NL Cabinet Ministers Actively Campaigning for ABC (VOCM reports)

"As we head into the home stretch of the federal election campaign, things are heating up. Former PC cabinet minister Jim Morgan says he saw three provincial cabinet ministers in Conception Bay North today campaigning against Fabian Manning.

He wonders if they're doing on the taxpayers' dime, or if they've taken a leave of absence.

On VOCM BackTalk with Bill Rowe this afternoon, Morgan says Trevor Taylor, Jerome Kennedy and Tom Hedderson were in the Bay Roberts area. Morgan has a summer home in Cupids. Taylor makes no apologies for campaigning against Stephen Harper during daytime hours."
(VOCM)

Jerome Kennedy takes care of matters concerning Justice for Newfoundland and Labrador

Trevor Taylor is Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development and Minister Responsible for the Rural Secretariat, and acting Minister of Fisheries as well.

Tom Hedderson is Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs; and Minister Responsible for the Volunteer and Non-Profit Sector

Layton and the NDP on Course for the Par

Jack Layton must have been pleased with the good weather this morning at the Admiral's Green Clubhouse. That's where he made a campaign speech today on his second stop in the province since the campaign started. Layton was surrounded by local candidates Ryan Cleary, Jack Harris, Randy Dawe, provincial NDP leader Lorraine Michael, and supporters holding signs that read "We will defeat Harper", and "United with Layton."

Layton's message was much the same as his debate points - that the NDP is the team to trust and replace Harper; that there will be no more tax breaks for the Exxons, like Harper gave to that company to drill in the tar sands; more jobs in Canada as opposed to exporting them overseas; and that he will improve health care by funding the hiring of more doctors and health professionals.

Asked by a reporter if he thinks the NDP will surpass the record 43 seats attained by Ed Broadbent in the 1988 election. Layton replied that "that is axiomatic, when you're hoping to be Prime Minister." Layton has some reason to be optimistic. His debate performance has gotten good reviews, and his party's rating is almost on par with the Liberals. He pointed the finger several times at Stephane Dion in the leaders debate Thursday night, and reiterated today that Dion has not been an effective Opposition leader against Stephen Harper.

The arrival of the NDP frontman was also welcome news for St. John's South-Mount Pearl candidate Ryan Cleary, as well. Cleary is hoping to increase his support enough to catch, then pass current riding leader Siobhan Coady. They're both well known candidates and the campaign will be very interesting to watch on election night. Merv Wiseman is running for the Conversatives, and at this point has the greatest challenge on his hands.

Not having met him before, with only some familiarity of his background as editor of The Independent, and through reading a range of opinions here in the blogosphere, Mr. Cleary obliged this blogger with a few minutes of his time. No recordings or scribbles taken, just a quick chat. When asked why he is running, he described his desire to help people who are struggling, impoverished and needed help. He described himself as being a strong advocate for the province.

It's hard to really know someone in just a few minutes but to use a Brian Tobin-type pronouncement phrase, I will say this: Cleary may indeed be a good fit for the NDP team. He seems to have a social conscience and is drawn to the NDP's angle of championing for equality. Cleary did say he held other common beliefs with the NDP stance, such as gay marriage, and being pro-choice. While he is representing the party now, he has been criticized for colorful remarks about the NDP in the past. Whether he gave into a writer's temptation to add some flair to his writings, or just told it as he saw it, that's for him to respond to.

In person, this Indy-P was approachable, mild mannered and seemed to possess sincere caring qualities. That particular soft skill is one which helps candidates get elected. But first he has to close the polling gap with Siobhan Coady. Then in nine days time, we'll see if the NDP leader's visit today will have boosted his chances and have a positive effect for him, Harris and the other NDP candidates in the province.

Layton's Debate Performance Causing an Orange Shift?

As mentioned in my previous post on the leaders' debate Thursday night, NDP leader Jack Layton was strong, and may have given some "on the fence" voters more reason to switch to NDP. This lone Canadian suggested immediately after the debate that both Elizabeth May and Layten were the most impressive, and it appears a new poll is reflecting the same from other Canadians.

The NDP are now only two points behind the federal Liberals. In that debate, it seemed like he had his sights set not only on Harper but also on Dion. Among other salvos, he did score a few points by reminding the public of Liberal's health cuts in previous administrations.

At this point in NL, unless Walter Noel or Craig Westcott can make some solid appeals to voters, it looks like Jack Harris will be at least one Dipper going to Ottawa. Layton has boosted his party's image as a real Opposition party alternative, and this may help the campaign of other local NDP candidate Ryan Cleary in his bid to replace current front runner Siobhan Coady, and eventually win.

Jack Layton will be in St. John's Sunday morning at the Admiral's Green Clubhouse at Pippy Park Golf Course at 10 a.m. Local NDP candidates and provincial leader Lorraine Michael will be there as well.

A Lively Debate with May and Layton Impressing

This was one of the most lively leaders debates ever in Canada. All five appeared strong at different times in different ways. Particularly impressive was Green Party leader Elizabeth May. She came out aggressively from the start and made some no-nonsense statements to PM Harper about his environmental plan, his being "out of touch" with families who are hurting as a result of the economy. She spoke with conviction on every point she made, and stared Harper directly in the eye and asked no bs questions.

Jack Layton was impressive when he went on the offence against Harper, and also Dion. He did not let Stephane Dion off the hook after Dion stated that Liberals would not be breaking promises as Harper did. Layton reminded him that back in the 1990s, under Jean Chretien, the child-care program was promised and never delivered. That took away some of the Liberals credibility. Dion responded with a weakness in NDP stance on Troop deployment in Afghanistan, voting for the 2011 exit date with Harper. Layton later spoke about the Chretien years when health spending was cut, to the detriment of patients - a history reminder of Dion's party tradition.

Layton did bring up Harper's tax breaks to big oil and banks, mentioning Exxon's tax break to do more tar sands drilling. The tax break figure mentioned was $50 billion. He said he would get rid of that as PM and use it for improved social needs like health care and child care.

Several leaders pointed out that exporting raw materials in some cases is exporting jobs. Layton said "what wooden product can't be made here that can be in China?"
They also brought up Harper's past support of privatized health care, and his Emission Reduction plan. Ducette and maybe Layton pointed out that the Conservatives would lower the emissions rate per barrel but still more barrels of oil to be produced, thus only contributing to the greenhouse gas problem

Harper responded to many questions by describing the government's current approach to each issue.

As for his 2003 statement while opposition leader, concerning sending troops to Iraq, he finally said it was an error.

Ducette had nothing to lose as usual because he does not have to offer Canadians outside Quebec anything.

Through it all, Harper appeared the most composed, smiling, and with attacks from four others, was reminded the whole time that he was the man to beat. Possibly damaging to him was the big oil tax breaks mentioned by Layton, and the recent youth jail time idea. On that topic, and it was good it was mentioned a couple of times, by May, Ducette, and Harper that implementing social programs and resources to direct at "at risk" youth, to diminish the risk of youth crime from happening, was discussed. As well, May mentioned that one law enforcement officer experienced with youth, noted that many who were arrested had little or no literacy skills. So it raised the idea of more emphasis and funding on literacy skills. Though this was not discussed at much length, it was an important topic, and should be raised more often. It related to getting to the root of youth crime.

If anyone gained in tonight's debate it was May, and Layton. Dion appears to be reasoned and sincere, a person who appears to emphasize with real people's needs. However, and this is unfortunate, his English is sometimes a problem. The message is sometimes lost in his English pronunciations, at least to this blogger. He is the person Harper paid more attention to, because of the Liberal Green Shift plan, and their own history.

It was an excellent exchange, with no personal insults, just a couple small jabs. Follow up poll results will be eagerly awaited to see if a party got a bounce from the leader's performances. For the NDP candidates in NL and other provinces who were in the underdog or "iffy" categories, Layton's performance may have helped their cause by making the electorate give a second look at the NDP. Layton was certainly seeing an opportunity to replace Dion as official Opposition.

There were two major debates last night, and the U.S. VP debate couldn't have been more dramatic this the Canadian leaders debate.

Which Debate to Watch, Domestic or Foreign

In terms of expected drama tonight, the U.S. Vice-Presidential debate beats the Canadian federal leaders debate. There could be surprises in the English debate with the five leaders - a debate moment where an emotion driven, or planned, or well-timed remark hammers an opponent - the type that makes the famous moments in political debates. Harper seemed to be fairly cool last night as his four attackers made it clear to the public that his lead needed some knocking down. Unless a new pronounced scandal of national significance is weighing on the shoulders of Harper, there will be the usual expected attacks from opponents in the debate, and afterwards the status quo will exist in the polls.

The U.S. debate is highly anticipated not because the VPs significantly affect the eventual selection of the President, but because people have seen candidate Sarah Palin have George Bush moments in interviews, not knowing basic information, and are waiting to see if she will get caught again and look unprepared for the big job. Joe Biden has done well in debates and could pummel her. On the other hand media reports that Palin is a good debater and has the public speaking skills to make toast out of opponents. However, if she makes reference to her belief, at least once held belief that dinosaurs and people co-existed 6000 years ago, then she will be a baked Alaskan.

When there is something weak about an opponent, or his or her government is tied to some controversial event or topic which had shook the nation, then the potential drama builds. Tonight's Canadian debate would normally have more viewers because it's in English, but it has southern competition. If last night's French-Canadian debate was any indication, it will be another slug fest, and somewhat confusing flurry of cross-fire interruptions - poor interpreters. That's another thing, when translaters are doing their job, but the camera is still showing one leader speak, it is uncertain sometimes who the interrupter was. Anyway, which debate to watch? Which will be more dramatic? We'll know afterwards and that may be up for debate.

Max Security

Julie Couillard spills the beans in her tell all book. Here's a sneak peak at the level of importance that her then boyfriend, former Foreign Affairs Minister, Maxime Bernier gave to sensitive government documents.
(Click to enlarge)

At least free speech is alive, and, .. umm .. well ..

A fight that's currently going on between a diverse flock of people here could rival the Arab-Israeli conflict. It's over a local actor's "new" lambasting of a politician from the shores of a local beach. If there's any entertainment value to this story, it might be the comments themselves. Right now there are 350 back-and-forth jabs, kicks, and smacks between touchy political people of all stripes or non-stripes. Walsh revives her abrasive, annoying and rude character, and many people who find that role funny, and not humiliating, have loudly written their support. She's certainly riled up the warriors.

Take a Hike

.. and take a camera with you. It will take many more years for this NL resident to see the thousands of corners, points, coves, hilltops, valleys, beaches, etc. of this province, but it's nice to look forward to. An Alberta couple visiting Cape St. Mary's mentioned the beauty of the place, and correctly added, that every province has it's particular splendor. Here, it is a hiker's paradise, off and on the beaten trails. One of the advantages of this south eastern Canadian province is that the population is low, and there still remains vast areas of largely unspoiled, i.e., undeveloped, expanses. So when you're up to it, take a hike - good for the heart, lungs, legs, and soul (another blog topic perhaps).

The Greatest Cape

Is Cape St. Mary's.

Even without the 1000s of birds, the place would still be interesting to visit, hike and photograph. It's located at the Southwestern tip of Avalon Peninsula.
The most scenic way to get there is by turning off the TCH at the Placentia road intersection (click on the map below for a larger view).The Cape Shore drive is along Route 100. That drive on a clear day is spectacular.

For about 50 or more km, just on the way to the Cape, you will feel inclined to stop and just look

at the many million dollar views. Your trip becomes more pleasurable with scenes of beaches, barasways, rolling hills, pasture lands, meadows, and quaint communities. Oh yeah, watch out for moose at all times.

It's a good idea to phone ahead to the Cape St. Mary's visitor information centre (709-277-1666) to see if the coast is clear, that is, fog free - quite often it is foggy there.

Regarding weather conditions, if it's wet or very windy, be extra cautious hiking the hilltops. As you can see, get too close to the edge, and your sightseeing will have ended permanently.

There is about a 1.4 km walk from the information centre to the bird sanctuary.

This is a peaceful, beautiful, and an amazing part of the province.
To get a relaxing taste of mother nature, the great escape is indeed , Cape St. Mary's.

(In this picture, the Northern Gannet, one of six types of birds that nest here. For more information on the bird sanctuary, click here).

1st Presidential Debate

Fairly even. The debate's focus was supposed to be foreign policy, but the first 40 minutes were taken with discussions around the economic crisis and bailout plan. Both candidates were impressive in different ways each. McCain who earlier this year admitted his weak points were on the economy, gave reasoned, prepared responses, agreeing with moderator, Jim Leher, and Obama, that there had to be spending cuts, to especially deal with the $700 billion proposed bailout. Obama generally agreed but notably differentiated with McCain on the method of program/spending cuts by saying, I propose we cut using a scalpel rather than a hatchet - a poke at McCain's supposed simplistic method of spending and program cuts.

On foreign affairs, Iraq and Afghanistan, McCain certainly appeared to be comfortable, though his experience, credibility, and voice of conviction did not knock the ball out of the park. Obama showed that he has been studying, and was knowledgeable of foreign affairs, been advised on "new" approaches to foreign relations by more immediate Presidential talks with enemies (according to him, from McCain's advisor Henry Kissinger). He even criticized McCain on his and Bush's stalwart emphasis on Iraq while, as he contested, the real focus of the war against a Taliban-lead terrorist war, was in Afghanistan, where the Taliban have grown and gotten more aggressive. Obama's arguments sounded valid, and not like someone who was as naive as McCain's team would have liked for him to appear.

Overall, there was no clear winner. At first, Obama came out swinging more so than McCain, but McCain's coolness acted like a rope-a-dope.

Too bad there was no "Anything But" campaign in 1932

Like it or not, the "Anything But" (or "Anybody But") phrase has a ring to it. Too bad it wasn't branded before some other world leaders' rise to power. For example, in 2000 there could have been the ABB campaign, Anybody But Bush; in 1922 Russia, the ABS campaign- Anybody But Stalin; ABC, Anybody But Castro for Cuba; or, ABA for Iran - Anybody But Ahmadinejad.

Germany and the world could have used a "Anybody But Hitler" campaign in 1932.
Hmm, I wonder what future leaders the world will regret seeing in positions of power.

Out and A Boat

To Axe Ritz or Not

Last month Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz made a couple of tasteless comments in a conference call. Upon learning of a listeriosis death in PEI Ritz said, "This is like a death by a thousand cuts. Or should I say cold cuts." He also said, he hopes that the victim was Wayne Easter, his opposition critic from PEI. When news of this broke a few days back Ritz didn't take long after that, to apologize to families of victims of listeriosis, and to Wayne Easter. Now as you might imagine, families are outraged at Ritz, some have accepted his apology and others want his head. The pressure is on PM Harper now to keep him or heave him.

So far, Harper has accepted Ritz's apology. The opposition parties are not so forgiving. Harper was looking solid to win a majority government this time around. However, his support among Ontario swing ridings has fallen from 45% support to 35%, according to a CTV news clip. Ontario is always the maker or breaker. It Harper's overall support declines further, then he might reconsider firing Gerry Ritz.

It's easy to understand the viewpoint of someone who just lost a mother or father to this tragic bacteria. It's a shock, and a very sensitive time for the families. As well, as former Liberal MP Sheila Copps said, it is a very irresponsible example from the top of a department, where behaviours, attitudes and words, ripple down through the bureaucracy.

From another view some families have accepted Ritz's apology. By the PM's account, Ritz has otherwise been a good Minister, and no further chastisement is needed.

There are no happy consequences from this affair. It's sad for the suffering families whose grieving did not need to be compounded. It is sad that a man who is a Minister representing the nation, be inconsiderate, unthinking and cold, himself. It would also be sad to see a man step down from his position over his own human weakness. Imperfection is a quality of being human. Though it was an attempt at a joke, it was done in an unpremeditated way, an attempt at quick wit, but unthinking at the time. As opposed to a crime of prolonged theft from the public purse or other malicious scheming, this was a crime of poor taste rather than a crime of public trust. In Ritz's case, getting the axe might be a punishment exceeding the crime.

Sick as a Dog - A Dog with a Flu

Twenty months and flu free, thought that was doing pretty good. All that hand washing helped to avoid billions of the microscopic fellers. Oh well, one of those stray, colorless bugs is bound to cross your path from time to time, and you just have to ride it out. Though, you still wonder, just how did I get that. It makes you wonder could it be symptoms of listeriosis, whose malicious work doesn't appear till up to 90 days after consuming that bacteria. Don't think so at this point, but just in case, nice knowin ya.

Today, people who have diabetes and heart disease might also be wondering after hearing more news about that man-made villian, our dear dark friend, Bisphenol-A. It's been in the news frequently in the past two years, because the chemical which is linked to cancers, is found in plastic bottles with the number 7 on the bottom. Now BPA is linked to diabetes and heart disease.

British researchers, who published their findings on Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association, analyzed urine and blood samples from 1,455 U.S. adults aged 18 to 74 who were representative of the general population.

Study subjects whose BPA readings were in the highest 25 per cent had three times the odds of developing cardiovascular disease and 2.4 times the odds of developing diabetes compared to subjects whose BPA levels were in the lowest 25 per cent.

If you drink from plastic containers or a water cooler at work, you might want to have a look at the number at the bottom of the bottle. If you can reduce the risks of something potentially harmful, why not... One moment, this flu is calling again. Better give it some attention or this house arrest will go on indefinitely.

Local Artist Produces Parody for Prostate Awareness Week

Sept. 15 - 21 is Prostate Cancer Awareness Week, and St. John's artist, Vic Noseworthy, very coincidentially produced a humourous look at the digital rectal exam, done as a music video parody to Tom Petty's "Into the Great Wide Open".

Noseworthy's tune is called "The Prostate Song" and is freshly placed in the You Tube library. Vic wrote and produced it, and filmed on location in St. John's. Listen to the words closely as he has a message that's very true.

If you would like to comment or forward to friends, copy this address:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQPqCGEbk0I

An ABC News Update

Is this ABC campaign getting more out of hand? Listen and judge.

Bird's Eye View

"Bad hair day?"

Smile for the camera

Would Sarah Palin be Ready to be President if Needed?

In an interview with ABC's Charlie Gibson, VP candidate Sarah Palin had a George Bush moment when asked a defense policy question.

"Do you agree with the 'Bush Doctrine' regarding anticipatory self-defense?"

"Well I don't know much about the Bush Doctrine I'm afraid, but I do love little kittens:)"

Ok, it didn't quite go that way, rather, this way:
(the "I do love little kittens" line was from comedien Harry Enfield)

"Do you agree with the Bush Doctrine?"

"In what respect, Charlie?"

"The Bush -- well, what do you -- what do you interpret it to be?"

"His world view."

Gibson: No, the Bush doctrine, enunciated September 2002, before the Iraq war.

After Palin gave a general answer, which dodged the question she wasn't sure of, the interviewer explained to her what the Bush Doctrine was.

GIBSON: The Bush doctrine, as I understand it, is that we have the right of anticipatory self-defense, that we have the right to a preemptive strike against any other country that we think is going to attack us. Do you agree with that?

The full interview is here in video, and text.

In other respects during the interview, Palin gave the appearance of confidence but some U.S. media are wondering does she have substance? Certainly the job of U.S. VP is not taught in in "VP101" classes usually, but she will need a great deal of tutoring soon.

Puff Danny Raps the ABC

"Give me a beat. Uh-huh. Uh-huh. That's it, just like that. Here we go." Ya know my name is Dan, and I have a plan, To cleanse the nation of that lyin' man. He wuz gonna change the lay of the equalization, And man a vow like dat caused a big sensation. Then he pledged his word, and in that I trusted, Even signed his name, but the letter got dusted. The hopes were high in this provincial "nation", But Steve dissed us with his, fabri-cation. I'm a hopin' and a prayin', that you'll all agree, That there's no other way but da ABC. So listen up bro's, I'm no doubtin' Thomas, I'm just rappin' for my homies, coz he broke his promise. He fooled me once but it won't be two, And if ya elect him again, then shame on you. Vote ABC, is the message I give, Trust Anyone else But a Conserva-tive. "Yo. Yo. Break it down for me fellas .." (repeat same monotonous chord endlessly to fade)

Hat tip to Susan Evans for "Puff Danny" name!

Tely Poll on ABC Campaign Support

As of 2:40 p.m. Sept. 10, here are the Telegram poll results. It does not show how many people have voted, or how long that poll has been there. This type of politically related question usually gets an avalanche of attention when VOCM does an online poll. For what it's worth, it shows an almost even split of support for the ABC campaign. How do you feel about Williams' campaign? Support it, or not?