Libertarian in Labrador

On May 13 the people of Labrador will go to the polls to vote for their representative in a federal by-election. Anyone who has been following the story this past month or so, have heard the names of Conservative candidate Peter Penashue - who triggered the election by resigning from his elected post after a spending scandal, just to run again - Yvonne Jones, the Liberal candidate, and Harry Borlase of the NDP. There is one name however, that we've not heard much about - Norman Andrews, Libertarian Candidate.

Norman was bit later than the previously mentioned three in tossing his hat in the ring. Most people didn't know he had until the deadline day for candidates. Perhaps Norman didn't even know for certain until that day, I'm not sure. None the less, the hat was tossed in time, and the fine people of Labrador have four choices when they head out to vote, not just the main three that everyone is talking about.

For me personally, though I'm not in Labrador, I'm extremely ecstatic over this development. Libertarianism is a set of political philosophies that I've come to identify with over the past number of years - though I do lean more towards Libertarian-Socialism over Anarchism, as a note. Not in my wildest imagination did I expect a candidate representing those ideals would pop up in Labrador, or anywhere else in the Province for that matter; not yet anyway. I do realize that Libertarianism is quickly breaking into the mainstream as more and more people are coming to find, and agree with, this set of ideals. I really didn't expect it to hit so close to home, though I'm extremely happy it did. Not only does it provide the people a brand new choice but, selfishly, it provides me with an extra boost to freely discuss, debate, and promote this set of ideals as well.

I'm sure I'll have far more to say on Libertarianism - either here or on my Liberty Manifesto Blog - but if you are reading this and interested in a new vision for our country, I do recommend you check out the Libertarian Party of Canada website. Their platform and any other information you may want to read is clearly listed there, and I suggest you follow that up with some research elsewhere on the philosophy. You may quickly realize that this set of ideals is somewhat unique, and the party that represents it in Canada is basically the only one in our country that has a completely different vision. The rest are all stuck in neutral, playing the same old tired politics that are obviously failing us all. If you happen to like what you read - and again, I don't suggest you stop with just that party website - give Norman Andrews a vote of confidence by selecting him and the Libertarian Party of Canada in the Labrador by-election. I certainly would at this point.

Norman can be found on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/NormanAndrewsCandidate
He can also be found on Twitter here: @BigLandMan
He also has his own blog here: http://labradorpower.blogspot.ca/

Tell The Newfoundlanders

Back in mid November of last year, I participated in a rally which the People's Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador initiated. It was in response to the 'death of democracy' in this province, mostly regarding the handling of Hydro mega-project Muskrat Falls. After a march from Harbourside Park to the Colonial Building on that cold day, everyone gathered to listen to a few speeches by some well known people. One of those people was Greg Malone, who opened things up with an incredible and passionate speech about state of democracy in Newfoundland throughout history. It was quite a treat. It was later this day that I learned that he was releasing a book on that very topic. One could assume that taking part in this rally was a way to promote said book but, from what I remember, he didn't mention it during the rally. Regardless, it's perhaps no surprise that I immediately added 'Don't Tell The Newfoundlanders' to my list of books to read.

Fast forward a few months to now, where I have the book read. I finished it this past weekend and, though I was anxious to start discussing, I wanted to digest the information that I just input into my brain first. Those who have read it would probably agree that much contemplation takes place while reading this, and perhaps long after for some.

First and foremost I want to thank Greg for bringing this conversation to the forefront. It's an important discussion for us all to have, and without books like these I'm not sure we'd be having it. Whatever one thinks about Newfoundland's joining of Canada, the facts regarding that important event must be known. Sure, Greg does indeed dive into some theory within these pages, but the actual proof that is provided via correspondence between key figures, should be enough to solidify the thought that outside forces conspired to ensure Newfoundland join the dominion of Canada. Those who already knew this information will surely feel encouragement in Malone's work, and those who have never heard this idea before will possibly be outraged. I'm somewhere in the middle.

What I love most about this addition to the history of Newfoundland, is the historic ideas that it puts into our consciousness. I believe it's rare for any of us to really look back at history, and ponder what times were like at different periods. In this book we get to think about a time before being part of Canada, before Newfoundland and Labrador as it stands today. Inserting into the public consciousness words like Responsible Government is nothing but a good thing. Good or bad, having increased thoughts of a time without the centralized government of Canada controlling - some say destroying -  this beautiful Province, Country, is in some ways pushing me into 'Free Newfoundland' mentality. I mean, is it time to really start discussing secession?

Malone doesn't dive into where we go from here in this book though; He sticks to how we got here. To me, I think it's an incredible addition to the public consciousness of our Province. It's a must read, I must say. Tell the Newfoundlanders.

Template Tinkering

Phew, that feels good. It's been quite some time that I've thinking about getting some tinkering done around these parts, but just haven't been able to find the time. I decided tonight that I couldn't wait any longer to apply a new, cleaner template, and just dug in to get it done. Now that everything is reorganised in a way I'm happy with - for now; I'm sure there will be further tinkering - I feel good that it's done and over with. A good cleaning never hurt anything, and the sense of accomplishment is always lovely!

A 'Known Critics' Broken Heart

While it is no surprise to learn that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador pays agencies - or internal communications people perhap - to monitor media outlets, even the social kind such as Twitter, learning that you classified as a "Known Critic" in said monitoring documents is quite interesting. A fellow blogger over at 'Labradore' posted a document yesterday, which was a media monitoring report that he managed to acquire after filing an access to information request. I'll repost below:

MediaMonitoring.pdf by labradore

What is most enlightening for me about seeing this document - besides knowing that money is wasted by people perusing Twitter - is that Bill 29 obviously does not protect any of the public. It is rather strange to me that, of the information hat has been redacted in this document, the names of the citizens listed here were not. At the very least, however one feels about this behaviour, every name should have been considered sensitive and redacted. Sure, some people will argue that all the information was public anyway, but it wasn't publicly branded this way - as a 'Known Critic', for example.

I'm not upset over this classification as I'm quite proud to be engaged politically, but what I don't understand is that my Government fails to engage we critics back in any way. All the emails I've sent are rarely replied to - and none with any substance. I'm even blocked on Twitter by some MHA's, who I can only assume do not want to publicly face questions from a 'Known Critic'. Why am I not questioned as to why I am a critic, or sought out for my reasons as to why I think the way I do? It makes no sense to me. Without engaging me or us, this whole document seems pointless and - yes I'll use the term - Big Brother like.

To be honest though, I've given up trying to understand the current Government and again, I'm certainly not surprised to be listed in this document. I am quite vocal after all, both publicly via social media and privately via email to my supposed leaders and representatives. During the time this media monitoring report was being compiled, I was quite active sending emails - and you know what? I think I'll share one of those here now seeing it's in my mind. This one was sent to MHA's on November 23rd, 2012:

I watched as many Arab and African nations had their resources stripped from them by greedy corporations propped up by corrupt governments, before raging in the streets demanding change. I thought then "I'm lucky to live in North America".

I watched as the criminal banking elite drove US citizens out of their homes and into recession after horrendous behaviour in the stock markets back in (and prior to) 2008. I thought "I'm lucky to live in Canada".

I watched as Stephen Harper has taken the reigns and pushed Canada so far back on the world stage that my head is spinning. From being held in contempt, to the prorogations, to the spending in G20 meetings and combat missions all over the world, to the recent public service lay-offs  Canada is so unrecognisable to what I once knew it to be. Even then I was about to think, "At least I live in Newfoundland and Labrador".

Now. Now this. This 'Government'. I've never been so ashamed in my 34 years of living. I've never been so scared for the future either. I'm so appalled by how our 'leaders' are ramming through a nearly 8 Billion dollar project without any review, debate, or care in the world. As each day goes on, I see more darkness. As each day goes on I lose faith in not only this government, but this project as well. Where I once was a supporter, I now fear what is hidden. Moreover, I fear what WILL be hidden in the future, what may be rammed down our throats without transparency and accountability... and this in Newfoundland and Labrador, the last safe haven on earth.

You people are breaking my heart.

And believe me, it's only gotten worse. A broken heart has turned into absolute anger. This 'Known Critic' CAN NOT wait for 2015...

Oh, and if you are wondering, yes, I did send them all an email on this 'Known Critic' stuff. Don't hold your breath for a response though. I'm not.

Two More Kings Down

In my quest to read everything that Stephen King has ever written - which is a feat not easily done considering how often King releases new material - two more have been ticked off the list. I'm not going to bother to write any reviews per se, as I don't want to spoil too much for anyone, but I will note the achievement.

'11/22/63' was the first of the two recent works that I completed, and was one of the best fiction books that I read in my life. I realize that I am extremely biased towards my favourite authors works - though can be critical too, as anyone who heard me talk about Insomnia can agree - but, that doesn't take away from the fact that it was a tremendous piece of work. I couldn't put it down on most nights... but of course, that had something to do with having 'Wind Through the Keyhole' waiting for me as well. Even without that book waiting in the wings however, '11/22/63' was a whiz of a read. The characters, story, pacing, everything about it was delicious, let alone the fact that it surrounded one of my favourite characters - um, people - in history. For King lovers or even those who've never read a word of his before, I highly recommend this book.

With regards to 'Wind Trough the Keyhole', I was super excited to jump back into the world of Roland and the gang. The very next night after finishing - and it might have been the same night now that I think about it - I cracked this book open. After finishing the main seven novels of the Dark Tower series a few years ago now, I was anxious to see what King was going to add to the world(s). Like everyone else, I was rather surprised that he opted to dive back into that world at all, though I suspect it's difficult for him to not do so after being in there for so long. Regardless, I was quite ecstatic to have it as an addition to the epic tale. I will say however, that I was tad disappointed to discover that it was less about Roland and his Ka-Tet than I would have liked. This book was more of a tale from the Gunslinger - a tale within a tale at that. With only minor disappointment in realizing only brief moments at the beginning and end were about the main group, I did very much enjoy the book. It seems I got through it very quickly and I do love that world that Stephen has created. It was truly a treat to enter that world again. For DT fans, I suggest you check it out. For those who haven't read the series yet, I'd personally wait until the end to tackle this one, even though it takes place between books 4 and 5. Read as they were released I say. That's my suggestion anyway. Maybe it's better the other way, who knows?

So that's two more complete... and I have no idea what I'll tackle next. I have time to think about it anyway as I have several not Stephen King books piled up bedside which I need to read first.

Just Say NO to Fracking in NL

Special thank you to Gordon (via Znews) for creating this poster and spending time raising awareness of the horrible practice of Fracking. We must not let this enter our Province!

Idle No More in St. John's

I had the extreme pleasure yesterday of observing (and supporting) a local Idle No More demonstration, which was intended to be part of a larger #J11 Global Day of Action. The flash mob drum circle demonstration in St. John's was postponed to a day later due to an epic blizzard which shut down the city. This didn't stop people from showing up to the Avalon Mall the next day in support though, as it was estimated that 200 people or more were taking part, supporting, and/or watching. I took some pictures while I was there including this one below (which happened to be used in a CBC article, credited as 'Twitter', LoL) shows the crowd, and does not even include those who gathered behind where I was standing:

Though the drumming and singing was peaceful, beautiful and quite inspiring, it's difficult to state that everything went smoothly. It appears that the security were set to shut things down before it even started. When I showed up about 10 minutes before everything was about to start, I was informed that the organizers were told to move along, that they were not allowed to drum and sing or gather where they were. It was rather shocking to me that, while the mall is privately owned, that they would want to dismantle this free entertainment... let alone push aside potential customers (who mostly all disbanded after to buy coffee or whatever else their hearts desired). To me, this was a silly move. I mean, have the owners, manager or security not been following this global story? Have they not realized that no other mall in Canada dismantled similar actions (that I've read or seen)?

In the end, there was some co-operation (thankfully) and the group were allowed to stay, for 2 or 3 brief songs before being asked to leave.

Though everyone was very much enjoying what they were witnessing and before organizers were even able to say a few words about the action and movement, the group was kicked outside into the wet cold sleety rain and snow. The group peacefully complied and they walked, while drumming, to the outside as a mass of supporters followed them.

They group drummed a couple more songs in the freezing wet rain and finished things off with a brief speech on what the movement was about while handing out flyer's and other reading material. I get the feeling that everything would have lasted a little longer had everyone not been getting soaked, but the spirits of all stayed high despite even that.

I'm extremely glad I got to witness the beginning actions for a local manifestation of a worldwide movement. Idle No More will not be going away any time soon by the looks of things, and I'm very much looking forward to where things go locally from here. I will personally be in full support!

To end things off, here's a few more pics should you be interested:

There is also some video footage of the event posted on YouTube if you're interested in searching for it. I do recommend checking it out!