What ever happened to the days when a country was run by it's own people? Canada used to be a country that pretty much was ignored by our neighbours to the south. Unless you consider the draft dodgers that crawled their way up here during the 1970's.
Now an American organization known as Avaaz.org has stuck it's proverbial nose into Canadian politics with its “Stop 'Fox News North'” campaign. This campaign was designed to prevent the CRTC from issuing a Category 1 broadcasting licence to the Sun TV News Channel.
A Category 1 licence identifies a broadcaster as a “must carry” specialty service—a rare licence that would provide Sun TV News with access to all satellite and cable TV viewers, by forcing these companies to offer the channel to subscribers. This form of regulatory permission is considered rare precisely because it forces free-market companies to act outside market pressures and adhere to government interference. In essence, the chances of Sun TV News from getting such a licence was slim to none and this week the CRTC decision was “Non!”
The CRTC decision was claimed as a victory by the U.S. based Avaaz.org. It's kind of like Columbus forcing the central American natives to share their food by waving his hands at the eclipsing sun, only to lay a claim that he restored the sunshine after extorting the food. The Avaaz-mite jumped for joy at the CRTC decision, looked directly into the eyes of their fellow Americans and like Stewart on Mad TV said in a squeaky voice, “Look what I can do.”
The tactics of this organization and their political agenda was clearly exposed in the “Stop 'Fox News North'” Campaign. First, the term “Fox News North” is a misnomer, a moniker stamped on Sun TVNews by its detractors. It is designed to paint a picture of a Neo-Conservative news agency bent on spreading right-wing propaganda throughout Canada. To quote the words from Avaaz.org, “Prime Minister Harper is trying to push American-style media onto our airwaves, and make us all pay for it. His plan is to create a “Fox News North” to mimic the kind of hate-filled propaganda with which Fox News has poisoned U.S. Politics.” These words like, “our” and “us” falsely identifies Avaaz.org as a Canadian organization. However, the records show that Avaaz.org is not only a New York based entity, but it is partly founded by a David Madden. Madden is an entrepreneur from Australia and a former Labour Left, political candidate from that country.
The Avaaz.org campaign uses language of fear tactics that are so over the top that it should offend even the stanchest cause-whores out there. Avaaz.org is quoted in their news releases referring the Canadian political environment when co-founder Ricken Patel was quoted as saying, “We do not yet have all the facts, but it appears to speak to the poisonous political climate and deeply deceptive tactics that have been bred by the radical right in Canada and its progenitor in the US. It is precisely this kind of bare-knuckled, brazenly deceptive and often hateful political climate that Sun TV's "Fox News North" appears keen to promote.”
These are words from an organization that clearly has a left-wing agenda. An agenda that wants to play devil's advocate across borders. They respect no geographical or political boundaries. They are an organization that has embraced the nature of the internet and used that media to breach their boundaries and interfere with Canadian policy makers.
The average Canadian should be insulted by this type of interference. But what we have just witnessed is the tip of the iceberg. It is the start of much more domestic international manipulation. Organizations such as Avazz.org will flourish under what has become a planet where globalization has been embraced in the new world order. We will witness more global organizations with mandates designed to manipulate foreign and domestic policies, markets and industries.
As an example, in their own website Avaaz.org self proclaimed mandate is written as, “Avaaz.org is a new global online advocacy community that brings people-powered politics to global decision-making.” With an agenda like that, be prepared to have foreign interference from this organization and many like them in the near future.
We live in a country that adheres to the tenet of a democracy, where Canada is ruled by a government by Canadians where authority is exercised directly by our elected agents under a free electoral system.
In other words; organization such as Avaaz.org have no business in Canada even though they claim that they have 414,000 Canadian followers. So, if there are any Avaaz.org Canadian adherents close by, send me an email I would love to hear from you.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Calling the Kettle Black
(Matthew 5:44-45, King James Version)
With these words, we who follow the teachings of the Bible, are given guidance and wisdom to live in peace with others. The new Testament is rife with guidance for any person who professes to receive Jesus as their Savior. As Christians we are to turn the other cheek so that enemies can be shamed into striking once again, an act designed to expose transgressors and bring about humility. The Bible teaches us that if our enemies are hungry, feed them, if they thirst give them water, that way we 'hold burning coals above their heads. ' These words and many more were inspired to guide a peaceful existence of all mankind.
Apparently two proclaimed Christian Pastors, at opposite ends of the United States, slept through their seminary classes. By now, you have already learned that the planned Qur'an burning by Rev. Terry Jones of the Dove World Outreach Center, after a worldwide outcry was canceled, only to be picked up by another religious radical, a Rev. Fred Phelps of the Westboro Baptist Church.
I use the term religious radicals because I am deliberately trying to distance these two men from Christianity. Very much like how mainstream Islam wants to distance themselves from the radicals that are tied to 9/11 and other acts that are contrary to the teachings found in the Qur'an.
As Christians, our mission is to share the gospel. We are to live our lives as examples knowing full well that we have been forgiven for our sins. It is this understanding of setting examples that many find difficult to live, and it is these words found in Matthew 5:44-45 that provide all Christians with the proper responses to anyone who persecutes, rebukes, attacks or even oppose their beliefs.
What Jones and Phelps and their ilk have done, is in direct opposition to the Christian catch-phrase, “What Would Jesus Do”.
They have in very short order, enraged other radicals and as a result caused the reported deaths of some people in Afghanistan, and injured countless more. In other words, they are as responsible for these deaths as are the people who did the killings.
They claim that their mission was to protest the planned construction of an Islamic Centre near the former site of the World Trade Centre which was brought down by radical Islamists. However, Jones has been quoted as saying that his church's goals was “to expose that there is an element of Islam that is very dangerous and very radical.” After the worldwide response he is quoted as saying, “we have definitely accomplished that mission.”
In the case of Phelps, he has been reported as holding signs with the words, “Thank God for dead soldiers,” and has equated the Qur'an as a “300-page work of Satanic fiction,” proclaimed that Jones is a “false prophet... bullied by sissy intolerant rebels worldwide into canceling plans to burn that blasphemous idol call the Qur'an.”
All these men and their congregation have accomplished is to degrade the Christian church and given countless Christians a black eye.
They have sparked flames in parts of the world that is already unstable.
They have threatened the lives of many people, and degraded the cause of not only the Christian church but also of mainstream Islam.
They have placed into the vocabulary of the world the term, “Mainstream Christianity” very similar to the position Islam had to adopt after 9/11 in order to distance themselves from the acts of religious radicals.
These men are radicals. People who I am ashamed to call Christian brothers. In a world where people have many faiths, whether they be Jewish, Christian, Islamist, Buddhist or Atheist, to name just a few. If we, like the radicals, judge our fellow man then each one of us shall be found guilty by our own measure. In the case of Jones and Phelps they point their fingers at the acts of others and claim that their mission is to expose evil.
In the words of Jones himself, “we have definitely accomplished that mission,” for when they opened their mouths the evil was instantly exposed.
I have had my say. Now I need to ask for forgiveness.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
So, Why no refund?
The prescribed medication was Arthrotec, a tablet taken three times per day with food. The first tablet was taken Thursday night. The next morning the man developed severe pain in both feet and found himself walking like a person transporting an invasive foreign object. By Saturday morning the man found himself in the Emergency Room.
This was the start of my Labour Day long weekend.
I have always been the type of person who does not like taking pills. Pills of any kind whether even something as innocuous as a common pain killer. It just does not seem right to introduce a chemical into your body. In fact when the Podiatrist prescribed me the Arthrotec, I commenced a series of questions. What are the side affects? Followed with; What are the adverse side effects? The doctor was very patient although I could detect he was getting a bit frustrated when I brought up the question of a natural alternative. Satisfied that I had conducted my due diligence, the pills were purchased for a monetary amount of $33.00.
I was ready for the onslaught of what the pharmaceutical industry had described as “common side effects”. Within one hour of the first pill, I was taking up the portable office position in the lavatory. My stomach was reciting the fifth act of the “Wizard of Oz” screaming, “Who dares approach the Great Oz?” Followed by what felt like earth tremours. Evening came and three hours later, I bravely took position on my side of the bed. I closed my eyes thinking, “I have a wonderful and brave wife.”
The next morning, I woke to find that my hands had swelled to nearing twice their size, and I was unable to make a fist. My wrist was wider than normal and my joints ached. I could not raise my arm up enough to eat breakfast, and I have a burning and itching sensation all over. Welts had developed on my legs, arms, including the pits (all of them) and stomach. My wife advised me to get to the hospital, and after considerable thought I said, “No, I have planned a motorcycle trip today, so I will sit here and see how this pans out.” Less than 30 minutes later, I found myself driving to the Leduc Hospital. At this point I have to say that we have great professionals working at the Leduc Hospital. They took me into the inner sanctum immediate. Much to the chagrin of at least 15 others waiting. Even the scary Registered Nurse that told me to put on the undersized robe. Followed by the other nurse that stuck me from behind.
In came the doctor who told me I had a rather serious allergic reaction to the Arthrotec. I was not offered any options. It was a rear shot, followed by two more sets of pills for five days.
If you are still with me, the big beef I have this week is simply this. Why is it that we cannot get a refund on prescription drugs? I would really like my $33.00 back, because I need to cover off some of the expenses of the two other sets of pill, those being Prednisone and Antihistamines. Does it seems rather lopsided, when ‘Big Pharma’ can produce something that nearly kills you and then you have to go back to your dealer to purchase more of their product to counter the assault?
In our free market economy, if the buyer is not satisfied, you go back to the vendor, state our case, and a refund is offered. Do you think that having to inconvenience some very busy medical professionals at the hospital, is stating my case for a refund?
I find it disturbing to know that many people have reacted to this medication in a similar manner if not more severely. Yet we are still being prescribed this chemical product. The side effect that any drug reports are compiled as a result of actual medical cases and human drug testing. With Arthrotec the more serious side effects reported are; “gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding; liver dysfunction; severe skin reactions. Severe bronchospasms may occur in patients with aspirin-sensitive asthma. Arthrotec may cause heart attacks and strokes; accumulation of fluid and worsen heart failure; cause or worsen hypertension and kidney failure.” ........ Huh!
For some reason this was not disclosed to me when prescribed. Of course what I experienced was an allergic reaction known as anaphylactic shock. That one did not even make the list.
The good news for us is that the pills you buy to counter an allergic reaction to a medication are very effective. I was on my feet within a day. The cost incurred to our universal medical care was no doubt very expensive.
The Arthrotec pills not used, were disposed of by the pharmacist, along with my $33.00. So, how was your long weekend?
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
The Real McCoy
“I've been blessed to find people who are smarter than I am, and they help me to execute the vision I have.” Russell Simmons, American Entrepreneur
Over the years I have employed many people. When I commenced by second career in 1990, my wife and I opened our first “going concern” in Leduc. We ran a Radio Shack Dealership for nearly 10 years before we decided to wind down the business. During that same period we started a computer company, where we opened two stores. One in Leduc and the other in Camrose. A third location was opened by a Wetaskiwin resident in that city on main street. In all three stores that we operated, I employed no less than thirty people, all doing specific jobs. Some were sales persons, other electronic and computer technicians and another eight people were instructors teaching computer classes.
After closing these retail businesses I entered the publishing field, where I managed a sales team for a national periodical. This lead me to my current position with the Pipestone Flyer.
The point of all this is simple. I have been in a position where I have had to hire people to do specific jobs and assess performance levels of each person under my supervision. Like many managers, I have found the performance levels of individuals all different. But every once and a while I find a real gem. That person who really makes a difference, where your personal vision and mission that you have is adopted with zeal. In a word, the 'Real McCoy'.
Those types of people are very hard to hold onto and I have found from my experience that when you have that person in your employ you make the best of it.
What I, as well as many employers look for in the 'Real McCoy’, is someone that has served with distinction. Distinction does not so much mean that they have flair, although an interesting personality does not hurt. But it simply involves doing the job and doing it well. That person knows exactly what their job entails, and organizes their time well leaving no tasks behind. They become that employee where you know with full confidence that their job is getting done even when unsupervised, and the results show.
Many who hold jobs seldom understand how important their role is in a specific company. They may feel that their tasks they have been hired to complete are mundane, boring or just not necessary. However, no job you are hired for is unnecessary, because if that were true, no paycheque would be forthcoming and the position would be dissolved.
Yes, the 'Real McCoy' is that person who does the job whether they feel their assignment is just not interesting or even important. Believe it or not, many managers do take note of each employee and the level of value they bring to the table. They know when someone is just 'not there' and when that is identified, it becomes a housekeeping problem for the employer.
So what is this all about? It is about a young lady who I had the privilege of employing as a full-time reporter for the Pipestone Flyer. Sydnee Bryant is leaving us, and in the very short time we had her in our employ she created the mold of what a very good employee is. She became a real asset to The Pipestone Flyer and (if you will excuse my expression) my right-hand 'man.'
Sydnee Bryant is leaving the glamour of working for an Alberta weekly community newspaper and will fly to the middle east, where she will become the editor of the “Qatar Happening Magazine”, a trendy monthly glossy publication in the heart of Qatar.
As readers you have been witness to the start of a young persons journalist career. Although the Pipestone Flyer was Sydnee Bryant's first full-time position as a reporter, I truly believe that this special person will have a long and distinguishable career.
It all started here, and we are very proud to have had the opportunity to be a part of her journey. God speed Sydnee, I know that everything you do will have the mark of the 'Real McCoy.'
Over the years I have employed many people. When I commenced by second career in 1990, my wife and I opened our first “going concern” in Leduc. We ran a Radio Shack Dealership for nearly 10 years before we decided to wind down the business. During that same period we started a computer company, where we opened two stores. One in Leduc and the other in Camrose. A third location was opened by a Wetaskiwin resident in that city on main street. In all three stores that we operated, I employed no less than thirty people, all doing specific jobs. Some were sales persons, other electronic and computer technicians and another eight people were instructors teaching computer classes.
After closing these retail businesses I entered the publishing field, where I managed a sales team for a national periodical. This lead me to my current position with the Pipestone Flyer.
The point of all this is simple. I have been in a position where I have had to hire people to do specific jobs and assess performance levels of each person under my supervision. Like many managers, I have found the performance levels of individuals all different. But every once and a while I find a real gem. That person who really makes a difference, where your personal vision and mission that you have is adopted with zeal. In a word, the 'Real McCoy'.
Those types of people are very hard to hold onto and I have found from my experience that when you have that person in your employ you make the best of it.
What I, as well as many employers look for in the 'Real McCoy’, is someone that has served with distinction. Distinction does not so much mean that they have flair, although an interesting personality does not hurt. But it simply involves doing the job and doing it well. That person knows exactly what their job entails, and organizes their time well leaving no tasks behind. They become that employee where you know with full confidence that their job is getting done even when unsupervised, and the results show.
Many who hold jobs seldom understand how important their role is in a specific company. They may feel that their tasks they have been hired to complete are mundane, boring or just not necessary. However, no job you are hired for is unnecessary, because if that were true, no paycheque would be forthcoming and the position would be dissolved.
Yes, the 'Real McCoy' is that person who does the job whether they feel their assignment is just not interesting or even important. Believe it or not, many managers do take note of each employee and the level of value they bring to the table. They know when someone is just 'not there' and when that is identified, it becomes a housekeeping problem for the employer.
So what is this all about? It is about a young lady who I had the privilege of employing as a full-time reporter for the Pipestone Flyer. Sydnee Bryant is leaving us, and in the very short time we had her in our employ she created the mold of what a very good employee is. She became a real asset to The Pipestone Flyer and (if you will excuse my expression) my right-hand 'man.'
Sydnee Bryant is leaving the glamour of working for an Alberta weekly community newspaper and will fly to the middle east, where she will become the editor of the “Qatar Happening Magazine”, a trendy monthly glossy publication in the heart of Qatar.
As readers you have been witness to the start of a young persons journalist career. Although the Pipestone Flyer was Sydnee Bryant's first full-time position as a reporter, I truly believe that this special person will have a long and distinguishable career.
It all started here, and we are very proud to have had the opportunity to be a part of her journey. God speed Sydnee, I know that everything you do will have the mark of the 'Real McCoy.'
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Refugees or Fugitives?
There are those people who live their lives with an open door policy on nearly everything. Acceptance is not only a word to them but a way of life. They accept circumstances all under the guise of political correctness with a liberal dose of 'what ever'. These same people are those that see others who like to examine circumstances around them with a critical eye as being intolerant, ignorant and yes even racist. In a word, everyone else are nothing but a bunch of xenophobes.
The recent arrival of refugees from Sri Lanka, who landed on the coast of British Columbia aboard the MV Sun Sea from Thailand has brought Canada's liberal immigration practices in question. It has also given some on the press the opportunity to call our current government, and many average Canadians as xenophobic. In a word, “Xenophobia” is an unreasonable fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers or of that which is foreign or strange.
The key here is “unreasonable” because quite frankly, there is nothing unreasonable about questioning the motives of the Tamil asylum seekers. The story behind the MV Sun Sea is littered with intrigue and slight of hand manipulation. According to published reports the MV Sun Sea was purchased by a Mr. Kunarobinson, who is reported to be connected with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam (Tamil Tigers). Kunarobinson, who disappeared after the ships purchase bought it on behalf of a shell company that came into existence only a year earlier. Further some reports have named a veteran Tamil Tiger arms smuggler known as Vinod as the Captain of the MV Sun Sea while enroute to Canada. In short, there are good reasons for officials here in Canada to vet the refugee status of everyone on board the MV Sun Sea.
So sitting on a ship off the coast of British Columbia are 500 asylum seekers from Sri Lanka, with a reported two more ships ready to set sail waiting in the wings watching to see how we accept asylum seekers from Sri Lanka.
For the Tamils choosing Canada as their place of refuge is a no-brainer. Canada has a long reputation of having an open door for people seeking refugee status. For example, in 1956, 37,000 Hungarians fleeing a failed revolution were allowed refugee status. Following close behind in 1968, 11,000 people fled to Canada from former Czechoslovakia. During the Vietnam War Era in 1971, 40,000 Americans were granted asylum and in 1999 Canada received 5,000 refugee from the war-torn Balkans. In each one of these cases the Canadian government saw good reasons to grant refugee status.
The real question here is not so much whether Canada is a caring enough country to accept these people with open arms from a country that has been waging a Sri Lankan Civil War. A war that the Tamil Tigers admitted defeat in May of 2009. But, should Canada as least stop them on the shore and place the onus on each individual to prove that they are not members of a terrorist organization of criminals, thugs and murderers? Because quite frankly I want our government to send those types of people packing.
There is enough intelligence regarding the MV Sun Sea's mission to Canada to show that the Tamil Tigers planned this excursion two years ago when it became apparent that thay had all but lost the civil war. History shows that the Tamil Tigers existance is littered with violence. They have carried out many high profile attacks including the assassinations of several high-ranking Sri Lankan and Indian politicians including Sri Lankan President Ranasinghe Premadasa in 1993, and former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991. As a terrorist organization the Tamil Tigers also pioneered the use of suicide belts. It is no surprise that they are currently identified as a terrorist organization by 32 countries.
It would be fair to say that not all the people who landed here on the MV Sun Sea are members of, or have connections with the Tamil Tigers. But to be accepted as a refugee a person has to prove they are in danger of torture and there is a risk to their life if returned to their home country. If that were the case, one would expect that previous Tamil refugees who have found safety in Canada would still live in fear of their homeland. A recent investigative report as reported by the Toronto Sun, showed that 71% of Tamil refugees here in Canada believe conditions in Sri Lanka are good enough, that they have gone back for a vacation. This report was backed up by the UN High Commissioner of Refugees who has gone on record and stated that so much has improved in Sri Lanka that no country in the world should assume that the Tamils are refugees.
So are the Tamils who are now being processed refugees or fugitives from Sri Lankan justice? I believe in light of this incident it is reasonable for Canada to strengthen the laws governing those seeking asylum and immigration status. Canada has become an easy target for foreign nationals to force our hands and circumvent proper immigration channels.
The recent arrival of refugees from Sri Lanka, who landed on the coast of British Columbia aboard the MV Sun Sea from Thailand has brought Canada's liberal immigration practices in question. It has also given some on the press the opportunity to call our current government, and many average Canadians as xenophobic. In a word, “Xenophobia” is an unreasonable fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers or of that which is foreign or strange.
The key here is “unreasonable” because quite frankly, there is nothing unreasonable about questioning the motives of the Tamil asylum seekers. The story behind the MV Sun Sea is littered with intrigue and slight of hand manipulation. According to published reports the MV Sun Sea was purchased by a Mr. Kunarobinson, who is reported to be connected with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam (Tamil Tigers). Kunarobinson, who disappeared after the ships purchase bought it on behalf of a shell company that came into existence only a year earlier. Further some reports have named a veteran Tamil Tiger arms smuggler known as Vinod as the Captain of the MV Sun Sea while enroute to Canada. In short, there are good reasons for officials here in Canada to vet the refugee status of everyone on board the MV Sun Sea.
So sitting on a ship off the coast of British Columbia are 500 asylum seekers from Sri Lanka, with a reported two more ships ready to set sail waiting in the wings watching to see how we accept asylum seekers from Sri Lanka.
For the Tamils choosing Canada as their place of refuge is a no-brainer. Canada has a long reputation of having an open door for people seeking refugee status. For example, in 1956, 37,000 Hungarians fleeing a failed revolution were allowed refugee status. Following close behind in 1968, 11,000 people fled to Canada from former Czechoslovakia. During the Vietnam War Era in 1971, 40,000 Americans were granted asylum and in 1999 Canada received 5,000 refugee from the war-torn Balkans. In each one of these cases the Canadian government saw good reasons to grant refugee status.
The real question here is not so much whether Canada is a caring enough country to accept these people with open arms from a country that has been waging a Sri Lankan Civil War. A war that the Tamil Tigers admitted defeat in May of 2009. But, should Canada as least stop them on the shore and place the onus on each individual to prove that they are not members of a terrorist organization of criminals, thugs and murderers? Because quite frankly I want our government to send those types of people packing.
There is enough intelligence regarding the MV Sun Sea's mission to Canada to show that the Tamil Tigers planned this excursion two years ago when it became apparent that thay had all but lost the civil war. History shows that the Tamil Tigers existance is littered with violence. They have carried out many high profile attacks including the assassinations of several high-ranking Sri Lankan and Indian politicians including Sri Lankan President Ranasinghe Premadasa in 1993, and former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991. As a terrorist organization the Tamil Tigers also pioneered the use of suicide belts. It is no surprise that they are currently identified as a terrorist organization by 32 countries.
It would be fair to say that not all the people who landed here on the MV Sun Sea are members of, or have connections with the Tamil Tigers. But to be accepted as a refugee a person has to prove they are in danger of torture and there is a risk to their life if returned to their home country. If that were the case, one would expect that previous Tamil refugees who have found safety in Canada would still live in fear of their homeland. A recent investigative report as reported by the Toronto Sun, showed that 71% of Tamil refugees here in Canada believe conditions in Sri Lanka are good enough, that they have gone back for a vacation. This report was backed up by the UN High Commissioner of Refugees who has gone on record and stated that so much has improved in Sri Lanka that no country in the world should assume that the Tamils are refugees.
So are the Tamils who are now being processed refugees or fugitives from Sri Lankan justice? I believe in light of this incident it is reasonable for Canada to strengthen the laws governing those seeking asylum and immigration status. Canada has become an easy target for foreign nationals to force our hands and circumvent proper immigration channels.
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