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Post by penneme on Apr 26, 2006 13:10:34 GMT -5
On the lowering the flag and not allowing media to televise the coming home, I think its really wrong. Some of us Canadians do not support the troops being there in the first place. But when our Canadian soliders are killed on foreign soil, the very least we can do is lower the flag to show respect to them and their families from the rest of the Canada and the government. As for not allowing the media at Trenton, that too is just wrong. Some Canadians view this as a way to say goodbye to proud men who died so that we can realize just how great we have it in Canada. Since the Harper governement has taken over, he has limited our right to know what is going on with our own government. He is a control freak and this one along with his other goof ups might be enough to bring his government down. Just one Canadian's opinion.
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Post by ROADRUNNER 12 on Apr 26, 2006 22:34:00 GMT -5
Flying half-mast or Harper keeping the media off DND property at CFB Trenton with the arrival of the latest four casualties of war - just what I've written for my May 1 editorial. Will post it on Thursday here. Harper has also muzzled the military brass, vetting any speeches a general wants to make. Moreover, even his own ministers must go through the PMO's office to speak out on their specialties. Too funny, me being a media guy.
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Post by penneme on Apr 27, 2006 8:21:29 GMT -5
Jules ........I cant wait to read your article..I think we as Canadians have a right to now what our government is doing and stiffling members of parliament and military brass is wrong. Canadians elected Harper, so shouldnt he listen to what we have to say. I was one of thousands who signed the online petition for recall David Emerson, and that got us nowhere, so lets make our voices heard with the Media.
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Post by ROADRUNNER 12 on Apr 27, 2006 12:57:03 GMT -5
Flag flap in Ottawa thanks to the PMO's office and our new PM, static Stephen Harper. Here's my editorial for the May 1 edition out here in central Alberta:
Lowering flags to half-mast when a Canadian soldier is killed in Afghanistan has been the norm out of respect for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country. But the recent death of four soldiers following a roadside bomb attack will see this practice cease in Ottawa. Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government has decided to return to an 80-year tradition — abandoned by the previous Liberal administration — which stated flags would not be lowered to half-mast for every military casualty. Instead, the flag will be lowered on Nov. 11, Remembrance Day. Call the stoppage of flag lowering poorly timed for Harper. Lowering the flag to half-mast did occur after the friendly-fire incident in 2002. This practice would become impractical as Canada becomes more involved in the Afghanistan conflict, according to retired major-general Lewis MacKenzie. “We may one day need to distinguish between the one soldier killed in a car accident and the 20 who die when their Black Hawk helicopter gets shot down.” While parents of soldiers killed when a U.S. plane dropped a bomb on a contingent of Canadian soldiers holding a night exercise are upset, it’s the government’s call. Shane Brennan, who survived the friendly-fire carnage, acknowledged, “I don’t care if it has to stay at half-mast for 300 days a year, we can’t hide from this war.” Aside from the flag issue, Harper is now asking CFB Trenton to ban media from covering the repatriation ceremony on DND property. It’s not about a photo op, he said, but to protect families in their time of grief. Is Harper following the lead of the Americans not showing dead troops arriving back on Canadian soil in order to reduce fallout from a conflict that so far has claimed 15 Canadian soliders and one diplomat? It’s his call after all, but one that might come back to haunt his minority government.
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Post by ROADRUNNER 12 on Apr 27, 2006 13:01:08 GMT -5
An editorial I called: Military Muzzle.
Being an air force brat and growing up on bases thanks to my late father's 28-year career that started with the RCAF, later to be called CAF, anything military often tugs at my memories. Living on the base, whether Trenton or Comox, BC, great memories. A community within a community. I still take pride in being called an "airforce brat", not to be confused with navy or army. Though we did live on an army base in Kinston back in the early 70s, before moving to North Bay and my dad working underground (a NORAD base). Trenton was the last posting.
So, here's the editorial that ran April 25.
What message is our new PM sending when he slaps a muzzle on the Canadian military, forbidding the generals from speaking to the media for fear of detracting attention from his government’s top priorities? Perfect fodder for the talent on CBC’s This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Rick Mercer’s Report or Air Farce if they to write a sketch. Let’s call it censorship of the military, not allowing the brass, whether navy, army or air force, to discuss military matters with the press. Where does this leave Maj. Laurie Kannegieser, a military spokeswoman based in Ottawa? Gagged and unable to speak with reporters? Chief of Defence Gen. Rick Hillier was asked to see Stephen Harper. During his visit he was told all of his speaking engagements had to be approved and his speeches will be vetted by PMO staff. Besides Hillier being muzzled, he was advised his own top generals, commodores and admirals must comply with the PMO directive, too. Moreover, besides not being able to hold a press conference to talk about military matters with the press, all media interview requests must be cleared with the PMO first. Guess what? So far all requests for interviews have been turned down by Harper’s staff. I guess our exposure to what’s happening with Canadian soldiers in Afganistan will be limited. No interviews with soldiers the next time a peer is killed by a suicide bomber. No stories on soldiers coming home after a tour of duty. The PMO is looking to keep our military on a leash by not allowing them to talk with the press without getting permission first. If a speaking engagement is granted, then the soldier giving the talk must first have Tory staffers vet their speeches. Laughable yes. But Harper’s in charge now. Get used to it.
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Post by penneme on Apr 28, 2006 6:36:37 GMT -5
Great article Jules. My dad was in the military altho we never lived on a base, so I too am a military brat. The article touched bases on everything we have come to accept as our rights as a Canadian. Too bad Mr. Harper wasnt more in touch with some of the people he is supposed to represent as our President..oops Prime Minister(LOL). I keep getting him and War Monger Bush confused.
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Post by Teresa O'Neil on Apr 28, 2006 7:41:07 GMT -5
GREAT ARTICLES BIG BROTHER. I PERSONALLY FOUND IT VERY UPSETTING WHEN HARPER MADE IN MY OPINION TWO OF THE WORST DECISIONS SINCE BEING ELECTED. IT IS VERY INAPPROPRIATE TO MAKE SUCH A DECISION TO SUDDENLY STOP LOWERING THE FLAG-HOW DISRESPECTFUL TO THOSE FOUR SOLDIERS AND THEIR FAMILIES. THE MESSAGE FROM THAT CHOICE MUST MAKE THOSE FAMILIES FEEL THEIR SONS WERE NOT VALUED AS OTHERS WERE. AND KEEPING THE MEDIA OUT OF THE BASE AND SAYING IT IS FOR THE FAMILIES-YOU WANT TO BET HE DID NOT ASK THOSE FAMILIES OR THE ONES IN THE PAST WHO HAD MEDIA IN AND ALLOWED CANADIANS THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE SUPPORTIVE TO THESE SOLDIERS AND THEIR FAMILES IN THE ONE WAY WE CAN=THRU THE MEDIA. MY DAUGHTERS AND I WERE BY THE BASE SEVERAL TIMES AS THE FOUR SOLDIERS WERE FLOWN IN/LANDED HERE AT CFB TRENTON. IT WAS VERY EMOTIONAL TO SEE ALL THE MEDIA VANS OUTSIDE THE FENCES WITH THEIR DISHES/CAMERAS AND WHATEVER ELSE EQUIPMENT AND SURROUNDING THEM-MANY MANY CANADIANS, FLAGS AND SO MUCH SUPPORT FOR THESE FAMILIES. AND I THINK THAT IS WHAT WILL HELP THESE FAMILIES AND OTHER CANADIANS GET THRU THIS. A FAMILY FROM 2002 SPOKE OF HOW THE MEDIA WAS SO SUPPORTING AND THE WAY CANADIANS RESPONDED WHEN THEIR SON WAS FLOWN HOME TO CFB TRENTON. THEY SAID ALL OF THESE THINGS HELPED THEM GET THRU SUCH A HARD TIME AND BEGIN A HEALING PROCESS. THE FATHER SAID DRIVING ALONG THE 401 WITH HIS SONS BODY AND ALL THE CANADIANS PULLED OVER OUT OF RESPECT TO THEIR SON/FAMILY. TO ME THAT IS HUGE. WITHOUT THE MEDIA, CANADIANS WOULD NOT HAVE KNOWN WHAT WAS HAPPENING , WHERE TO BE AND /OR WHAT TO DO. AND THIS PARTICULAR FAMILY SAID CANADIANS TO THIS DAY ARE PROVIDING SUPPORT TO THEM IN MANY WAYS. IN MY OPINION HARPER IS DOING THE FAMILIES OF THESE FOUR SOLDIERS A DISSERVICE
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Post by John Fulton 71 to 75 on Apr 29, 2006 8:11:08 GMT -5
My dad was in the air force...his grandfather was in world war 1..i went to chilliwack in 1976 in the officer candidate training plan(octp) but did not make it. i joined the police force later on in 76 and 30 years later in a profession that has changed so much i still serve my community to the best of my ability. whether we agree with being in afghanistan or not, the men and woman who serve in the armed forces have taken an oath to protect their country, their fellow citizens. It is not something taken lightly and those who do not understand the idea of a profession of possible sacrifice of doing what must be done and are in the armed services should not be there. it is not a job. it is an honourable profession and every death diminishes each of us. we must honour each and every soldier who gives their life for their country. the soldier depends on the leaders to make wise and caring decisions... the soldiers duty is to carry out those orders even if it puts him in harms way.....that is the unspoken pact that sometimes is forgotten by those in power.....as citizens of this country we must if necessary call our leaders onto the carpet and force them to answer for their bad or uncaring orders by either writing to them, refusing to vote for them or in whatever way your conscience leads you. we cannot stand by and remain mute.... i have seen too much of that in 30yrs but i still hope for and work towards a better future we who still look at being a policeman as a profession have made sure that the flags are at half mast at toronto police stations as a show of support and understanding. sorry i am not sure how well my thoughts translate to words...am more used to describing crime than trying to explain something i feel so strongly about. john fulton 71-75
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Post by penneme on Apr 29, 2006 8:40:34 GMT -5
Very well put John, all Canadians owe these fine soliders a debt of honor and its time the government started realizing had it not been for these men being in Afghanistan on behalf of all Canadians and the government then they would still be alive. Do the right thing and contact your member of parliament and voice your concerns.
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Post by penneme on Apr 29, 2006 8:48:38 GMT -5
While we are on a political trip here... Lets talk about the price of gas. Does anyone remember back in the 70's and 80's the price of gas or home heating oil? I find it very distasteful for big oil companies to jack up the price of gas they have already purchased at a lower price simply because the price of a barrel of oil has risen the day before. And how about the Prime Ministers stance now that he has been given the country to run? When it opposition he pledged to lower taxes on gas when it hit over 85 cents a litre. Now that he has been elected its"We are doing about it, SO GET USED TO IT" We as Canadians pay the government millions a day in Gas tax revenue and GST on gas purchases. Where would he be if Canadians across the country had a DONT BUY GAS DAY.. and think of the millions oil companies would lose in just 1 day. As Alumni I think we can spread the message to all Canadians that not purchasing gas or oil products for 1 day can send a message to the government and oil companies that we are not gonna "JUST GET USED TO IT" So lets pick a day and get our alumni friend Jules to help us out.. Send emails to big newspapers and get them to help out with the cause as well. For once lets stand up.. We cant change the government but we can send a rippling effect to them and the oil companies.. What does everyone think?
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Post by Sarah Turnbull ('85) on Apr 29, 2006 9:04:35 GMT -5
Well said John!
All Canadians who have dedicated theirs lives to our security whether it be military or police service are 'owed a debt of continuous gratitude'. Without your sacrifices Canadians would not be afforded the luxury of a secure state in which to vent our frustrations over the price of gas and government accountability.
To all of you who are or were involved in the security of this nation
'THANK YOU'
and God bless you for going out there every day to serve and protect even when some of us don't deserve it.
Sarah
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Post by Wanda Fry (Goodall) on Apr 29, 2006 17:29:53 GMT -5
ok without getting political here -
I am more upset about the record profits the gas companies are making and the taxes on it that don't go to where it's supposed to go to.
as far as the military- hmmmmmmmm well as one who has been on the inside of it and been around it all my life, I just find it frustrating the way it's been treated all around for years.
Think about the OLD seakings or the aurora's that break down all the time or the tanks that we don't have or that they don't replace. Maybe changes are coming.
As far as the media, I am on the fence on that one. I just remember that someone had to hideout in her own place b/c she was being hounded by media wanting pictures. Her hubby was just killed and she is camping out..something wrong with that picture. I just don't have a problem with them being kicked off the base. I just don't......
I just think that the families should have the last final goodbye. They are the ones who give up everyday for the military and yes it's their job and they chose it...there are lots of arguements for both sides.
When I joined up in 81 almost the first thing you were told was be careful what you say because if you say the wrong thing you could have career implications so that isn't a new thing.
As far as the flag-as long as they are bringing coffins home it should be lowered. We have to stay focused as long as Canadians are at war. Funny this is on this site b/c hubby just asked me what I thought if he had to go......
Just my opinion ;D
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Post by John Fulton 71 to 75 on Apr 29, 2006 20:54:07 GMT -5
wanda I think the media has to take a step back and think about the families first.....yes i think it should be covered...but not in the "feeding frenzy" style that has been coming out of toronto lately...i have seen too many interviews where the media have no respect for family friends and other persons involved in tragic events. not to mention how editing has changed answers and questions totally out of context. Approach the subject with Dignity and respect. how about the golden rule....the media should think how they would react to the hounding if the shoe were on the other foot. john fulton ps wanda funny you should mention the auroras...my dad went to los angeles for 2 years to help design the telecom systems in the aurora at boeing...that was 26 27 years ago...lol i guess they are old.
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Post by Wanda Fry (Goodall) on Apr 29, 2006 23:05:21 GMT -5
Hi John! yes that is exactly what I am saying. Thanks for that! I do believe in freedom of speech, what are we fighing for? I just think that we should be careful, you think the enemy are NOT watching? You bet they are I know as a spouse what I would want and I would NOT want to be hounded by the media. I would not want cameras stuck in my child's face and ask them what they feel like to lose their daddy..come on..... I just shake my head at some of the goings on around here. People need to realize that these men go over for 6 months but the real work is done 6 months before they go. Between the months and months of training, making sure power of attorneys are legal and making sure that wills are up to date, explaining to kids why daddy has to go away for 6 months and they won't be able to play. Emotions are high( and getting higher especially for families) for a long time and the media frenzy is NOT wanted and if families want to talk, then at least give them a choice. ok stepping down now I was in Greenwood working around the auroras and they are a nice plane. Beats riding in that herc!!!! That's great your dad was involved!!! Great piece of info there, thanks. and now back to watching Calgary beat the crap out of the Ducks in the third period of the hockey game ;D
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Post by penneme on Apr 30, 2006 16:54:57 GMT -5
Subject: GAS PRICES
Join the resistance!!!! Do it now!
I hear we are going to hit close to $1.40 LITRE by next summer and it might go higher!! Want gasoline prices to come down? We need to take some intelligent, united action. Phillip Hollsworth offered this good idea. This makes MUCH MORE SENSE than the "don't buy gas on a certain day" campaign that was going around last April or May! The oil companies just laughed at that because they knew we wouldn't continue to "hurt" ourselves by refusing to buy gas. It was more of an inconvenience to us than it was a problem for them. BUT, whoever thought of this idea, has come up with a plan that can really work. Please read on and join with us!
By now you're probably thinking gasoline priced at about $1.00 is super cheap. Me too! It is currently $1.10 PER LITRE in my town. Now that the oil companies and the OPEC nations have conditioned us to think that the cost of a LITRE of gas is CHEAP at $99.5-$1.02.7, we need to take aggressive action to teach them that BUYERS control the marketplace..not sellers.
With the price of gasoline going up more each day, we consumers need to take action. The only way we are going to see the ice of gas come down is if we hit someone in the pocketbook by not purchasing their gas! And, we can do that WITHOUT hurting ourselves. How?
Since we all rely on our cars, we can't just stop buying gas. But we CAN have an impact on gas prices if we all act together to force a price war.
Here's the idea: For the rest of this year, DON'T purchase ANY gasoline from the three biggest companies (which now are PETRO CANADA , ESSO and SHELL. If they are not selling any gas, they will be inclined to reduce their prices. If they reduce their prices, the other companies will have to follow suit. But to have an impact, we need to reach literally millions of gas buyers. It's really simple to do! Now, don't wimp out on me at this point...keep reading and I'll explain how simple it is to reach millions of people!!
I am sending this note to 10 people. If each of us send it to at least ten more ... And those people send it to at least ten more and so on, by the time the message reaches the seventh group of people, we will have reached a 10 million consumers.! Again, all you have to do is send this to 10 people. That's all! (If you don't understand how we can reach 300 million and all you have to do is send this to 10 people.... Well, let's face it, you just aren't a mathematician. But I am so trust me on this one.)
How long would all that take? If each of us sends this e-mail out to ten more people within one day of receipt, everyone who has email could conceivably be contacted within the next 8 days!!! I'll bet you didn't think you and I had that much potential, did you! Acting together we can make a difference.
If this makes sense to you, please pass this message on. I suggest that we not buy from PETRO-CAN/ESSO/SHELL UNTIL THEY LOWER THEIR PRICES TO THE $0.88 RANGE AND KEEP THEM DOWN. THIS CAN REALLY WORK.
If you want to help out copy and paste this into a email and send it to 10 people you know and remind them to send it on to 10 more.
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