I’m Mad as Hell and I Won’t Take it Anymore

Hello all:
There has been more than a few times in my life where the sense of justice has been tweaked. Some people who seem to be able to get away with anything. They have law, (not justice) on their side and they use it to their own advantage.
Yes I’m mad, “mad” enough to actually join a “Political Party”, Of course looking for a party or movement to join presents a huge dilemma. The most prominent parties vying for our support are painted with the same brush leaving our choices limited to the “fringe parties”.
The main stream media would have you believe that there are only three choices, those that make the news. The “Greens”, the “NDP” and the“Liberals”. What about all the others?
My research brought me to a few different web sites, where most are trying to work within the present, not so good, political system. I found that our whole political structure is a scam. Vote for whomever you want, and you get what you get?
The Reform Party (now called conservatives) in Ottawa are doing no different than the opposition would in their place. The NDP would not change anything that is already there, so should we vote for the “Block”? It would seem that the “Block” has a lot to say about “our” country without a national offering.
Back to B.C. There is a movement that could make a difference in how our province, and eventually our country is run. Please have a look at the B.C. Re federation Party and “please don’t” do, as I first did, “dismiss them out of hand”. They have done extensive research, and have built a strong foundation that can support a very different and strong political platform. What they mean by different is actually that, making fundamental changes to the systems that we are presently forced to live with under the present regime.
In the last election they garnered 3748 votes and ran22 candidates. Not bad for a group that is under funded and almost totally ignored by the MSM (main stream media).
What I am asking, is that you have a good close look at this party and compare them with our other political options so that you may give me an informed opinion as to whether or not I would be crazy to back the Re federation party? You will find a plethora of information about their platform and policies under the banner heading FOUNDATION DOCUMENTS it is long, but very interesting. Here is their web site. http://refedbc.com/siteA/
Thanks for reading my rant and remember “As nightfall does not come all at once, neither does oppression. In both instances, there is twilight. And it is in such twilight that we all must be aware of change in the air, however slight, lest we become unwitting victims of the darkness”.
Alan

“AFTER FIGHT HST”

While working as a canvasser on the front lines of the “FightHST” campaign, I am both heartened and disheartened. Meeting the public and giving them their, voice through the Initiative is most gratifying because of how strongly people feel about the issue.

There are two dominant reasons that we have so many voters lined up to sign the Initiative. The main reason is the tax itself, but there are also a great many, that are simply angry over the deceit and the arrogance of Gordon Campbell and his Liberals.

Most heartening are the numbers we are seeing. This means that we will be able to make the Initiative work which, by the way, is something that the NDP, “authors” of the initiative legislation thought would be next to impossible.

What happens next is disheartening. This will be when the wishes of the B.C. voters will be relegated back into the partisan political field. The NDP are hoping for a recall in enough Electoral Districts to well secure for them, a majority government. This could be a good thing only if they get rid of the HST, something they are unwilling to commit to doing.

So, lets say we get an NDP government that inherits a bankrupt province. The deals have been made, the trade agreements are in place, and the privatization machinery is already active and all too expensive for the new NDP regime to rescind. Its best option is to continue with the HST.  Once again, nothing really changes.

Do we all have rings in our noses, so to be led, over and over, to the slaughter?  I am thinking that maybe this time we should fight back.

There may be a way out of our sheepdom but it will take a concentrated effort using alternate media to get a lot of people thinking. I say alternate media, because the mainstream media finds it more profitable to sell you a hockey game, than let you know who is in your pocket. That same pocket that is going to be picked by this tax, and that tax, and many other taxes that you don’t even know about. Do you as a taxpayer even know about the “Milligan Tax”? I would urge you to find out on your own, what a “Milligan” type of tax would mean to all of us. Please take a few minutes of your time to look at http://www.cfoss.com/milligantax.html

I am sure you will find it most edifying and it will lead you into an interesting education on the “business” of government or “the government by business.

I have personally written to the “Governor of The Bank of Canada” asking him some questions that we “all” should be interested in. I will post the letter on my blog and the answer should I get one.

Thank you for listening to my rant.

Alan

Condominium in Tuktoyaktuc

This is a response to Tom Fletchers article defending the HST.  He is the Legislature Corespondent for Black Press.

To The Editor:
Has Tom really become a defendant of the Liberal mandate, or is he only taking direction from the larger company that he freelances for? many times I have enjoyed Tom’s opinions, what happened to him with regard to the HST?
Walmart is expected to realize a minimum of 3.5 million dollars in tax savings per year. Mr. Hanson, says these savings will be reinvested in in our Provence, creating “good” paying jobs, and boosting our economy.  Should Tom be naive enough to believe that, I would personally like to sell him a retirement condominium in Tuktoyaktuc.  There he could bask in the midnight sun on a fixed income while enjoying a northern allowance on income tax and not  have to pay HST, or the “carbon tax” on his heat.
Tom himself,  will be raped of his rights as a British Columbian when the federal government takes over direct taxation.  Does he not realize, that within a few months the Government of Canada, (not to be allowed to discriminate in their treatment of one Provence over another) must raise the HST to match the highest.  I.E. 15.5%.
Mr. Gordon Campbell (who it seems will be stepping down as leader at the end of this term) is aiming for a seat in the Senate.  His reward for selling out our sovereignty?
Tom should think about it, before continuing to back those against the citizens, of our once wealthy, once independent once powerful Provence.  There are too many poor here, who’s needs are greater than those of the Wall Marts or the Royal Banks.  As for our aging population Tom himself is very close to becoming one of those “non productive senior’s” who(it would seem) in his opinion, only have worth in their bank accounts.

Alan MacKinnon
Nanaimo

Get a Loan?

Mr. Mark Carney,
Governor,
The Bank of Canada

Dear Sir:

There are a couple of questions that have been bothering me lately. I hope you will be able to answer them for me.

First, knowing that The Bank of Canada is wholly owned by the Government of Canada, does that not make, each and every citizen of Canada a shareholder? Should I be deemed a shareholder, would I not have a vote, or be able to proxy my vote on issues regarding the governance of the Bank? Lastly, but of most importance, is how the shareholders would vote for directors and on issues. By the Politicians? That would make my political vote also a proxy vote, which is like voting for apples, when oranges are the issue. Perhaps a proxy referendum, in each riding could coincide with each federal election? This would create a pool of directors from which an “Executive Board”, and then a “C.E.O.”, could be internally elected. Thus, the power would not be lying in the hands of the oftentimes, suspiciously motivated politicians.

What I, as a shareholder would like to see is a major change in how you personally, and “The Bank of Canada”, are dealing with our affairs, and our well being. Of most concern, are the multi-billions of dollars per year, that we taxpayers are required to pony up for our national debt, to foreign interests. We, the shareholders should be able to lend ourselves the money at a very low interest rate (.5 – .75%) for example, thus the debt could be payed off much sooner without pain to the already overburdened taxpayer.

Where would all of these billions of dollars come from? We all know who prints money in Canada, “we do”, under The Bank of Canada’s guidance. The creation of all this cash will have ramifications, one of which would be a slight devaluation of the Canadian Dollar, not a particularly bad thing in our present economic times. Those who would decry a move like this, are those who’s profits may suffer a slight down turn. Their concerns are not for the good of the country, but for the profits from the “economic trends” that they have “bet” money on. Those same trends, that you as Governor of the Bank of Canada have so much influence on.

Please Mr. Carney give me a good reason why we, the people of this great country should not be able to benefit from owning our own bank? The chartered banks, investment companies, insurance companies and politicians, may have a hard time with the repatriation of our debts, and the loss of their economic hold over the citizenry. Let’s use our own bank to our advantage.

Perhaps “My” bank could offer a form of RRSP independent from the ups and downs of the regular mutual fund market, without the ever present MRSP fee’s. I would like to invest in the “resources” of Canada, and realize some profits before those resources are stripped away by the Bay Street miners and foreign owners.

Should “our bank” offer a “tax free” RRSP plan to invest in, would not “The Bank of Canada” be flooded with capital, as Canadians move their capital to their own advantage. Capital that can secure a heritage for our progeny and “insulate” us from the rampant growth of multinational conquistadors.

In the immortal words of President Bush, Jr. “If you’re not for us, you’re against us”. The citizens of our once great country, would like to know that the most powerful financial institution in Canada is “for us”, and not “against us”.

You, sir are presently in a position to make some dramatic and profound differences, in how your children’s heritage, lives and wellbeing will be controlled by government, financial institutions, and multi-national corporations.

Thank you for listening to me. I look forward to your answers to my questions and most importantly your own thoughts on the subject.

Sincerely,

Alan MacKinnon
Nanaimo B.C.

I sent this on April 29th. Lets see if, or when I get an answer. We are presently paying $1,000.00 per year per Canadian on our debt.

HST will rob Peter…

To the Editor

Propaganda on the HST, brought to us by Liberal spin doctors, paints a rosy picture for our future. Of course, there are no real specifics as to how this “Hated Sales Tax” will benefit us citizens. We know that the companies which benefit most from the imposition of the HST, are the same that have been syphoning profits out of the Province, and out of the country for years. They “do not”, “have not” and “will not” return their profits to the provincial economy, rather they go to shareholders and to foreign investors. Other governments having the HST, love the increased taxes, but the citizens are not so happy, as their disposable incomes are eroded. We hear rhetoric about “creation of new jobs”.  In reality, we will see a loss of jobs as many marginal businesses fail.

Call this repressive tax “The Black Tax”, for if imposed, years of pillaging the public’s purse, to the profit of a few will ensue. George Bernard Shaw said, “A government that robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul”.

Instead of taxing the rank and file, we should look to taxing the “financially obese”. They wouldn’t even notice would they? Our society frowns on over indulgence of all types, except of course in business. Lets bring in something like the “Robin Hood Tax” and do more good than harm.

Gov’t selling surgeries

My response to Petersen’s letter.

The first paragraph says it’s unfair to sell surgery space to foreigners while not selling to Canadians.The rest of the letter goes on to suggest that B.C. residents should be able to buy services first.  This would be a defacto two-tier system.

Dear Editor:

S.I. Petersen’s letter March 16th has a great first paragraph.  Unfortunately, the letter goes on to inadvertently condone a two-tier health care system.  A system the present Provincial Government has been trying to shove down our throats for a long time now.  Should we bear the burden of lengthy surgical wait times, while having an excess of hospital and surgical capacity?  Which of us should wait, possibly to die waiting, while our “Government” sells  “excess” surgical space to the highest bidder?  Is it relevant, whether the highest bidder is a B.C. “resident” or a “foreign patient”?  What is relevant, is that it would be better for the citizens of B.C. to still reject the Two-Tier Health System.  Let those who really desire to “line jump”, do so by purchasing their care in another, “less progressive” country.   I hear that  “The United States of America” is suffering through a recession, The USA could probably use our “top tier business”  to help  reduce “its” costs and bolster “its” poor economy.  Perhaps a two tier, privatized ambulance service is next on this government’s agenda?  That way, if you lived in an affluent neighborhood, you  could “pay extra” for your service, and not have to wait for the “lowest bidder” to arrive and attend to your heart attack.

Alan MacKinnon
Nanaimo

Response to a pro HST letter

Mr Corder’s letter to the editor was very pro HST and pretty much followed the Liberal Party line.  He wrote about how the tax savings for the large companies would stimulate the economy and create a plethora of  jobs.  As we all know this is seldom the case.

Editor:
After reading Mr Corder’s letter I can only conclude that he has either plagiarized the Liberal propaganda on the HST, or that he should be hired by the liberals as a spin doctor. As I peek out above the top of my soon to be emptied purse I see a much different picture than he. The companies that will benefit most from the imposition of the “Hated Sales Tax” are the same ones that have been syphoning profits out of the Provence and out of the country for years. They “do not” “have not” and “will not” return their profit boon to the provincial economy. Profits will as usual go to shareholders and to foreign investors. Big business in the other provinces that now have the HST love their increased profits, the citizens however are not so happy. Their disposable incomes have been severely eroded. While we hear all the rhetoric about the creation of jobs in actuality we will see a loss of jobs as many restaurants fail and other marginal businesses have to close their doors throwing both the employees and the owners on the street. Instead of taxing the rank and file even more, we should look at taxing the “financially obese”. They wouldn’t even notice would they? Our society frowns on over indulgence of all types, except of course in business. Lets bring in something like the “Robin Hood Tax” and do a good and worthwhile thing for all the citizens of the province.

Alan MacKinnon

Nanaimo

Benefits of HST outweigh downside?

RE-Jim Corder letter to the editor Thursday march 11

Mr Corders’  letter was very pro” Hated Sales Tax”.  I was compelled to respond.

To the Editor

After reading Mr Corder’s letter I can only conclude that he has either plagiarized the Liberal propaganda on the HST, or that he should be hired by the liberals as a spin doctor. As I peek out above the top of my soon to be emptied purse I see a much different picture. The companies that will benefit most from the imposition of the “Hated Sales Tax” are the same ones that have been syphoning profits out of the Provence and out of the country for years. They “do not” “have not” and “will not” return their profit boon to the provincial economy. Profits will as usual go to shareholders and to foreign investors. Big business in the other provinces that now have the HST love their increased profits, the citizens however are not so happy. Their disposable incomes have been severely eroded. While we hear all the rhetoric about the creation of jobs in actuality we will see a loss of jobs as many restaurants fail and other marginal businesses have to close their doors throwing both the employees and the owners on the street. Instead of taxing the rank and file even more, we should look at taxing the financially obese. They wouldn’t even notice would they? Our society frowns on over indulgence of all types, except of course in business. Lets bring in something like the “Robin Hood Tax” and do a good and worthwhile thing for all the citizens of the province.

Alan MacKinnon

Nanaimo B.C.

“The War on Poverty”

The “ war on Poverty”

Homeless people, food banks, soup kitchens, hampers for this, hampers for that, donations, gifts and taking care of those whose resources have been exhausted. Combine this with Spiralling taxes, loss of jobs, Government cut backs and lack of support services and we now have a greater number of poor, unemployed, under employed and working poor than any other province in Canada. B.C. Is one of the most resource rich provinces so where are we going wrong?

The numbers suggest that we are loosing “The War on Poverty” at an ever increasing rate. Perhaps we should fall back, regroup, revise our strategies and start again. This time instead of a war on poverty we could institute a “War on Wealth”. The real wealth of our province is, and has been over the years concentrated into the hands of a few. Can we turn the tide on this concentrated flow of wealth to the Rich? Is there a way to realize social progress, sustainability and quality of life for all? Lets rally around the “rag”(flag) and fight the War on Wealth so that we may eventually be able to disband the Food Banks.

Perhaps instead of helping the wealthy with the “Hated Sales Tax” we could impose a “tariff” on “Financial Obesity” This would still give the government its desired income without again taking from those in our society who can least afford it.

Alan MacKinnon

Nanaimo

CYCLISTS DISTRACT FROM REAL IMPACT OF H.S.T.

Re-Cyclists rally against the H.S.T.

Are these people on the right track?  I don’t think so.   After protesting about how the H.S.T. will adversely effect the green and ecologically sound use of bicycles,  our government may well respond.  Even though the bikers are a relatively small and mostly insignificant group, they make headlines and use the governments favorite buzz words.  Lets save the “Green”,  ” carbon Free” “Planet” for the bikers, while the draconian H.S.T. eats into our economic recovery.  Yes the cyclist with the fancy spandex suit may not having to pay the H.S.T.  on the very expensive “cycle”.  The tax on their coffee and cruller after the ride is  negligible?  Should they join the rest of us who know that this tax is, “black” not “green” and needs to be fought on all levels?  Let them get their “green” heads out of the sand and get a grip on what the new “Black Tax” really means the majority of our B.C.  citizens.

Alan MacKinnon
Nanaimo