Comments and posts on Facebook this week

Thought I would take a look at some of the comments and postings that I and others have made on my Facebook page in the past several days.  Screening out some of what for me MIGHT be called fluff left the following, which you may or may not find interesting.

Wisdom  / Fortune Cookie type quotes

• Don't ask me why. But once in a while when confronted with self-righteous dullards like Al Gore and their ilk, I have the need to wheel out some ZZ Top 
• You have ONE life. Your expiry date might come early or late. So don't waste time. Live your life and live it well and full. Just be happy! Even if people don't share your joy, don't let them steal it from you!
• The sun reminds us that our own shining truth is never extinguished. Our light shines within us at all times, no matter what else occurs around us. Though the sun gives us daily proof of its existence, sometimes our belief in our own light requires more time

Question from Independent MLA Bob Simpson -- is BC's Forest sector back??

Cariboo North Independent MLA, Bob Simpson, had quite a thoughtful post today on BC's forest sector. 

I grew up in the Cariboo (Williams Lake) and know what it was like in the 60s, 70s, and even the early 80's. Mills are running a great capacity again, and more shifts -- BUT less workers and mills in smaller communities are generally a thing of the past. 

I agree with his comment that there needs to be, "... a rethinking how we manage our forests and what products we create from forest biomass ..."

Click HERE to read Bob's Blog

3 points made by the BC Liberal Party are a beautiful display of spin-doctoring

The BC Liberal Party put up a new website today called “Can’t Trust Cummins.ca” which has the following posted in the bottom right hand corner of the main index page:

© 2011 BC Liberals, all rights reserved.

Authorized By Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party.

Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257

What’s it all about??  Right off the bat BC Liberals are asking … “Can you trust BC Conservative Party Leader John Cummins?”, and with that statement, BC Liberal Party dirty politics begins.

I have a HUGE smile on my face however because if the BC Liberals have already started this, they are obviously scared of what a common sense campaign of people powered policy is going to do to their "Top Down" style of government.

Their first three points are a beautiful display of spin-doctoring starting with the pension issue.

"Doorbell" the People’s Choice Award Winner on US Government Debt

This short 60 second video is about US government debt, however it's a good warning and wake-up to us about what we are leaving as a legacy to our children and grandchildren.

To play video  click HERE

BC Liberals are doing a great job financially for our province? ... Hogwash!

In a Letter to the Editor (September 14^th 100 Mile Free Press), writer Joe Sawchuck states …

“The present B.C. Liberal government is on the right track regarding the management of British Columbians’ taxpayer dollars … the BC Liberals inherited a "have-not" province from the former NDP government. In 2002, after being government for a year, the BC Liberals once again made B.C. a "have" province … why would we ever think of changing the guard when B.C. is well managed?”

So Joe … you think the BC Liberals are doing a great job financially for our province??  Hogwash -- they are simply NDP light when it comes to spending.  I would encourage you to read the BC Budgets "Summary: Budget and Fiscal Plan – 2011/2012 to 2013/14" 

This government document shows total provincial debt at $47 billion 757 million for 2010/11 ... $53 billion 437 million for 2011/12 … a projected debt of $57 billion 572 million for 2012/13 and projected debt of $60 billion 355 million … and that was before the referendum vote to abolish the HST.

Times Colonist ... "Chaotic, inept response to infant's plight"

A very sad situation ... and a child died because ???  Why did someone NOT decide at the very beginning that the child was the MOST important consideration.  

The mother, given her condition, was unable too, and yet no one in authority was willing to stand up and say, "We need to ensure ALL of these children are protected"


Even when one of them concentrated its attention on the case, it was hard to keep up. Because the decisions that emerged from meetings on her situation were just bewildering.

At one point, the woman had a court date for a hearing about permanently surrendering her two children while at the same time the long-term plan was for her to resume care of them, plus the one on the way.

How does that add up? As her case bounced between different agencies and the pregnancy progressed, it became clear to the ministry the planning was chaotic.

Read the full story ... click HERE

If the question were asked of me ... I would have to say “NO”

Do the “Guiding Principles” … the “Contract with British Columbia” … or the “Policies of the BC Conservative Party” firmly entrench who and what the party is??

If the question were asked of me, I would have to say “NO”

The very fact that the party has said elected members (MLA’s) will be accountable, responsible, and responsive to the people who have voted them into office, clearly shows that the party (which is the members) believes in the common sense of British Columbians.  They are after all the same people that have put together the draft policies of the party.

I believe that no political party can dot every “i” and cross every “t” of what policies will then become legislation.  That just cannot be done because situations change, and nothing stays static, from the time it was suggested.

Times Colonist says, "Report points to gaps in BC.'s child protection system ..."

This is a important story, that should be read.  In part it says ... "The report, So Many Plans, So Little Stability, says the baby’s file was transferred five times in four months between the Ministry of Children and Family Development and a delegated aboriginal child welfare agency. Eleven different decisions were made about where the baby should be placed, and 16 social workers had some involvement with the case."

I happen to believe that the care and concern we provide for the youngest, smallest, weakest in our society cannot, and should not, be race based.

Is there some kind of special care that whites can only give to white ... blacks to blacks ... first nations to first nations ... what about across ethnic and continental divides?? 

Far too many people were allowed to be involved in the process of ensuring care for this baby.  Our ONLY real concern and goal should be how to provide the best care and safety to children and the young. 

In my opinion, insisting that care only happen within direct ethnic communities, no matter which one(s) they are, is a continued recipe for disaster.  Regrettably, we will continue to hear of more deaths.

Out in Schools is not a course about bullying or homophobia ... it is however propaganda

For those with children in the school system, you may wish to check out the video ... "Out in Schools" is No Picnic".  Out in Schools is not a course about bullying or homophobia ... it is however propaganda

Although the content is being used and seen by school children, I feel I should give fair warning for language, content, and images. 

I also wish to be VERY CLEAR that my posting this is in NO WAY a comment on anyone who may be homosexual, lesbian, etc. My concern is only with the material, and HOW it is being presented

The Pacific Carbon Trust is a shell game

I, along with many others, think and believe that the Pacific Carbon Trust (PCT) is nothing more than a shell game that shuffles money around … and gives the illusion that a lot is being done to reduce our carbon footprint.  In reality very little is being accomplished by the PCT.

One thing however is certain; LARGE parts of school and hospital budgets are being diverted into the Pacific Carbon Trust to reward large corporations rather than school children, the hurt, the injured, the elderly … and now perhaps even the BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils (BCCPAC) as well.

Last year, the education ministry provided the BCCPAC with $100,000 in operating funds and $150,000 for special projects. "Unfortunately, we are unable to meet your request to provide those same grants this fiscal year and will need to provide support in a non-financial manner," Abbott stated in his letter.

Given that the government forced the local school district in the Kamloops region to cough up $125,000 to pay Pacific Carbon Trust, that more than enough for the BCCPAC operating funds.

That is only the tip of the iceberg however.