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!






.

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.

Women in Politics need $$$$$

I found this email quite interesting as I am one of several directors of the Judy LaMarsh Fund, I don't recall any conference call to plan this event. Oops, this is sponsored by

( not to be confused with the NWLC )

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.
Please feel free to draft some questions and send them to me. I look forward to hearing from you. Tickets are going quickly so please reserve as soon as possible.
********************

For more info / pour plus d'infos Brigitte Legault Cell:514-743-4156 BB: brigitte@bell.blackberry.net

I am pleased to know that women Liberal's are doing what it takes to use every opportunity to keep the word "Woman" out there and raise some finances for "Woman" seeking/winning nominations. Good on ya, gals.

Please don't make it a debate. use it as a forum and remember just because there are 3 woman candidates don't think they have all the answers. We know that woman have come along way, but not far enough.

The Long Hot Days of Summer.

Here's some advice for all those bloggers out there who have the audacity to wax self righteous.

This is a campaign, a very long drawn out campaign with dates selected by an LPC Executive (none of whom should ever be elected to anything ever again).

As Canadians we go to the polls and in 30-35 days we elect a MP. Here in BC we go to the polls every 4 years for a 28 day campaign and we elect an M.L.A. Our local Municpal elections are a solid 21 days. and we get 1 Mayor and 6 councillors.

The Liberal Party of Canada decides we need 11 months to chose a leader. I'm counting the day PMPM resigned.

It started out as a level playing field with no clear leader who was going to take the covention by storm or by the true grit way, by stacking the meetings with ethnic groups and youth. The membership deadline comes and it takes 3 more months to elect delegates who need 2 months to get to a Convention in Montreal in December.

We Liberals are really compassionate and caring. We want each candidate in 308 ridings, we play them like Yoyo's over 4 1/2 time zones and damn it all the liberals who are outraged when there is a no show don't even live or work in that riding .

Wipe my mouth.