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Monday, March 26, 2007

Republish: Biting the Maestro of Divisive Politics

Originally published in the Halifax Chronicle Herald.

Biting the Maestro of Divisive Politics
RALPH SURETTE


WE’RE SMALL, but we do bite.

Remember 1997, when Atlantic Canada rose in anger, amazed the country by electing a half-dozen New Democrats, knocked off its big political godfathers and crippled the Liberals?
The Liberals had romanced us with big promises in ’93, only to turn around and bald-facedly hack at everything in the first Martin budget.

It wasn’t so much the cutting that got to us. It was the lying.

It’s the lying again.

Here’s some advice for Premier Rodney MacDonald, thrown into a tizzy by the federal budget’s double-cross, as it dismissed signed agreements to the effect that the Atlantic accord on offshore petroleum resources wouldn’t be touched by changes in the equalization system: get mad, stay mad and, like Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams, don’t let them forget the lying.

Be ready to snap back when they tell you that you’re just whining because your welfare got cut off.

Remember that? The right-wing think tanks, the pontificating Globe and Mail editorials, the Reform party – we were just irate, they said, because our unemployment insurance got cut.
The boy wonder of all this? One Stephen Harper, the "culture of defeat" guy. He’s still at it.
There is something different this time, though. Harper, with the Republican party’s dirty tricks manual in his back pocket, is a different breed from previous prime ministerial slickers.

He’s already divided Atlantic Canada, which puts us at a disadvantage.

The dirty cut comes to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, signatories of the Atlantic accord. New Brunswick and P.E.I. are pacified – apparently a calculated effect.

He’s an expert in the politics of division.

Having Alberta in hand, he’s after the middle class of Ontario and Quebec and a sprinkling of "winners" elsewhere; and if that delivers his majority, everybody else can go hang.

That means we’re not alone in our exasperation.

Danny Williams let go a remarkable mouthful: "This is the same prime minister who basically reneged on money for women, for literacy groups, for volunteers, students, minority rights, aboriginal people, and has not lived up to the Kyoto accord."

Williams is a Tory, don’t forget, and is admonishing Newfoundlanders to not vote Tory next time. Surely a first in Canada.

The fact that Harper’s non-progressive Conservatives can shut out their own kind, some of whom are rebelling after only a year of power, indicates the depth of his divisiveness.
I got another whiff of this while researching those fisheries columns I did recently.

Phil Eidnik, head of the B.C. Fisheries Survival Coalition, was a Conservative candidate in the last election. The Tories have "pushed almost an entire industry away from the Conservatives" with their misguided Fishery Act reform, he said. "And we had campaigned against the Liberals for a decade! I will be staying home on election day."

Here’s the question, then: Will Harper succeed in his plan for a majority?

The first post-budget poll indicates that it’s working – Ontario has taken the bait. Perhaps, but actually the scheme may already be unravelling elsewhere, specifically on the very field where other prime ministers have been undone – Quebec.

All that cash to Quebec was to buy another term for Jean Charest. Charest, however, has promised to put the new money into tax cuts instead of public services, making a joke of the "fiscal imbalance" argument.

Harper has compounded it by saying he won’t be talking to separatists if they win.

Charest will take a major drubbing Monday night, and Harper will too. It could be a donnybrook.
If you add the growing signs of incompetence (the minister of national defence apologizing for not knowing what’s going on in Afghanistan, the botched Fishery Act) and the fact that climate change is still shortchanged, it may all be in the process of blowing up, and soon.

And so, for the growing coalition of anti-Harperites, of which even Nova Scotia and Newfoundland’s Conservative governments are suddenly a part, the question is: Is the solution here to get rid of Harper?

If it’s Harper’s intent to make political hay by having the "winners" and "losers" at war with each other, the losers will have no choice but to pick up their spears and go at it.

If so, let’s bite again. Harper may be more vulnerable than he thinks.

25 comments:

Anonymous said...

Newfoundland and Labrador - Lied to and totally against the new equalization formula.

Nova Scotia - Lied to and totally against the new equalization formula.

Saskatchewan - Lied to and totally against the new equalization formula.

British Columbia - Feels short changed and shafted with the new plan.

New Brunswick - Feels the new budget short changed them.

Half (5) of the 10 provinces were robbed by the new budget and equalization system, yet Harper's government claims to have resolved the fiscal imbalance once and for all.

I guess that's true since the only provinces that matter to Ottawa are Ontario, Quebec and Alberta (which have the most seats to win and who recieved a big cash hug from the conservatives last week).

How can anyone say this federation is working when half of the provinces are done in for the sake of the other half based solely on which provinces can help a sitting government win the next election.

Vote buying plain and simple!!!

Anonymous said...

OH MY GOD!!! IS THIS ALL YOU PEOPLE DO????

waaaah......waaah...waaah......

Get over it!! The rest of us have moved on.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...

OH MY GOD!!! IS THIS ALL YOU PEOPLE DO????

waaaah......waaah...waaah......

Get over it!! The rest of us have moved on.

March 26, 2007 2:36 PM

===========

Who are you speaking for when you say, "the rest of us"? I'm assuming , you mean the rest of Canada.

my question is: Who elected you to speak for the rest of Canada?

And if "the rest of you has moved on", as you say, then why are you still posting here?

You seem confused as to which direction is required for you to "move on".

Here's a hint. "it's up that away".

Don't get lost on your way now!

Anonymous said...

Here ,Here!!!!

Anonymous said...

Artfull Dodger said.....

Steven Harper is willing to do anything to win a majority, the proof is there in plain sight.

I think we in this province, Nova Scotia and Saskachewan are the canaries in the coal mine, watch out Canadians if this coservative government under Harper gets a majority. Harper is nothing if not clever, I'll give him that much, but you can be sure he has an agenda. Watch for more broadsides if he gets his majority, we ain't seen nothing yet!


Regards,

Artfull Dodger

Anonymous said...

Artfull Dodger, ............I for one thought that the Canadain Liberial Propagande Machine was just talk,and fabrication .
He has already openly admitted how he wants to influence the courts to see a more"conservative"view.And,he has openly stated that canada would be looking into the North American Missle defence program.
I thnk that this minorty governement was nothing more then a stepping stone for Mr Harper.This was nothing for him but a chance to "Gain" trust from the people of canada,and Newfoundland and Labrador.
I would strongly agree with your statement that this country has not seen anything yet ,but a "Mere Glimpse" of what is too come.All I can say now is "Hold on For The Ride B'ye,She's Go'in To Be a WildOne"

As Always,Lost-In-Exile

Anonymous said...

The rest of us also means the rest of us in NL who want to just put the past where it belongs and focus on a future!
This constant moaning and dribbling about past wrongs is getting old and redundant....not to mention completely unproductive!

(I'm sure I'll get posts now about not being a true Newfoundlander and betraying my history and province)

Anonymous said...

Because you say "the rest of us in NL who want to just put the past where it belongs", has spoken, then the majority of Newfoundlanders & Labradorians should just follow your lead and "focus on a future" of more of the same that we have come accustomed to from the Feds.

Anonymous said...

Past wrongs need to be acknowledged by the Masters/Feds, then maybe we can get on with our Future, but you must remember our Future is also in the hands of the same Master, because our assets are tied up in such a way, THAT THOSE ASSETS ARE CONTROLLED COMPLETELY BY THE MASTER. We cannot move without the MASTERS say so. That is how the MASTER'S HAS WRITTEN THE LAWS OF THE LAND as it pertains to Newfoundland and Labrador. (This past Budget gives you an inkling of how the Master works, the Master promises something to get you in the fold and then the Master does an about face and cancels every thing that was promised and we are back to the Status Quo). So maybe first we have to work on that humungous problem with the Master and get the archaic laws changed as they pertain to Newfoundland and Labrador; and then, Maybe and Hopefully, after the change we will be able to move forward into our Bright Future. Nobody wants that Bright Future any more than I do.

Anonymous said...

I can see I'm wasting my breath (or my typing)on narrow-minded, self-defeatist sheep would rather cry about how unfair life is than to take any positive steps.

Oh wait....the "MASTER" won't let you be positive or think for yourselves right?

Oh no...far easier to blame anyone and everyone else, and wallow in self-pity.

Anonymous said...

Look, there are so many people in Atlantic Canada heading to Ontario and Alberta and living high off the hog. Why should we feel sorry for you??

You get high wages, you get flown back and forth on the company tabs to see your mommys and common-law wives and kids(seems half of you never bother to get married)and have big bucks to spend when you are relaxing around at home.
Poor babies.

Just because the Atlantic provinces (and NL) can't manage themselves without making a mess of things, means the rest of Canada has to babysit and send you money all the time. Then, when you start making some money of your own and it's time to cut a bit of your financial dependence--you throw a big hissy fit!

But you won't listen. You'll just start spewing the same old crap about being held down for the last 58 years or some other garbage.
Well, don't bother---no one's listening anymore.

Anonymous said...

Look, there are so many people in Atlantic Canada heading to Ontario and Alberta and living high off the hog. Why should we feel sorry for you??

You get high wages, you get flown back and forth on the company tabs to see your mommys and common-law wives and kids(seems half of you never bother to get married)and have big bucks to spend when you are relaxing around at home.
Poor babies.

Just because the Atlantic provinces (and NL) can't manage themselves without making a mess of things, means the rest of Canada has to babysit and send you money all the time. Then, when you start making some money of your own and it's time to cut a bit of your financial dependence--you throw a big hissy fit!

But you won't listen. You'll just start spewing the same old crap about being held down for the last 58 years or some other garbage.
Well, don't bother---no one's listening anymore.

Anonymous said...

I CAN SEE I AM WASTING MY BREATH AS WELL AS WASTING MY TIME POSTING TO THIS BLOG.

You are right "NO ONE IS LISTENING"
we are captive subjects. It is impossible to get ahead in a country like Canada with so little say in votes, yet so many resources, like Hydroelectricity and Minerals which are used to benefit places like, Quebec, Ontario and Manitoba and Fish and Oil used to benefit all of Canada.

You are writing as if you are from somewhere West of Newfoundland and Labrador, and if you are, would you please put yourself in our position here with so many resources and unable to do anything about it. Do not tell me we aren't trying! Premier Williams is breaking his neck trying to do so.

Anonymous said...

"there are so many people in Atlantic Canada heading to Ontario and Alberta and living high off the hog".

I'm in Onrario ,and I can't say that I'm living high on the Hog.Why can't I live "High on the Hog" in my own home province ,with my family.
What ever happened to freedom of choice in this country.

"You get high wages, you get flown back and forth on the company tabs"

"On the comapnysTab" what verson of reality do you live in .I have never had a compay fly me home.

"Just because the Atlantic provinces (and NL) can't manage themselves,"

Where in the name of "God" have you been reading your facts from .All Newfoundland has been saying for years is how they want to be treated
like anyother province,to manage what they have brought into Confederation. I strongly suggest befor coming to this blog and "RANTING" at the mouth that you do some research befor you speak and find out the facts .
Why do you think that Nationalist views have become so strong since the end of the fishery.Ottawa "CANNOT" manage the resources properly,they have not just said that ,they have "SHOWN" us that.

http://archives.cbc.ca/IDC-1-73-1595-10943/politics_economy/cod_economy/clip6


http://archives.cbc.ca/IDC-1-73-564-2890/politics_economy/nfld_confed/clip9

I have a question for you my friend .If your countruy is so great,why are the provinces treated differantly.Why is one given more then the other.Why is one allowed to creat its own industry off the back of the other .I thought that I would "POST" a visual for your viewing pleasure so that you don't just have to take the word of a "NEWFIE", the crimes that have been commited by canada.I hope that maybe in your world ,you can see the destructive force of the federal goverment and its complete incompetence.
I wish nothing more for your people then what you have done to mine????


"When you inadvertinely Segragate a Minority ,You Inadvertinely Descrimanate Agaisnt it - Dr Martin Luther King!!!

Some words to think about

As Always,Lost-In-Exile

Anonymous said...

To the guy in Ontario NOT being flown home by a company:

Get to Alberta man! You are being ripped off!!

Anonymous said...

Believe me not every Newfoundlander and Labradorian who works in Alberta who has a pattern of working for 2 months and who comes home for 2 weeks, likes it or likes the commuting part. I have a brother who worked hard in this province all of his life and made a great living while doing so. He abhors the fact he has to work out of his province and commute to and from Alberta.

He is only there because of the unfair pressure put on Newfoundland and Labrador's economy by Alberta. If all provinces had the same autonomy over its resources as Alberta does, this inequitable and unparralel circumstance would not exist, with Alberta rolling in the dough because of its right to be able to use its resources the way Alberta sees fit, while the province of Newfoundland and Labrador is languishing because of the way its vast resources were sucked out of this province, for other provinces to create economies so they could give their inhabitants a great existance.

Believe me most of these people who are commuting dislikes it tremendously, for them the commuting is the equivalent to another job, since it takes up a lot of their precious time that these people could otherwise be spending with their families. It is a very hard existence. How cruel and heartless of you to say otherwise. We do need a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Humans.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...

To the guy in Ontario NOT being flown home by a company:

Get to Alberta man! You are being ripped off!!

March 27, 2007 6:43 PM

The next Province I move to,just for your records ,will be Newfoundland and Labrador.
I have come to an age in My Life were I do relise that there are things in this world that money cannot buy.The loving nature of my people ,a "GOOD" trout pond ,and the call of the North Atlatic.
As for canada when i leave it,they could "NUKE" it for all I care.

As Always,Lost-In-Exile

PS:And I do hope to bring jobs with me ,

Anonymous said...

NL'ers are only "loving" to their own, or to tourists who are spending money.

To everyone else they are jerks.

You can have your pathetic little province....no one else wants it.

Anonymous said...

I'll take the biggest piece first.The one that hasn't been bitten by Ottawa............

Anonymous said...

It okay for you to talk, we have been screwed right, left and center by our Mother Government. Why should we keep ours mouth shut until we are completly dead.

I can thing of all the other provinces and what they have received and those provinces didn't give any of their resources, while Newfoundland and Labrador prostituted itself and gave away billions and billions , and this figure is every year, to Ottawa and its other children. Namely, a great renewable resource called FISH, another great resource that went to Quebec called HYDROELECTRIC ENERGY, MINERALS of all types, and OIL.

I can think of the many things that Ottawa did for British Columbia and the other provinces over the past 10 years. Ottawa spent billions on getting Asian money into British Columbia after the lease ran out on Hong Kong. That is just one. Agriculture gets billions every year, and that is going into all the other provinces, on the other hand the Fishery which is the opposite counter of Agriculture is in the hands on Ottawa and used by Ottawa for Foreign affairs clout and International Trade. If I were to list the other goodies, like infrastructure, monies for Expos, Musuems, Olympics, Corporations like Bombardier, Pratt and Whitney, and Research and Development, the seesaw would be so lopsided for Newfoundland and Labrador, every ones eyes would pop out of their heads. It is too bad somebody doesn't monitor those inequities for Newfoundland and Labrador by keeping a journal and publishing it every year in the Globe and Mail.

WJM said...

on the other hand the Fishery which is the opposite counter of Agriculture is in the hands on Ottawa and used by Ottawa for Foreign affairs clout and International Trade.

Can you provide some examples of how this was done?

Thanks!

Anonymous said...

WJM - The examples are all over the place, there were once four countries fishing off the Grand Banks of Newfoundland and now countries from all over the world have quotas out there. WJM don't ACT so unworldly, you know damn well that foreign countries do not appear on another countries coast, in another countries fishing waters without an invitation or without being given the quotas by the country in question, in this case Canada. What did Canada get out of it? To tell you specifically, I cannot do so, but I do know there are many things that Canada trades with the world. I will give you a few of the things that could have been traded for quotas of fish: Planes by Bombardier, Trains by Bombardier, Planes Parts by Pratt Whitney, Skidoos by Bombardier, Wheat, Fruit, Maple syrup by the Agriculture industry, and many other goods and commodities that either get grown or manufactured in Canada. I know that Newfoundland and Labrador didn't get remitted a payment for the quotas of fish that Canada delved out, so therefore Canada had to either get monies or, most likely, it traded the items I listed above to assist the sale of the goods listed above for other business interest in other parts of Canada. Plus, of course, with trade comes foreign affairs clout.

The Hon. Loyola Hearn mentioned on a radio show one day, before he bacame Fisheries Ministers that International Trade is tied up in our fishery, so did Senator Baker. Matter of fact the Hon. Baker one year gave a run down of the shrimp quotas which were given out to a number of foreign countries and 2 Canadian Doctors.

Anonymous said...

WJM said...

on the other hand the Fishery which is the opposite counter of Agriculture is in the hands on Ottawa and used by Ottawa for Foreign affairs clout and International Trade.

Can you provide some examples of how this was done?

Thanks!

http://archives.cbc.ca/IDD-1-73-1595/politics_economy/cod_economy/

Here you go ,WJM, go to the source of what the gentlemen is saying and watch how your precious canada ,killed off "YOUR OWN PEOPLE".Hey this even comes from the government that you so strongly support.

Now ,Sir,(and I do use that term lightly)I have answerd your question, maybe you could give me the same respect to me for five minutes.

How do you live with the knowledge that you have,and still turn your back on your own people.Because, I cannot imagine anyone from my home turning into something that you are.

You must be the most pitygfull excuse for a human being ,no wait a minute,I can't say that .
You must ne the poorest excuse for "DOG-VOMMIT" that I have ever seen.
And ,I refuse to accept the fact that you are from the Labrador .I have many friends and family from that area of the province and I know that life is hard,but,I have never met a Labradorian that sounded anything like "YOU"

I know that I have said this befor ,but,this I "cannot" take.Mr Higgens ,if you see me "writing"anything in respose to this Individuals Post again,just ask me to leave your blog ,please and not reutrn.
Talk is talk,and we all get excited,but this Individual stands for everything that I loathe about this country.
MR WJM, "yes" you got the best of me ,tonight.But,at least I can go to sleep with a clear conscience .I only hope that you can find your piece with God,maybe he can forgive you for the sins you have committed.Because I know that I cannot.

As Always,Lost-In-Exile

Anonymous said...

"Were are you Sue ,we miss you so much "

Anonymous said...

Anon--3.29.11:19p.m.--- "remarkable" response to WJMS post!!!! Still can't come up with any answers to his questions eh?? Oh yes, I am sure it has not gone unnoticed on this blog. You really need to go back to school!! While you are doing that, take a break from visiting this blog, will you?? When you come back ( with hopefully more of an open mind) perhaps you will have learned enough to write something worth reading.Take care ( and try not to take this personally )I am just trying to suggest some ways to help you.