now surfing channels with the remote in his hand.
:) letting the new names wrap around his grey matter "Lukas Kraijeck" (sp) absorbing the importance of the season ahead.
I learn it from osmosis, and using it as a topic in this post helps .It is the compromise of being married all these many years.

3-2 with 7/10th of a second remaining.

The Canucks won tonight.

The couch coach that hangs out in front of my TV when ever the Vancouver Canucks play hockey was lamenting the fact that his favourite team couldn't even score with all the shots on goal earlier in the game.

This is reality TV.

Another one of the FWD Emails.

I have copied this email in it's entirety. The Host of the Ladies Luncheon I attended on Monday sent this around today. She came to Canada from South Africa 15 years ago, originally born in Rhodesia now Zimbabwe. A white African Jewess, who is the sweetest person I have ever met, she apologies at the beginning of the email saying

I am not prejudiced but this, I do believe in.

THREE CHEERS FOR AUSTRALIA

I wish the leaders of our country would take a stand. like Australia. Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia, as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks. A day later a group of mainstream Muslim leaders pledged loyalty to Australia at a special meeting with Prime Minister John Howard. Howard and his ministers made it clear that extremists would face a crackdown.Treasurer Peter Costello, seen as heir apparent to Howard, hinted thatsome radical clerics could be asked to leave the country if they did not accept that Australia was a secular state and its laws were made by parliament. "If those are not your values, if you want a coun try which has Sharia law or a theocratic state, then Australia is not for you," he said on natioal television"I'd be saying to clerics who are teaching that there are two laws governing people in Australia, one the Australian law and another the Islamic law, that is false. If you can't agree with parliamentary law, independent courts, democracy, and would prefer Sharia law and have the opportunity to go to another country, which practices it, perhaps, then, that's a better option," Costello said.Asked whether he meant radical clerics would be forced to leave, he said those with dual citizenship could possibly be asked to move to the other country. Education Minister Brendan Nelson later told reporters that Muslims who did not want to accept local values should "clear off". "Basically, people who don't want to be Australians, and they don't want to live by Australian values and understand them, well then they can basically clear off," he said Separately, Howard angered some Australian Muslims on> Wednesday by saying he supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques.
AMERICA and Canada..... ARE YOU LISTENING?
Quote:IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians.However, the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the "politically correct" crowd began complaining about the possibility that our patrotism was offending others. I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to Australia.However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country, and apparently some born here, need to und er stand. This idea of Australia being a multicultural community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity. AsAustralians, we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle. This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who> have sought freedom. We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language! Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push but a fact because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, Because God is part of our culture. We will accept your beliefs and will not question why, all we ask is that you accept ours and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us. If the Southern Cross offends you, or you don't like " A Fair Go", then you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet. We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't care how you did things where you came from. By all means keep your culture, but do not force it on others.

This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, "THE RIGHT TO LEAVE". If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted.

Conservative Caucus removes Garth Turner.

Freedom of speech is a right as long as you aren't an elected member of Parliament. The message is clear, if you blog don't expect to influence the law makers, at least not in the present parliament.

If you go out in the wood s today, you're in for a big surprise.

Every bear that ever there was, is there because todays the day the Teddy bears have their picnic.
From a friend in Port Hardy.

I couldn't resist sharing this.

Excerpt:
Interesting how the prevailing belief was that women were ill suited for participation in politics because we were seen as the emotional and irrational sex.
After watching the Liberal Leadership debates yesterday, I think that it is male politicians who are the emotional and irrational ones.
Pitted against each other they cannot help but compete in cockfights.
Available at: http://anothergreenworld.org/?p=120

Nothing changes !

JOHN GRAY:A Liberal exhibitionCBC News Viewpoint
Ooctober 16, 2006 More from John Gray

It sounds like I didn't miss much by not watching yesterdays debate. Allegations against Volpe, a challenge to Rae as per yesterday, the analysis of each of the contenders, there is nothing profound that hasn't been written before.

I surfed through a few of the blog sites last night to see what a few of the camps were sending from their blackberry wireless, and it was just a big YAWN.

Last week I accepted an invite to a Ladies Lunch Noon today where I expect to be drilled over the corruption of the Liberal Party, particularly Mi's comments on Isreal. It is being hosted by a vegan, so all the meat will be political.

Oy !

Ottawa CP byline Joan Bryden

Dion, Kennedy join Ignatieff push to disqualify most Rae delegates in B.C.

I just do not know what to think when I read articles in the MSM about the challenges in BC. Try explaining what is happening with this Liberal Leadership DSM process to total neophytes and my neighbours is quite simple. I don't tell them much I just nod as they ask me what the heck it is all about.

Being a Liberal makes me a target of hostile comments from the lefties and the righties who are so morally bound to the high road HA! I do live in a very polarized riding where voters vote against, not for .

The loud silence radiating from LPCBC is unnerving, as far as I can tell, a few delegates have been congratulated by their Campaigns on being elected but not all have been notified.

A slight correction, there was an email from LPCBC today with a Press Release

Harper Re-Announces Liberal Gateway Plan, Dilutes Funding

Issue

On October 21st, 2005 the then Liberal Government announced $590 million over five years for Pacific Gateway Projects:http://www.tc.gc.ca/mediaroom/releases/nat/2005/05-gc013e.htm

On October 11th 2006 Stephen Harper announced $591 million over eight years forPacific Gateway Projects:

* This is the same funding commitment that was provided for by the former Liberalgovernment * However, Stephen Harper has diluted the funding by spreading it over 8 yearsinstead of the five they promised in their own platform. * Essentially the Prime Minister has flown in to BC to deliver no news, and no newmoney. Why even bother? * This is eerily similar to yesterday's announcement in BC that he would introduce a Clean Air Act in Parliament next week - something a Liberal government already introduced in Parliament . in 1971! *

Maybe next week Mr. Harper will fly to BC and offer us a railroad if we consider joining confederation.

1971 that was....... let me remember................... The Year Mike Pearson Died on Christmas day . And the birth of Justin Trudeau and I don't recall the Clean Air Act but then I'm told the memory is the first to go.

I do know that BC has had a railway for more than 100 years. It is falling apart and causing unending environmental problems, is that what the Clean Air Act is all about.?

:) LOL

Back to BC and the results, all in good time!

Liberals, Leaders!

I had some time today to surf around the liblogs and read what others are commenting on. Often over the past couple of months I have noticed a preponderance of criticism and very little constructive comment. I live a busy life filled with more than current events, meals and entertainment so it does matter to me how I spend my time..

When I first became active in politics, I used to comment on how the Liberal party was comprised of Lawyers and Academics, they were the verbal ones at conferences and national meetings. There were some very interesting debates on the floors of conventions, if you were a quick study you could pick up exactly where the discussion was heading. The Liberal Party has some of the most incredible people and some not so.

Not only are there Lawyers, Academics,with the information age and the use of cyberspace, the internet and litespeed communications, the level of debate has gone down with the irresponsible comments made behind the title of Anonymous. Many commenters have the luxury of sitting infront of their monitors and keyboards for hours on end and on a daily basis.Like so many other things this can be an asset and a liability. Pulling apart the turn of a phrase or dissecting parts of sentences made by any Leadership candidate has become a game sport. What does any of it really matter.

The use of membership as a hammer, a threat or even as a bullying tactic because you disagree with a comment or dislike the innuendo you assume was meant by a simple act, for example Prime Minister Chretien shaking hands with the President of Lebanon a few years ago, had one member of VIN so outraged that she quit the Liberal Party. It was a reactionary thing which baffled me at the time and over the years as I have come to know her, I realize that this is a normal behaviour pattern.She is an on again off again card carrying member of the LPC. I never know what will trigger the next "I Quit". Then there are the YLC members who quit because of the people around Paul Martin, but they are back again because we are in a leadership race. It is akin to bathroom humour, up and down like toilet seats. To make your quitting a public scene is silliness; and oh...... so kindergarten. If you don't like the heat, get out of the kitchen. When you're done, you are done. Let your membership lapse and go do something else.If you do stay... remind yourself Don't get Mad, get Even!

I am a Michael Ignatieff supporter. I know this world of ours is a very complex and complicated place . I do not expect instant fixes from the Leadership race.I have been impressed by Mi because he does not have all the political baggage attached to him that I feel the others have. I appreciate that he has valued his being a Canadian in other parts of the world where he has worked and lived. Being a Canadian on other continents is a huge plus for all of us who pride ourselves at being Canadian. I do not understand why so many commenters think you have to stay in Canada to know the country. So many of us have never travelled through all our timezones, who are we to be so critical.

I am awaiting the results of my ridings mail in ballot, reliable sources tell me that Mi topped the votes here. That's a good thing.

So yer Canadian eh!

And you didn't even know that you weren't.

"Tories unfairly shutting the door on war brides children"
Ottawa's actions arbitrarily strip thousands of people of citizenship.
The Vancouver Sun ,
Friday October 6th
by Daphne Bramham.

Growing up as a dependent of a F/L in the RCAF this column really upset me. I know many familys who while serving for Canada overseas gave birth to children who the DND accepted as Canadians. I really appreciate the fact the it has been made public through Daphne Bramhams Column at the same time I feel a deep sense shame that it is the government of Canada who states that "Canada should be able to strip the citizenship of any one, anytime,and the governement should not even need to tell those individuals that they may suddenly be stateless.

Slow, slow, quick, quick, slow.

Happy Thanksgiving !

Everybody for..............

NOT "anybody but." A quote from Stephane Dion in a Television Interview this morning, commenting on a telephone conversation he had with Michael Ignatieff.

I am impressed with all the Candidates for leader of our Liberal Party today, and I can only hope it continues throughout the next 2 months.These 8 men and Woman are class acts. I include Volpe as a class act because I am in a generous mood and really feel good being a liberal.

Scanning through some of the blogs, and the MSM articles, I pick up on 2 different vibes.

The Commenters to Blogs, listen to yourselves, then listen to the Leadership candidates. Every time you comment negatively about any of the Leadership candidates it not only reflects on you, it also reflects on all Liberals. The CPC and the NDP are indeed, as some have stated; keeping a dosier on liberals generally and Leadership candidates specifically. The real battle will be the next general election.

Ignatieff preaches civility in Liberal Leadership fight, headlines in the MSM are directed not only to the Canadian public but to the newly elected delegates who will be representing us in Montreal. It is apparent that the Leaders are keeping in touch with each other therefore it is imperative that their 'camps' take the high road with their chosen candidates and continue to build towards winning the next election.

It is Canada's future that is at stake here. It is our future.

Keep smiling.
:)

119 over 63 and that's a good thing! Low Blood Pressure.

I gave another unit of blood to the Canadian Blood Services this week. My goal is to give as much if not more than I have given to the LPC. This was my 54th and I had to interrupt several years out because of pregancy, lactating, once for acupunture, another time because of surgery. If you are a Blood donor you'll understand. If you are not a Blood Donor, I recommend you locate the nearest Canadian Blood Services Clinic donate a unit then get out and Vote.

That done, I've voted and mailed in the ballot, which had to be post marked no later than 5 pm today,October 4th they are counted in Vancouver Office of the LPC.

I always feel great after donating Blood, and it feels just as good sending off the Leadership ballot.

I'll be checking out all the real bloggers who have made predictions and percentages over the next few days but I won't know what the results are in my own riding until this time next week.

I like the idea of one member one vote and if my riding along with the others here in BC prove that it is effective then the LPC would be smart to consider it Canada wide the next time.There is much to clean up and knowing the rules clearly would be a giant step forward...... I've already bitched about that.

Politics must be FUN.
It is too important to take to seriously.
Always, expect the unexpected, because it will always happen.
Keep smiling!
Most importantly

GOTV!

Friday ! Not another one.

"Gossip isn't scandal and it's not merely malicious. It's chatter about the human race by lovers of the same."

Phyllis McGinley (1905-1978)

What to do, what to do? Who to vote for, Who to vote for?

Vancouver Island North has a mail in ballot, it arrived in mail boxes on Monday and Tuesday here in the southern end of the riding GOK's if everyone up at the northern reaches has theirs by now.

First off, I did not fill in a Form 6 as I have been to the 3 previous Leadership conventions and I am way to cynical & jaded besides it is time some of the locals who have worked in this riding get elected as delegates. I did sign up and renew several people before the July 4th deadline at that time thinking I might want to go in the end but wouldn't be able to if didn't get my own butt covered. As I've said before I know more than I ever wanted to know.

The Ballot has 117 names on it of which 32 live in the riding. Our riding list is around 133 The candidate delegate breakdown goes like this .

Volpe 14 ( from away) Kennedy 19 ( all his organisers from away)
MHF 2 ( from away) HF 1 ( poor soul) Dryden 13 ( 11 from away 2 locals) Rae 26 (22 from away 4 locals) Dion 18 (12 locals 6 from away) Ignatieff 21 (14 local 7 from away) Brison 1 (local) Undeclared 2 (local). You can see by these numbers that only Mi and Dion have worked this riding.

What I have learned this week is that not only has the LPCBC waived our ridings motion to not allow foreigners on our delegation lists , but that these slates are being run in multiple ridings.

Only in BC ?

I have spent much time on the telephone and in person explaining to my "vote" What to do! and who to vote for. they thought that it would be just a vote for me and I'm not on the ballot, this is a shock to new liberals who do not understand the slate system in a riding that has traditionally voted for delegates to represent them.The thing here is getting those ballots mailed before the Friday deadline and more importantly will they arrive at LPCBC HQ in time for the count on October 4th.

There has been absolutely no explaination of how they will let the membership know who actually gets elected to represent them in Montreal. It may be that only those elected will be informed.

Who knows?

Five ways the "F" word has influenced moi!

http://canadiancerberus.blogspot.com/tagged me on this campaign to come up with 5 things feminism has done for me.

I should feel somewhat uncomfortable with the "F" word now that we are in the 21st Century or at least an article in the Fall Issue of Chatelaine magazine suggests that young women do not use that word in their daily vocabulary after all they don't burn their Bra's either these days.

I am a full figured women so I don't burn my Bra's either. Nada Jane Russell .
I am a Feminist.

Now that it's out herefollows my list:It is to important to take to seriously.

1. CHOICES:

Raised with a Catholic education in the separate school system of Alberta in a RCAF Family.The Sister's of St Joe's and the FCJ taught us the most important things in life were the Arts, Home Economics and Textiles. Once learned, the next step was to find and Marry a good Catholic boy and fill up the pews of the church. back in those days my parents were what they called a mixed marriage, protestant father and catholic mother. I questioned everything about the Dogma of the Church and was continuously told to "Wait for Judgement day" but I was also taught in my catechism that God gave us each an intellect and a will. I chose to use my intellect ( will) to make my own decisions.Married a non catholic, had one son, joined the Liberal Party.

2. TOLERANCE:

In the earlier years of the BCWLC there was a very strong group of women who were a major influence in who I am today. The newly formed Ministry of State for the Status of Women, was shadowed by a group called N.A.C. the National Action Committee on the Status of Women. the BCWLC was one of several hundred member organizations they claimed to represent. Joan Wallace was on the Board of CACSW and an active member of the BCWLC she was the woman who ran for the Liberal Nomination in Richmond South Delta 1978 my first experience at a nomination meeting.

During that time I also became very active with the Council of Canadian Unity, and Chaired the BC Canada Week Committee . I received earfuls from veterans across the province who were outraged with the Maple leaf flag. Just mention "Canada Post" and the voice at the end of the line yelled back "What are you a Trudeauite?" Trudeau was blamed for everything that didn't work to some peoples satisfaction.

3. QUALITY of LIFE:

Being a Feminist is not exclusive to women, I know many men that I would be honoured with that label as well. "A Man of Quality is not threatened by a woman for Equality." My home is an equal opportunity household, we have no gender split on cleaning toilets, making beds. taking out the garbage, driving a truck, splitting wood or fly fishing.If it needs to get done it gets done.it was my Father who taught me "if you see a job that needs doing, don't wait for someone else to come along and do it, the helping hand is at the end of your own arm". All the old cliche's work it's your choice.

4. ACCEPTANCE:

I was a Political Assistant to a Cabinet Minister where my job was to liason with Women, Youth, and Ethnic groups around the lower mainland. I became a regular at multicultural events, Race Relation Conferences. Meetings at the CACSW Offices.

The Youth grew up and lived happily everafter... seriously.

I learned the sensitivity of my Gay friends who outed to me, I really admired/ and still do a cousin who Co Chaired the Gay and Lesbian Committee for the United Church of Canada during those years that Church was debating the inclusivity and ordination of Gay/Lesbian Ministers.I agree with SSM and the right for adoption of children.

5. EMPOWERMENT:
I love that Fathers have been empowered to parent not just 'babysit'.
I love that young women can and do go out into that big world and use the opportunites made available to them by the preceding generation of women.
I want my young neices to know there is more to the world than their little universe. I want them to exercise their rights to get out and vote, to travel and experience history, the present and our future.

That wasn't so bad, I have mellowed during the past few years because Life is way to important to take to seriously.

http://lobsterthermidor.blogspot.com/

http://thewhatdoiknowgrit.blogspot.com/

http://liberalpebbles.blogspot.com/

http://localgrit.blogspot.com/

http://calgarygrit.blogspot.com/

Stinky Monday.

Membership irregularities are a constant headline for all political parties during leadership races. This is a stinky lead up to Super Selection weekend. It is not just he smell of memberships, it goes much deeper. To react with the calling for people to resign is also assinine.

Hedy Fry to Bob Rae smells bad.

Joe Volpe to stay.... take a deep breath.

The voice messages from leadership candidates and Dryden delegates who live in other parts of the province phoning and asking Vote me! Vote me!

The Infrastructure is crumbling in more than the communities of the country the whole of the liberal party's future depends on a clean up and it is caught in the slime of old times.

ASK101 Just ask.

Smell it! It's Friday.

Stay tuned for a kindergarten level of the basics for fundraising.

ASK 101 Or How Alfred Apps sold me on a 45 day Popular campaign.
Coming in this space next week.

Clue: There is nothing popular about raising money or asking people to give. He conned ( as in conversation on the telephone) me into asking friends to donate ( give money) in a lpc grassroots campaign he labeled as Popular aka Population = grassroots. Ya right!

It worked!

VINFLA has a mail in ballot.

The Bad :

The letter from LPCBC telling us that we have a mail in ballot arrived yesterday late afternoon.It will be sent from LPCBC on September 19 (today) and must be post marked no later than September 29th to be counted on October 4th. That is the gist of it.

This is bad for the single most important purpose the LPC has. That is election readiness in all 308 ridings; granted that VIN is a rural riding where there is a historic pattern of anti establishment strategic voting. I have been told that the criteria set out for ridings to get a mail in ballot had a lot to do with the membership growth in the preceding few months of the leadership race. The membership from a list of 1200 in 2004 fell by attrition because LPCBC made NO effort to get renewed forms out to the lapsing members. the total left on the list plus a few online sign ups came to 130. Kim Haakstaad, was told to come up with a plan and she did. Abitrarily setting the number of 220 members (approx) as the target. Any ridings under that would get a mail in ballott, and I was told that 3 of the BC ridings came into that category. There was no discussion and no concerns by the intellectuals representing us around that table. No brain cells in that group.

Fair enough, that the death knell for this riding has been slowly ringing since the 'corruption' and 'criminalization' words of the CPC were used to beat the Liberals down.

My real problem is that the LPCBC has chosen to turn a blind eye to the problem, all laying low through the long leadership race hoping it will fix itself. The members of this ridings executive have tried to get the Vancouver Office to heed the fact that no meetings have been called for them to meet and each member who has tried through the person who is registered by Elections Canada as the contact (President)is just that :

A CONTACT who attends federal Council meetings pretending there is a living breathing organization getting ready to run in the next election. How stupid can they be when the membership list sits silently at 13o members.

I feel the LPC has disenfranchised me as a Liberal.


The Good:
In New Brunswick the Liberals are celebrating a majority victory. Congratulations! to their new Premier Shawn Graham, and all those Liberals who worked so hard to help make it happen. Nice!

Bennett drops off Leadership Ballot.

It beats me why a family physician would change her ( much needed in Canada )Doctor's medical career to Member of Parliament. Today Carolyn Bennett has announced her withdrawl from the Liberal Leadership. Finally, she got it! T' is the smart thing to do.

It would be even smarter if she went back to being a Family Physician where there is more need for the skills and experience she has on her resume'. TBH I have found it extremely difficult to find a woman physician who doesn't job share with her spouse ( work 1 day a week).

This is a good time for Hedy to follow suit and make a grand exit.

Webcam of the Comox Valley from Valley View.

This is bound to make any CV BCer homesick.

http://www.royallepagecomoxvalley.com/Black_Creek_Real_Estate.Comox_Realtors.575233167.html

Trying to help an oppressed person is like trying to put your arm around somebody with a sunburn.

That is a quote from Florynce Kennedy, American Lawyer, founder of NOW.

I use it as a preface for the following books I have read and recommend to further a better understanding of things we cannot fully comprehend at an International level.

1. The Zanzibar Chest, by Aidan Hartley ( white african journalist)

2. Shake Hands with the Devil, the failure of Humanity in Rwanda

by Romeo Dallaire

These are not Harlequin Romances, both Authors are unrelated except they both share their experiences amidst horrifying killings, one working feverishly through the United Nations to help.The other photographing and whilst writing for Reuters.

Reading books such as the two I recommend has helped me grapple with the reality outside my own country. Africa is the continent, I am most curious about and it all started 6 years ago when I bought this book (online )

3. The Scramble for Africa, a History by Thomas Pakenham

Two years after the Alqueada bombing of US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania we lived in Dar es Salaam, where daily we past by the bombed out ruins.. It was a constant reminder, left in ruins. This is one thing that we in Canada do not do, that is leave our buildings in ruin we demolish , erase and remove all bad things from our sight, perhaps that is why we think we are so prefect and immune from participating on a global level.

What you don't know or see does not exist!

Or worse, been won and lost within a generation.

Wanted:

More Women in Politics

As part of his ongoing policy development process, Michael has unveiled a plan to increase women’s representation in the Liberal Party and in the Canadian Parliament.

It includes:

1. Sustained efforts to realistically reach the target of 50% of female MPs. During elections:
concretely - for the next election - this means no less than 35% women candidates in ridings that are un-held or where the sitting MP is not seeking re-election

recruit and assist female candidates to increase that ratio in every subsequent election until we achieve the 50% target

ensure new women candidates are given a fair share of winnable ridings
Between elections:

direct the National Campaign Committee to establish a nation-wide system to identify, recruit, train, mentor and financially encourage and support women candidates

require riding associations to canvass/prospect for women candidates and to demonstrate they have expended best efforts to attract women candidates before establishing a nomination date

2. Gender parity across the party

composition of the National Campaign Committee should reflect the principles of gender parity

ensure more women become delegates to our conventions and assist in collateral fundraising efforts to help support elected delegates, especially women

encourage all delegates to vote for people running for executive positions of both sexes who reflect their needs, wants, perspectives and priorities

3. Better support for female parliamentarians

expand child care coverage as a refundable expense in both election and nomination campaigns

increased travel flexibility and schooling flexibility for the families of MPs
-
If elected leader of the Liberal Party of Canada,

I would work to achieve sustainable gains in gender equity; gains that, to date, have eluded us, or worse, been won and lost within a generation.

We have to make gender parity a core continuing political and organizational objective of our Party’s life - reflected by commitment at all levels of the Party machinery.

4. Gender balance in appointments
· seek qualified female candidates for every order in council and ministerial appointment
seek to secure that 50% of these appointments

for more visit www.michaelignatieff.ca

Thank goodness someone has been listening to the wisdom of the women in the LPC. This task must be taken on by the Liberal Party and more importantly the Leader must Lead the

Wanted : More women in Politics.

Some of us have been beating our gums black & blue on this issue for years, when we thought we had won we found that we had lost.

Over to you, Michael.

Don't let the bed bugs bite.

Several years back at a LPC Convention at the Congress Centre in Ottawa the party passed a resolution to stop the use of Cosmetic pesticides on lawns, golf courses and public parks; a resolution that has taken a decade to reach the communit(ies) that I live in.
In Africa, we thought absolutely nothing of fumigating our bed room and the mosquito nets et al every single night, in fear of the illusive mosquito and the terror of malaria.That was in addition to the weekly prophylactic Larium tablets.



International travel news

'Don't let the bedbugs bite' heard as infestations on the rise Absent from the United States for so long that some thought they were a myth, bedbugs are back. Entomologists and pest control professionals are reporting a dramatic increase in infestations throughout the country, and no one knows exactly why."It's no secret that bedbugs are making a comeback," said Dan Suiter, an associate professor of entomology at the University of Georgia.Before World War II, bedbug infestations were common in the U.S., but they were virtually eradicated through improvements in hygiene and the widespread use of DDT in the 1940s and 1950s.Bedbugs are tiny brownish, flattened insects that feed exclusively on the blood of animals and humans. Their bites may cause itchy red welts or swelling. Unlike mosquitoes, though, they are not known to transmit blood-borne diseases from one victim to another. They are extremely resilient and very difficult to exterminate. Experts say bedbugs are not necessarily an indicator of unsanitary conditions.In the past 4 years, reports of bedbugs have significantly increased in U.S. cities, from New York to Honolulu, especially in hotels, hospitals and college dormitories - all places with high resident turnover.Experts are not entirely sure what has caused the marked increase. Some speculate that increased international travel and immigration may be partially to blame. The tiny bugs may be hitching a ride in the luggage or clothing of travelers. This could explain the high concentration of the pests in cities like Atlanta and New York, which attract a lot of international traffic.Another factor is a change in pest control practices. Companies are spraying more responsibly now, Suiter said. Instead of indiscriminately saturating the perimeter of all rooms, they often use more conservative measures and do large-scale spray treatments only when there's an infestation. As a result of consumer demand, less toxic chemicals are also being used.In Hawaii, where tourism is a major industry, state lawmakers passed a resolution for a prevention campaign after infestations at some hotels damaged their reputations and annoyed travellers. Similarly, legislation for a bedbug task force has been proposed for New York City.

This makes me wonder if there is a middle ground or compromise position between all (fumigation) or not?

We are damned when we do and we are damned when we don't.

It's my BD

Montreal; in December isn't without it's complications.

LPCBC members have received in their email boxes the September issue of Jamie's Blog with all the important information any member interested needs to know about becoming a delegate.It does answer many questions that people have been asking over the past few weeks. To be fair it describes 4 'W's the Form 6 process very well as to who, what, when ans where it even gets into HOW!


To stand as a delegate you must have completed a "Form 6" and submitted your form to the party office no later than 5:00pm, September 15th, 2006. Please note that the form must be physically in the office by this time, not post-marked. You can get a form 6 from the party office or a representative from the leadership campaign you are supporting. You can also find Form 6 on the Liberal Party of Canada website here: http://www.liberal.ca/pdf/forms/delegateform_e.pdf. Delivery of these forms can be also be facilitated through local leadership representatives, or faxed, mailed or hand delivered to the party office at 460 - 580 Hornby Street in Vancouver. The postal code is V6C 3B6.
Please watch for notice of the delegate election meeting in your area.

There are a number of meetings that will be held on a regional, rather than a constituency level. In other words, 3-4 ridings in close geographic proximity may have meetings in a single location.

Does this mean there just are Not enough Liberals who will volunteer to run the meetings in a non partisan DEM ? The past administration alienated liberals with their bulldozer's, it isn't any wonder they can't get anyone to spend 6-8 hours overseeing an election process that is terribly flawed.

For most party members in rural and remote areas, there will be a voting by mail.

A "mail in vote" sounds like a logistical nightmare. I can just imagine the brilliant minds who engineer the mailing of ballots.

Not that it isn't a great idea. I would love to have the ballot and vote in the comfort of my own surroundings, put it in a Canada Post mail box and await the results.

Many questions come to mind, if we can have a mail in.... how many days between receiving the ballot and mailing it back? When are the results announced and to whom? Everyone who voted, or only those that got elected, by snail mail, by email, by telephone call? Why not a Email in? Vote early, vote often!Why not a Canadian Idol style, vote as many times as you can in a 2 hour time frame, just keep hitting the redial.

More information will be provided about this process in the coming days.

It is all about an open and accountable process which the Liberal Party must provide, the last thing we need is having an abusive and questionable Delegate Selection Process.

I'm not holding my breath for the next installment of Jamie's blog, it can't arrive to soon.




This from a post from Yesterday by Sean Holman of Public Eye Online

Michele Cadario, the former deputy chief of staff (operations) to Prime Minister Paul Martin, will soon be doing contract work for the federal Liberals in British Columbia. Those in the know say Ms. Cadario has been tasked with "helping coordinate operations and logistics" for the Grit's delegate selection meetings. And, as part of that contract, she has signed a "declaration of neutrality."


So it's not that they can't find Volunteers to run the DEM's it is that they DON'T WANT VOLUNTEERS.

The Bulldozer's are back on contract.

LPC-BC Appeal of nomination meeting.

PublicEye Online presented the findings of the LPC Permanent Appeals Committee, Two Parties, Two Processes, the same results on August 30th.

The dialogue between the commenters is the age old debate about appointing women candidates or sell,em,(memberships) stack,em (GOTV)soundly trounce'em(win).

The appointment of candidates has been done long before Confederation, most often to bring a person into Cabinet with a expertise that was needed to help run government.

In the early years the fear was having farmers and their sons ( the uneducated vote) making decisions that they were "not informed "about. Exactly the same debate that was held a few decades later when suffragets took to the picket lines.

I am keeping this as simple as possible so you won't be getting an in detail lesson here.

One example of being a woman and winning a nomination that clearly shows the importance of the appointment of 'same' candidate.

Several years ago during the nominations of the NPA slate for the Vancouver Minicipal Elections the best possible person was knocked off the slate by lesser mortals who had signed up their ethnic community to vote for them.

Carole Taylor lost that nomination, ran as an independent twice; elected both times. That is a very rare occurrence in politics, it takes a very special and well respected person to be elected as an independant.As a City Councillor, Carole Taylor was in constant demand, attended to all that crossed her desk, was exceptional in her capacity to work with the citizens of Vancouver.

Not your career politician this woman is an excellent role model for all women, who aspire to the political arena.Today as the BC Finance Minister she continues to use all her learned skills in the running of a smooth and seemingly fair government.

The other side.

Chretien appointed several people to Cabinet, first then election later. Pierre Pettigrew, Stephane Dion just as I reminder.

The appointment of candidates that really piss people off are the ones that PMPM made with appointing the likes of Bill Cunningham and John Bethel. Those hurt the Liberal party right across the country, and they were proven unelectable and shall remain that way.

If a Woman Premier did this, do you think the headlines would be so kind?

Ralph Klein bid a teary farewell to the Alberta legislature on Thursday, marking one more stepping stone in the premier's long, slow journey towards retirement in the fall.

A Telephone survey.....................

The telephone rings ( 2 rings ) which I answer with Good Morning ........

The male caller in a heavy accent voice asks if this is Madame ..............

I answer: Yes!

(thinking it is another fundraising call for Children with aides, blind athletes, deaf dumb and mute babies, wheelchair disabilities, wondering which Charity this call is about)

The male caller rushes through his speel, about this being a Citizens Action Group, I don't quite catch the correct "Title" he's calling it but I do get the word Action and Group.

He then asks the question?

Do you think gays should be allowed to marry ?

I wanted to correct him, and tell him how to ask this question, something like do you agree with same sex marriage or something a bit more political but I caught myself thinking ; what's this all about ?

I answer:

Do I think gays should be allowed to marry?

Yes, I do think gays should be allowed to marry.

The male caller blurted out in rapid speed,
"Thank you have a good day " click.

I just knew that he didn't mean it!

Is there any one out there in the blogosphere ( or are they targeting people with land line phones, you know those of us who only use the cell phone when we are away from the house.) getting calls like this ?

A random survey with Canadians on SSM?

What? To provide a scientific poll to put more pressure on PMSH for a free vote when the HofC sits this fall. ?

On the street conversations.

New Dems and the Green Party?

Chatting with some local acquaintences who are afraid of PMSH forming a majority the next time we have a federal election. The same folks who in 2004 voted Green, whose candidate made a very nice showing on Election night plenty of votes which left the New Dems and allowed the Reform/Alliance/Conservative Candidate to get re-elected with barely 400 plus votes. The same Alliance MP who won with 10,000 vote lead in 2000.

With the mashing of fists and Jack Layton visiting Vancouver Island on a regular basis the New Dems could smell blood and warned all of their voters who had gone Green in 2004 to come back and punish the liberals, dump the Conservative MP.... Elect NDP and the rest of their lives would be lived happily ever after. January 23rd the New Dems were back in with a mere 640 votes. Our Liberal Candidate took a real beating.

Surprise, surprise, I see several of the new Liberal members on the latest riding list come by way of the NDP. Hmmm, my understanding of the New Dems is one party, one membership and absolutely no membership in any other federal party anywhere ever.

It is on the street,when we meet; they are telling me we've got to stop Harper from forming a Majority Government as if it is my fault they voted the way they did in 2006.

I smile, and say welcome to the Liberal Party!

PS: I do not think this will change the vote much at all in this riding, any window of opportunity we had; slammed shut.I am interested in seeing how this mentality will play out in the other NDP held ridings. How many did they take from Liberals and will the Liberals regain them?

Wiser and wider !

She who laughs,


Lasts!

Michael Ignatieff is my #1 Choice.

I read the article in Saturdays Globe & Mail and I was more convinced than ever that Michael Ignatieff is the renewal guy for the Liberal Party. The greatest asset he has is his wife Suzsanna. I really appreciated the candor and honesty throughout the 8 page article.Who among us has not had sibling rivalry, or complicated family issues. It is reassuring that it transends all.

Life isn't fair, and it isn't "just" in any society. It is hard work! kudos, to try to understand the complicated and complex lives of all who live on our planet.The work /writing Michael Ignatieff has done on human rights is evidence and shows his caring. He is the right choice.



"Adventure is something you seek for pleasure, or even for profit, like a gold rush or invading a country:...but experience is what really happens to you in the long run; the truth that finally overtakes you"
Katherine Anne Porter (1890-1980)

The trickster!

There is a family of Ravens that have been doing some low flying through our forest and woodland. The sound of their wings make a loud whoosh, whoosh and when two of them are on the chase it can be quite entertaining. Also a little unnerving. This family of 4 has been around for a couple of weeks, the 2 young ones are either being taught by being chased, or they are being pushed out of their nest. The sounds they make are like children making loud guttural noises.

We are more accustomed to a pair of Bald Eagles who have a pent house nest at the back of the property. Eagles mate for life you can see and hear them teaching their young with low flying and alot of screeching back and forth.This time of year the Eagles take their young and fly off, I used to think it was up the rivers but it coincides with sockeye runs so they are most probably out looking for the firm red flesh of the best fish around.

The other day when we were crossing Discovery Passage on the Quadra Island Ferry, a Bald Eagle was desparately struggling to haul a fish up and over the front bow, as it gained altitude the fish dropped from it's talons while people on the deck went down (duck) to avoid being on the receiving end. The gods were on the side of the fish, it went straight into the water, the Eagle losing the extra weight was able to pick up the wind like a kite and avoided any human contact.

So what does this have to do with anything. Nada.

Getting Started.

Incredible Manitoba Animation a NFB Video Richard Condie's cartoon classic.

What's more important? Getting the job done when the job's gotta get done or spending an evening with the pals?

This animation won FIRST PRIZE at the 4th annual Film Festival many, many, years ago. In one of my past lives and between political campaigns I really enjoyed going to the Ridge Theatre in Vancouver to watch the Animation Film Festivals, as a result I have a small collection of NFB, Mike & Spikes plus a variety of other animated short videos.

"Getting started" is one that has been haunting me since I began this blog. It is about a character who should be practising the piano for a recital, but just can't quite get down to actually playing a note. This character spends more time day dreaming, watching a mouse crawl under a carpet, waiting for the hands on a clock tick, tock away the time. You can pretty much get the picture here.

I had every intention of posting comments about my experiences as a woman in politics, about women I have known in politics and when I think I have something to actually say in response to all the Leadership "plans" I have to face the fact that this is a very complex subject.

The Status of Women Directorate is being threatened. What's missing from this picture? N.A.C. or the National Action Committee on the status of Women used to be in the head lines of the news regularly. It became the 'bitch" that bit the hand (Federal Government)that fed it!

R.E.A.L. make sure you spell that word out because these women aren't real in the sense you would immediately think. They are just an extension of the anti choice people who on that single interest have had some control on who wins nomination meetings.They never felt that N.A.C. represented their views 20 years ago, and they were correct then but to Lobby for the end of the Status of Women Directorate in 2006 is very disturbing.

It is about at this point that I am haunted by "Getting Started" and so I cop right out and say "don't get me started".

Michael Ignatieff BC Campaign Team Announces Appointments

Here are 3 of the reasons why I am supporting Mi. and they weren't reasons before I read the latest announcement but reading it has put my mind to rest. Actions speak louder than words and the 3 are top of the hill for me.

Bev Hendrickson -( I put her in the best of my friends category)This woman has the years of practical campaign trenches warfare that is so much a part of her persona.very practical and definitely a person I would want on my team.

Women's Commission Co-ChairMs. Hendrickson is a long-time Liberal and member of the Liberal Party of Canada national executive as the BC-Yukon Representative on the National Women's Liberal Commission. She currently resides in Vernon. In addition to ensuring a strong contingent of BC women delegates support Michael, Bev will help advise Michael on how to increase the participation of women in politics.

Adrienne Cousins - ( excellent choice for a bright articulate and independent person) she is one of a set of twin daughters, known to me as friends of family.More importantly she is definitely on the "to be a future Candidate gromming list. "

Policy Co-Chair
Ms. Cousins is currently the Young Liberals of Canada (British Columbia) Policy Chair and a member of the EcoAction BC Public Advisory Committee. Adrienne will help establish a representative and efficient BC policy committee and provide strategic advise to the campaign on health innovation and community services.

Kim Emsley-Leik A few years back when as a YL member setting up an auction; this young woman wasn't afraid to pick up the phone and make personal contact. Another articulate, independant thinker who has a good future as a woman in politics.

Organization Chair
Ms. Emsley-Leik was the Liberal Party of Canada (BC) 2004 Volunteer of the Year. She has worked in numerous elections - including recent campaigns in Vancouver-Kingsway and the BC Interior. Kim will be responsible for managing the campaign's complete organizational structure and administration. She will also take on responsibilities to support fundraising and special events.

This is exactly what I mean when I say
P= power, P= politics P= people

The Pink Book and Whale watching, what I really think.

I am very interested in spending some time checking out Belinda Stronachs 'Pink Book' which she has compiled to assist the Liberal Party to attract and get women elected. But an opportunity to go on a whale watching tour from Heriot Bay came up and I'm taking the day to get away. Before I do; here is a little about what is really on my mind.

Afghanistan:

Why are we there?

It is for a 'just cause' in my mind, when 27% of their elected government are"women"who wouldn't be there at all if it weren't for the NATO troops fighting the insurgent Taliban. Definitely not a perfect world, but a world where thousands of girls can attend school and grow up where their voice does/ will make a difference.

Quahari!

Here's the evidence, what's the crime?

10 years
Before the split to separate the federal from the provincial


1981 Liberal Party in BC Convention:
A very articulate young liberal who spoke on the importance of liberal youth ( 14 years) membership, a topic of constitutional debate at many Conventions. Still comes up as one of those issues that must be raised ( the required age for membership).

2006
A very articulate critic in opposition BC legislature. AKA a pain in the ass for the Liberals according to Vaughn Palmer in a recent article. Those are my words not Palmers.

What was Stephen Lewis really saying and to whom was he speaking.

You would think the speech to close such an important International Conference on Aides would have been........................ a wee bit more sensitive from such a high profile person with a social conscience.

Watching tonights news and hearing Stephen Lewis, I was more than a little taken aback with his attack on the government of South Africa. Not because what he had to say was so strong but it just seemed to me all wrong to be so arrogant from half a world away from the epidemic.

Who the hell are we, white westerners living in a maximal democratic country expecting a minimal democracy to even have the same level of understanding ( not that all of us do) about the transmission of HIV and Aides.

I have to go back a generation where we in the white western world were boycotting everything South African in our (distant ) fight to stop aparthtied. Oh the joy and the sense of tremendous 'release" of oppression when finally Nelson Mandela was free to run and get elected by black africans. Why do we white westerners feel that the politicians of S.A. should know what we know, and behave like we want them to behave. Why?

When there are white western religious leaders who oppose the use of condoms for safe sex because they do not believe in birth control.

It is not as simple as telling the girls in phys ed class that birthcontrol means to keep your panties on and your legs crossed. But that was in my high school not yours and it was more than a generation ago. In those days there was; no; I mean NO discussion of STD's and we didn't eat bush meat either.

Right to Vote

Lily said

"Curious - does your support of women candidates (Judy LaMarsh Fund involvement) include supporting a woman candidate regardless of their party involvement. Could Allison Brewer count on your support if you were able to vote in the upcoming election? "

This is the kind of question that has no simple yes or no answer.

I have learned with my experience as a woman in politics is that, my idealism is jaded with cynicism.

Nellie McClung once wrote about how women came together for the cause of being persons with the explicit purpose "their right to vote". Once they had won that battle, women went their own way as to who they would vote for. Much to McLungs chagrin.

I must also include the unmentionable fact that the women suffragets did not fight for all women to get the Vote they; like their male counterparts believed the Vote was only for the priviledged of society.

In 2006 we all have the right to vote if we are Canadian Citizens, 18 years of age and older,see rules on Elections Canada website.

My idealism;

I have in the past voted for a woman Candidate of another political party because I knew her and felt she would better represent me in this riding. The day after she was elected she came to me for advice. The only thing I could tell her was that now she was respresenting a consituency of many different people and could no longer be a partisan person (N.D.P) she now had to put the riding first. It did not take many months to see that she was so infatuated with being on the government side of the legislature that she was quickly branded ineffective at the riding level.

Needless to say she went down to a defeat where she left no lasting legacy to the people in this area. Small town politics blocked her every effort to regain some credibility.

In answer to your question at the top of this post.

I do not live in New Brunswick. I do not know Allison Brewer. I do know that the N.B. Legislature has no majority, and that the Liberal Party should form government however they have a leader who for whatever reasons has not been able to rally the troups. This could change but I do not keep myself tuned in on their issues. I am aware that the N.D.P. are not the household name in N.B. that they have here in B.C. where the N.D.P. have a woman leader Carol James.

My cynicism:

Here is what have I learned from this life experience of another woman in politics.

Is that only "God" forgives.

"A Harvest Yet to Reap" First edition 1976

From Lolly's bookcase.

Researched and compiled by Linda Rasmussen, Lorna Rasmussen, Candace Savage, and Anne Wheeler.

The Women's Press
Toronto, Canada

This is a wonderful compilation of personal letters, Politicians speeches, newspaper articles, farm wives recipes and remedies for "womens woes". Also from the C.P.R. propaganda booklet and other periodicals luring women to settle in western Canada a meer 100 years ago.

These women unknowingly and some of them knowingly worked and wrote about their trials and tribulations resulting in establishing the Canada we love to live in 2006. These women are our Grandmothers, Aunts, Mothers, lest we forget.

I would be very interested to see this in a new edition and wonder what new introductory essay would be written 30 years after the First edition. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Here's a caption of a cartoon showing a soldier speaking to a Mother holding a babe.

The Soldier: "Women are not entitled to vote. They cannot bear arms."

The Mother: "No, but we can bear armies."

From the mouth of babes and the arms of a child.

If you haven't received this in your email yet here it is in it's entirety.

Subject: Proud to be a Soldier !!!
From the daughter of a Soldier..Last week I was in Trenton, Ontario. attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed one of the greatest act's of patriotism I have ever seen.Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camo's, as they began heading to their gate everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering. When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and cheered for it hit me.

I'm not alone. I'm not the only red blooded Canadian who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families. Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal.

Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our service men and women a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old, ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said "hi," the little girl then she asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her. The young soldier, he didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.

The mother of the little girl, who said her daughters name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Corporal and had been in Afghanistan for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter, Courtney, missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up. When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it.

After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, "I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you." He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying "your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon."

The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event unfolded. As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, their were very few dry eyes, including my own.

That young soldier in one last act of selflessness, turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices.

At the end of the day, it's good to be an Canadian.Red FridayJust keeping you "in the loop" so you'll know what's going on in case this takes off.

RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Canadian who support our troops used to be called the "silent majority". We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or over-bearing. We get no liberal media coverage on TV, to reflect our message or our opinions.

Many Canadians, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of Canada supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday -and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that.. Every red-blooded Canadian who supports our men and women afar will wear something red.By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the Canada on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers.If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family. It will not be long before Canada is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on.

The first thing a soldier says when asked "What can we do to make things better for you?" is...We need your support and your prayers.Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example; and wear something red every Friday.

Lest we Forget,

Lest we Forget.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!






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LEADERSHIP DEBATE HOSED BY LIBERAL WOMEN'S CAUCUS:

The subject of the email arrived this morning spelling mistake in tact.

Tickets for the following event are now available at the Liberal Party HQ at 460-580 Hornby St., Vancouver.
Invite your relatives, friends and neighbours! Let us make this a "sold out" event!

The National Liberal Women's Caucus are pleased to invite you to a Leadership Forum
on August 22 , 2006
at the Hyatt Regency, room Regency E and F
from 1pm to 3 pm
Tickets: 25$
All proceeds will go directly to the Judy LaMarsh Fund
At the debate leadership candidates will answer questions about women's equality, including the economic security of women and the representation of women in elected office.

Have a great day !

New Brunswick is going to the people !

CBC reports that New Brunswick Premier Bernard Lord has ended weeks of rumours by setting Sept. 18 for a provincial election, adding: "Everybody seems to be ready anyway."

As he announced the date on Thursday, the Progressive Conservative Leader said, "I don't want the situation of limbo where every time I turn around, [reporters] ask me, 'Well, is this because there's an election coming or not?'
New Brunswick Premier Bernard Lord said he would visit the province's lieutenant-governor Aug. 19, at which point he would dissolve the legislature.(Andrew Vaughan/Canadian Press)"Well, let's get it done. Let's give the people of New Brunswick a choice."

Touring Legislatures is right up there with Museums in my world and this past July we did see the N.B Legislature in Fredericton. It is a beautiful building with Lord Beaverbrook magnificence. The history of the maritimes has our west coast history beat by about 200 years and it shows. It is 'Our" History too.

This upcoming campaign will be a very interesting one to watch ( more so if I lived there and campaigned).

Allison Brewer the NDP Leader will be campaigning for the very first time as a Candidate.

Presently the Conservatives under Bernard Lord have a 1 seat majority, oops not when one member resigns, so it's off to the polls.

If in the wisdom of Canadians and the history of Provincial elections will it be a Liberal government to counterbalance the federal house?

Monday, September 18 will tell.

Somewhere on the planet today is "Fathers Day".

52 % of the Population but not in the Liberal Party.

I spent some time checking out the Liberal.ca website to do a totally unscientific count of the number of women in positions of power. I wasn't going to bother with counting woman who have been appointed to the Senate or any other patronage position however this site does include those numbers.

Here is what I found on the NWLC pages

Women in Politics
Number of women (all parties) currently in the House of Commons
64(21% of the House)
Number of women (all parties) currently in the Senate (as of Aug. 2005)
36 (36% of the Senate)

Liberal Party

Number of Liberal women MPs
21(33% of women in the House)
Number of Liberal women candidates in the January 2006 general election (306 candidates)
79(26% of all Liberal candidates)
Percentage of Liberal women MPs based on all Liberal MPs
20%
Number of Liberal women senators
24 (75% of all women Senators)

Other Parties

Number of Conservative women MPs
14(11% of all Conservative MPs)
Number of Bloc Quebecois women MPs
17 (33% of all Bloc MPs)

I took it upon myself to do a rough count on how many of our Liberal held ridings have women riding presidents and I came up with a dismal 17 out of 102. Of course that does not include the unheld ridings which if I wasn't so lazy I would look up on the Elections Canada website.

Question

There is one leadership candidate who does have a woman riding president.
Guess who?

No, it is not one of the women candidates.

I believe the LPC has to do a better job of recruiting woman from within the LPC as well as the candidate search that goes on prior to elections. Sad to say that the word "woman" must be one of the requirements for every committee, campaign, executive and task force. It should be a natural part of the grooming program. How about an apprenticeship towards being an elected member in a winnable riding as opposed to the sacrificial lambs in unwinnable ridings.

The Womens LiberalCommissions, and I was once a very active member of the BCWLC and the NWLC, but I actually beleived it was only a beginning for my full participation in the Liberal Party. I haven't been a member for years because I felt many woman used it a crutch, or ladder but never really encouraged or brought women along to run for positions other than womens positions.

Silly me.

Rest in Peace

The National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces.

This year we took our 14 year old neice on a two week holiday flying from YQQ to the Nations Capitol to celebrate Canada Day a birthday and to visit a special place.

Both my husband and I come from career Military families. R.C.A.F. and when the Forces were merged in 1968 the Canadian Air Force. My husband served his mandatory 5 years with 409 Sqn. in Comox and retired at the age of 25 just before they issued the green uniforms.

In April a brother inlaw Major Richard Grove (retired) passed away and was buried in the new National Military Cemetery. We had planned to be in Ottawa for July 1st and did not make it to the Memorial service so we made sure we visited his grave site near Rockcliffe.

One week before our visit Captain Colleen Goddard with a full Honour Guard was buried a few meters away. We were so impressed with the beauty, the peace, and the serenity of this very special place. The Stones are so perfectly aligned in every direction you look, not unlike photo's of Flanders. Unlike Vimy Ridge Monument there are no stone angels, but a field of angels who lived their lives defending Canadians, at home, overseas, in Wars and in Peace. It is a very poignant park.

Four Canadians were killed while on duty in Afghanistan today. I am saddened to know this place is the final resting place for so many so quickly. Blessings on them. We will remember them.